The hybrid event took place in person in Hanoi and connected online to military units across the country.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien stressed the need for continued innovation and improved efficiency of international integration and defence diplomacy in the last six months, with a focus on practical cooperation. He urged agencies and units to thoroughly prepare for external relations activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of supporting the external engagements of Party, State, and military leaders, as well as the country’s participation in ASEAN’s high-level military and defence mechanisms. Other priorities include promoting administrative reform and digital transformation in the sector.

According to reports at the conference, in the first half, bilateral defence cooperation was strengthened, particularly with neighbouring countries and key partners. Meanwhile, multilateral defence diplomacy contributed to building trust, securing international support, and advancing collaboration in other areas.

Border defence diplomacy remained a highlight, with the successful organisation of the 9th Vietnam–China border defence friendship exchange and the 4th Vietnam–Laos exchange of young border guard officers.

Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations continued on schedule. The country completed preparations for its Engineering Unit Rotation 4 and Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7, while launching pre-deployment training for both units.

The military also actively promoted cooperation in areas such as arms services exchanges, war legacy remediation, training, and sci-tech research./. VNA