Vietnam, France Eye Deeper Defence Ties, Exploring Cyber and Space

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang stated that defense cooperation with France has been growing steadily, with cooperation expanding in various areas including high-level delegation exchanges; the deputy-minister-level strategic dialogue and defence cooperation mechanism; military medicine; education and training; search and rescue; UN peacekeeping operations; maritime cooperation; and the defence industry. General Giang emphasized that Vietnam and France aim to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and defense cooperation is a crucial pillar of this partnership. He specifically mentioned the potential for cooperation in cyber security and space, signaling an eagerness to explore new frontiers of collaboration. France is a key partner for Vietnam within the European Union, and defense cooperation is seen as contributing to the development of Vietnam's modern military and the stabilization of the regional security environment. Vietnam, while maintaining economic growth under its one-party system, seeks to strengthen ties with diverse nations to preserve geopolitical balance, and defense cooperation with France is part of this strategy. General Giang's remarks suggest that defense relations between the two countries are progressing beyond traditional areas into new technological domains. This also reflects Vietnam's commitment to enhancing its security capabilities through deeper international engagement.