During the visit, the two sides will discuss global and regional issues of mutual interest, thereby enhancing strategic trust and further promoting defense cooperation between the two countries in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States.

Austin paid an official visit to Hanoi in July 2021 where he held talks with Giang.

During their talks, the two ministers highly praised the results of defense cooperation between Vietnam and the United States, particularly in areas such as war legacy recovery, addressing non-traditional security issues, supporting Vietnam’s engagement in United Nations peacekeeping forces, and enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities, military medicine, and training.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced support of equipment to assist Vietnam’s efforts in combating COVID-19.

The two ministers witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the search, collection, and identification of Vietnamese martyrs’ remains. They also exchanged several war memorabilia.