Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang delivers a keynote speech at the first plenary session of the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on October 30, 2023.(Photo:VNA)

Giang said all nations aspire to have a comprehensive, interconnected, integrated, and harmonious security environment in all aspects, adding that the interests and security of countries, large or small, developed or developing, need to be understood, acknowledged, and respected for peace and growth.

Vietnam follows a defense policy of peace and self-defense, not participating in military alliances or partnering with one country to fight against another, not allowing foreign countries to set up military bases in Vietnam or use its territory against other countries, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations, he said.

Through the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, other multilateral forums on defense and security, and United Nations peacekeeping missions, Vietnam has affirmed its active role and sense of responsibility for global and regional issues. Vietnam wants all nations to adhere to international law, and respect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of other countries.

All countries, especially developing ones, need to uphold a "strategic autonomy," respect the diversity, uniqueness, and specific conditions of each nation, while always aiming for unity and consensus in awareness, responsibility, and action in the face of global security threats. Each nation should fulfill its commitments, uphold its obligations to the international community, and demonstrate a sense of responsibility, Giang said.

He said Vietnam will continue to organize the second International Defense Expo.

On the occasion, Minister Giang held bilateral meetings with the Lao and Cambodian Ministers of National Defense, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.