Trump administration values cooperation with Vietnam: US defense chief

Hegseth affirmed that the Trump administration hopes to further enhance the defense ties with Vietnam, particularly in war legacy remediation, as agreed upon by both sides.

During the talk, Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang congratulated Hegseth on his appointment as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense while reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralization, and proactive international integration, and being a friend, a reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community.

Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang, during a phone talk with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Feb. 7, 2025. Photo by Vietnam People's Army Newspaper

Vietnam always sees the U.S. as a leading strategic partner, Giang said, expressing his delight over the robust defense collaboration between the two countries over the past time which has expanded across multiple fields in alignment with broader Vietnam-U.S. relations as well as the outcomes of Giang’s official trip to the U.S. in September.

Describing post-war recovery cooperation as a bright spot in the bilateral defense ties, Giang commended the U.S.’ efforts in addressing war consequences, particularly its continued commitment to dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Airbase, assistance to people with disabilities, bomb and mine clearance, and the search and repatriation of Vietnamese soldiers’ remains.

He also acknowledged the two nations' collaboration in locating U.S. servicemen missing in action during the war, underscoring the importance of these initiatives in promoting the spirit of shelving the past and looking toward the future.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters at the White House on Jan. 30, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese minister expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain the exchange of high-level delegations as well as existing consultation and dialogue mechanisms, and soon organize the 13th Vietnam - U.S. Defense Policy Dialogue in Vietnam.

As the two countries are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the normalization of their relations this year, he called for meaningful defense cooperation activities to celebrate this milestone.