On May 31, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang. The meeting took place as the two nations marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. During their discussions, both leaders acknowledged progress in their bilateral defense relationship.
The conversation included topics on enhancing defense cooperation, specifically focusing on defense trade and information sharing. Both parties emphasized that addressing war legacy issues remains a top priority for the Trump Administration.
Secretary Hegseth expressed appreciation for Vietnam's role in maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia. He commended Vietnam's swift military modernization, which he noted as evidence of the country's commitment to regional security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.