Viet Nam expands its participation in the UN peacekeeping operation. (Photo: VNA)

The event was held by the Ministry of National Defense to review Viet Nam’s international integration and defense diplomacy during the period from 2016 – 2021. It was reported that in that period, defense diplomacy was deployed concertedly, comprehensively, flexibly and effectively across aspects, recording important achievements. The bilateral defense cooperation with countries has been consolidated and deepened practically.

Viet Nam has so far had defense relations with more than 100 countries, including the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The country has also been active and responsible in multilateral defense diplomacy activities, thus strengthening strategic trust and improving the position and prestige of the country and the Viet Nam People's Army in the international arena. It has also actively and responsibly joined and proposed valuable initiatives related to defense and security in regional and international cooperation mechanisms.

Viet Nam has expanded its participation in the UN peacekeeping operation which has helped build Viet Nam's image as a responsible member of the world community.

Regarding cooperation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of National Defense has joined hands with relevant agencies to effectively implement this work and the vaccine diplomacy strategy.

In addition, Viet Nam has actively attended and hosted international military sports festivals, and recorded remarkable cooperation achievements in overcoming post-war consequences, handling the Agent Orange/Dioxin contamination aftermath and the unexploded bombs and mines.