Vietnam is consistent with a foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation, development, says Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang at the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security (MCIS-11) in Russia (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Addressing a plenary session on security in Asia-Pacific, Minister Giang called for unity, collaboration, and contributions from countries not only inside the region but worldwide to cope with non-traditional security challenges.

Vietnam firmly adheres to the principle of settling disputes and differences in the East Sea through peaceful means, based on respect for independence, sovereignty, and legitimate interests of nations, compliance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he said.

He affirmed that Vietnam is committed to strictly implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and wish to work toward an effective, substantial Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) with clearer legalities.

The Minister said Vietnam maintains a consistent foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, adding that Vietnam advocates being a friend of all nations, a responsible and reliable partner in the international community, refraining from military alliances or bloc affiliations, and avoiding taking sides in international affairs.

Vietnam respects the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, upholds high-level international responsibilities and obligations, and always seeks to positively contribute to global and regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, the minister stressed.

On the sidelines of the MCIS-11, Minister Giang held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, during which he affirmed that Vietnam always values the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, in line with the Joint Statement on Vision for Development of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia until 2030.

Shoigu, for his part, confirmed that the two defense ministries have accumulated significant cooperation experience, with the longstanding friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation as a key foundation.

The two ministers pledged to effectively implement cooperation activities, focusing on maintaining the effectiveness of important cooperation mechanisms such as deputy ministerial-level strategic defense dialogue and the Inter-Governmental Commission on the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre.

Both sides will continue joining and working closely together at the International Army Games, support multinational international activities organized by each other's defense ministries, enhancing training cooperation and expanding joint scientific studies, while considering collaboration in other areas such as the United Nations peacekeeping activities, cyber security, logistics and technical support.