Strengthening Defense Collaboration between Vietnam and Azerbaijan is Embraced

Vietnam and Azerbaijan Strengthen Defense Ties

Vietnam and Azerbaijan are strengthening their defense cooperation, with both countries encouraging active promotion of bilateral activities in this field. This was evident during the recent visit of Azerbaijani Minister Zakir Hasanov to Vietnam.

Minister Hasanov met with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi on Thursday. The visit, significant as it reflects Vietnam's gratitude towards Azerbaijan's support during its wars, also marked the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Vietnam, which Minister Hasanov attended.

During their meeting, a Letter of Intent between the two defense ministries on cooperation in military personnel training was signed following official talks. Vietnam is prepared to welcome Azerbaijani military cadets for Vietnamese language studies at the Military Science Academy and to attend international defense officer programs at the Vietnam National Defence Academy.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation signed during the visit of Vietnamese Party Chief To Lam to Azerbaijan in May is being utilized to enhance exchanges, promote training cooperation, and facilitate partnerships between the two countries' defense enterprises.

Minister Giang proposed establishing defense attaché offices in each country to further promote cooperation. Hasanov expressed satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations, particularly since the visit of Vietnamese Party Chief To Lam.

Vietnam values its traditional friendship with Azerbaijan and remains consistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. The establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries during Party General Secretary To Lam's visit in May 2025 has laid a foundation for further defense cooperation.

Vietnam adheres to its 'four no's' defense policy, which includes no nuclear weapons, no foreign military bases, no participation in military alliances, and no use of force to resolve international disputes. The country also reiterates its commitment to resolving disputes and differences peacefully, in accordance with international law, the 1982 UNCLOS, and regional commitments such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Vietnam supports the early adoption of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) consistent with international law. Bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and Azerbaijan has been actively promoted in recent years, with notable progress in areas like delegation exchanges, defense industry, humanitarian mine clearance, and participation in each other's multilateral events.

A monument at the Vietnam Military History Museum honors Soviet military experts, including Azerbaijanis, reflecting the historical ties between the two countries. The next state visit from Azerbaijan to Vietnam has not been explicitly dated in the provided sources, but the recent notable visit was by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam to Azerbaijan in May 2025. The visitor from Azerbaijan to Vietnam for the next state visit is not specified in the search results.

In conclusion, the visit of Minister Hasanov to Vietnam marks a significant step forward in the defense cooperation between the two countries. Both sides are committed to strengthening this partnership and making practical and effective contributions to the Vietnam-Azerbaijan ties.