Promoting cooperation befitting the bilateral ties

At the invitation of General Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, Robert Kalinak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Slovakia is paying an official visit to Vietnam from November 18 to November 20, 2025.

On the morning of November 18 in Hanoi, General Phan Van Giang presided over the official welcome ceremony for Mr. Robert Kalinak. Immediately following the ceremony, the two delegations held talks to discuss bilateral defense cooperation.

During the talks, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that the visit by the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister is of significant importance, especially as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1950 - 2025). This milestone creates new momentum for bilateral defense cooperation, contributing to the effective implementation of commitments agreed upon in the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation, signed during the visit to Vietnam by then-Slovak Defense Minister Martin Glvac.

General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the Party, State, and Government of Vietnam always attach great importance to consolidating and developing the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Slovakia. Vietnam appreciates Slovakia's assistance during the struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in the current cause of national development and integration. Despite the geographical distance, both countries still possess significant room and potential to expand cooperation across all fields, including national defense.

At the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the global and regional situations and issues of mutual concern. General Phan Van Giang affirmed that Vietnam remains steadfast in its "four nos" defense policy, while expressing a desire to expand bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

In recent times, defense cooperation between Vietnam and Slovakia has achieved positive results, implemented in accordance with the 2015 MoU. General Phan Van Giang suggested that in the coming time, both countries continue to promote cooperation commensurate with their increasingly developing friendly relations.

Charting the course for future ties

General Phan Van Giang proposed several key focus areas to enhance Vietnam - Slovakia defense cooperation in the upcoming period.

First and foremost, both sides need to strengthen delegation exchanges and establish suitable cooperation mechanisms to consolidate mutual understanding and discuss measures to promote collaboration. Vietnam hopes that Slovakia will soon appoint a Defense Attaché to Vietnam, acting as a bridge to effectively implement agreed upon cooperation contents.

In the field of training, Vietnam requests the Slovak Ministry of Defense to consider receiving Vietnamese military personnel for Slovak language courses and majors where Slovakia has strengths. Conversely, the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense is ready to receive Slovak personnel to learn Vietnamese and participate in suitable training courses, including the International Defense Officials course.

Regarding United Nations peacekeeping, General Phan Van Giang proposed promoting cooperation through delegation exchanges, sharing experiences, and participating in training courses organized by each side. The two countries could also expand cooperation in the defense industry, cybersecurity, mine action, war legacy remediation, and response to non-traditional security challenges. Vietnam hopes to continue receiving Slovakia's support within the framework of Vietnam - EU cooperation.

On this occasion, General Phan Van Giang respectfully invited the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, along with leaders of agencies in charge of the defense industry and leading Slovak defense enterprises, to attend the 3rd Vietnam International Defense Expo, scheduled for late 2026.

The General expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to deepening bilateral defense cooperation, making it substantive and effective, commensurate with the potential of the two countries; while serving common interests, peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation of the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs and paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. These activities demonstrate respect for the long-standing traditional friendship between Vietnam and Slovakia, two nations that have always stood side by side during years of struggle and development.

At the talks, the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister emphasized the long-standing bond between Vietnam and Slovakia. He expressed satisfaction with the defense cooperation results achieved recently and suggested that both countries continue to strengthen coordination in potential areas in the coming time.