Vietnam and Singapore agree to deepen defense cooperation

Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to expand military and defense cooperation, focusing on cybersecurity, training, maritime security, and emerging technologies. The agreement was reached during an official visit to Singapore by General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Vietnam’s Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of Defense, from November 4 to 5.

During meetings with Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, General Cuong emphasized the need for more substantial and effective cooperation. Vietnam expressed support for Singapore’s upcoming presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2027 and sought Singaporean backing for a joint Vietnam-India candidacy to co-chair the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) expert group on cybersecurity for 2027–2030.

Discussions with Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force of Singapore, also highlighted successful cooperation in human resource training, search and rescue, and joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.