Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee co-chaired the 15th Singapore-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) with Vietnam Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General (SLG) Hoang Xuan Chien at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

During the dialogue, Mr Chan and SLG Chien reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defence relations as well as their commitment to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam. Both sides also exchanged views on geopolitical developments and discussed ways to strengthen defence relations between our countries.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) also signed the Submarine Rescue Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which establishes the framework for mutual submarine rescue support and cooperation. Mr Chan and SLG Chien witnessed the exchange of the MOA between the two navies. Under the MOA, the RSN and VPN will render mutual support and assistance in the event of a submarine incident.

SLG Chien, who is in Singapore from 21 to 23 August 2024, also called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at MINDEF. He will be visiting the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence tomorrow.