Vietnam, US agree to strengthen defense cooperation as Hegseth visits

General Phan Van Giang (L), Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth review an honor guard in Hanoi, Nov. 2, 2025. Photo by Hoang An

The two sides held talks in Hanoi on Nov. 2, during which Giang emphasized that Hegseth’s visit carries great significance as it takes place during the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the U.S. (1995–2025). The visit, he said, contributes to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between the two countries, as well as their bilateral defense ties.

Both sides noted that bilateral defense cooperation has been implemented in line with the directions of high-ranking leaders of the two countries and ministries, as well as with the signed documents and agreements, including the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on promoting bilateral defense cooperation and the 2024 updated Vietnam–U.S. joint vision statement on defense cooperation. The two sides have achieved positive results in areas such as delegation exchanges at all levels; regular dialogue and consultation mechanisms; cooperation in training, United Nations peacekeeping operations, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and defense industry; as well as coordination in regional multilateral frameworks, especially the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

Giang expressed appreciation for the U.S. support in providing English language and professional training for Vietnamese military personnel, including in UN peacekeeping operations, through courses, workshops and conferences both in Vietnam and abroad. He noted that the equipment and facilities provided by the U.S. have significantly contributed to enhancing Vietnam’s capacity in UN peacekeeping operations.

The host underscored that cooperation in war consequence remediation remains a highlight in bilateral defense ties, backed by strong commitments from high-ranking leaders of both countries in key areas.

Giang highly valued the U.S.’s announcement of an additional US$130 million to the Bien Hoa dioxin clean-up project, raising its total non-refundable aid from $300 million to $430 million. He also noted the recent signing of an MoU on strengthening Vietnam-U.S. cooperation in this field, marking an important milestone in the efforts.

Joint operations to recover remains of U.S. service members missing in action (MIA) in Vietnam have been effective, with 160 joint missions completed and 994 cases of remains repatriated, 740 of which have been identified.

Vietnam also appreciated the U.S. sharing of information and support in locating Vietnamese soldiers missing during the war. Since the 2021 memorandum of understanding on this cooperation, Vietnamese authorities have verified 44 of 45 information files received from the US and continue active search efforts.

Giang expressed his wish that the U.S. would continue assisting Vietnam in training and developing high-quality human resources, as well as sharing experience in cybersecurity. He affirmed that Vietnam is ready to welcome U.S. officers to study the Vietnamese language and attend international defense officers’ courses in the country.

The minister called on the U.S. to continue assisting Vietnam in strengthening its capacity for bomb and mine clearance and addressing chemical contamination. He also urged the U.S. to complete internal procedures to ensure the implementation of the agreed non-refundable aid sources, including the above-said additional budget of $130 million.

At the same time, he called for continued cooperation in the search for Vietnamese soldiers who died or went missing during the war. Giang said Vietnam is committed to maintaining close coordination and creating the most favorable conditions for MIA activities to achieve the highest possible results.

The minister appreciated the participation of senior U.S. defense officials and advanced defense equipment in the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, contributing to the success of the event. He noted that Vietnam plans to hold the third edition of the expo in late 2026, and invited Hegseth and other officials from the U.S. Department of War, and U.S. defense enterprises to continue their support and participation.

Hegseth affirmed that his visit underscores the importance of the bilateral defense relationship, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Emphasizing that cooperation in addressing war legacies remains a top priority in overall Vietnam–U.S. defense relations, contributing to building trust between the two countries, their armies, and people, Hegseth said the U.S. supports a peaceful and prosperous Vietnam and is committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides exchanged views on global and regional developments and issues of mutual concern. To further strengthen defense cooperation, they agreed to focus on key areas, including delegation exchanges at all levels; effective implementation of existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms; cooperation in war legacy remediation, military branches, defense industry, training, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, cybersecurity, and UN peacekeeping; and coordination in multilateral defense frameworks, particularly within the ADMM+.

At the end of the talks, they exchanged wartime mementoes.