Vietnam and Thailand commit to enhancing military cooperation
Ha Noi, Vietnam - July 4, 2025 - In a significant step towards enhancing regional security, Vietnam and Thailand have agreed to deepen their defense cooperation. The decision was made during a meeting between General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defence Forces of Thailand, held in Ha Noi on July 4.
The talks marked a significant milestone in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, officially elevated in May 2025. The deepening defense ties signify a new chapter in bilateral relations and regional security collaboration.
Key areas of cooperation include maritime security, personnel training and officer exchanges, defense policy dialogue, and military branch collaboration. Both countries have emphasized strengthening collaboration in maritime law enforcement to enhance regional peace and stability, crucial for safeguarding their shared maritime interests in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Thailand have also promoted exchanges of military delegations at all levels, along with training programs aimed at boosting interoperability and mutual understanding between their armed forces. Regular policy dialogues and cooperation between various military branches have been effective mechanisms supporting their partnership and fostering practical collaboration.
The two militaries also provide consultation and support at ASEAN and other international security forums, enhancing regional defense coordination and strategic alignment.
Looking ahead, both sides are interested in broadening cooperation beyond traditional areas, including more advanced defense training to respond to emerging threats. They plan to bolster strategic consultations to build stronger trust and a shared vision for regional security.
Recognizing ASEAN's critical role, they plan to use regional frameworks more effectively to promote peace, stability, and cooperation in Southeast Asia. The aim is to foster practical measures that yield tangible benefits in joint operations and security initiatives, especially in maritime domains.
General Cuong expressed satisfaction with the deep, practical, and effective development of bilateral defense ties between Vietnam and Thailand. He suggested closer consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international events. General Cuong repeated Vietnam's position that all disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea) must be settled through peaceful means in line with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the DOC.
General Noonpackdee expressed his hope that bilateral defense ties would continue to deepen in a practical and effective manner in the coming time. The meeting took place after a welcome ceremony for the Thai guest, who is on a visit to Vietnam from July 4-5.
Defense cooperation is considered a key pillar of the Vietnam-Thailand comprehensive strategic partnership. General Cuong affirmed Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, along with diversification and multilateralisation of external relations.
In summary, Vietnam and Thailand aim to deepen defense cooperation through maritime security, personnel exchanges, policy dialogues, and multilateral collaboration, with a forward-looking approach that emphasizes practical outcomes and regional stability within the ASEAN framework.
1) As regional peace and stability is crucial for safeguarding shared maritime interests, Vietnam and Thailand plan to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas, focusing on advanced defense training to respond to emerging threats.
2) Recognizing ASEAN's critical role, both Vietnam and Thailand aim to use regional frameworks more effectively to promote peace, stability, and cooperation, especially in maritime domains, with a goal of ensuring tangible benefits in joint operations and security initiatives.
3) General Nguyen Tan Cuong, in affirming Vietnam's consistency in foreign policy, emphasized the importance of settling disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea) through peaceful means in line with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the DOC.
