The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) invited Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich to speak on the second day of the upcoming 15th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 4.

Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich.

IISS-Asia Executive Director Tim Huxley delivered the invitation during his meeting with Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh on April 28.

He lauded Vietnam’s contributions to past dialogues.

Huxley said the three-day dialogue is slated to commence in Singapore on June 3, adding that ASEAN Secretary General and several nations, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and the UK, have confirmed their attendance.

Vinh thanked Huxley for the invitation and confirmed the attendance of the Defence Minister.

He said Vietnam will send more delegates, including academicians, to the dialogue this year.

Held annually by the IISS, the Shangri-La Dialogue is significant to security in the Asian-Pacific region, allowing regional countries to hold dialogues towards ensuring security and stability in the region.

According to the IISS, subjects to be debated at the 15 th dialogue include how to meet Asia's complex security challenges, how to manage military competition in Asia and how to make defence policy in uncertain times.

VNA