HCMC – Vietnam and Azerbaijan are seeking to deepen cooperation in the defense industry, building on their newly upgraded strategic partnership.
On December 25, Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang met with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Industry Vugar Mustafayev at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Hanoi City, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Giang said Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Azerbaijan, a relationship nurtured by generations of leaders and elevated to a strategic partnership in May 2025. He noted Vietnam’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, reunification, and national development.
According to Giang, defense cooperation between the two countries has progressed in line with guidance from senior leaders and existing agreements. Areas of cooperation include delegation exchanges, high-level contacts, and defense industry collaboration.
Both sides have promoted cooperation in defense manufacturing through working visits and participation in international defense exhibitions hosted by each country.
Looking ahead, Giang proposed accelerating the signing of defense industry cooperation agreements to establish a clearer legal framework. He also called for expanded exchanges, joint participation in defense exhibitions, stronger military trade ties, cooperation in research and production, technology transfer, and training of high-quality human resources.
Giang said Vietnam plans to host the third Vietnam International Defense Exhibition in 2026 and invited Mustafayev, Azerbaijani officials, and defense firms to attend and showcase their products.
Mustafayev said his visit reflects efforts to further strengthen bilateral defense industry cooperation. He highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in areas such as the economy, energy, trade, and technology, with defense industry ties playing a notable role.
Azerbaijan is ready to expand cooperation with Vietnam based on mutual needs and interests, particularly in the defense industry, Mustafayev said, adding that closer cooperation would support more effective bilateral relations in the coming years.
