Viet Nam, Russia promote defense cooperation

General Phan Van Giang noted that, on the basis of agreements reached by the two countries' high-ranking leaders and signed cooperation documents, Viet Nam-Russia defense cooperation has achieved positive results in recent years.

The two sides have maintained delegation exchanges at all levels and strengthened cooperation among armed services and military branches, as well as in education and training and scientific and technological research within the framework of the Viet Nam-Russia Tropical Center.

Both have also coordinated closely and supported each other at regional and international multilateral mechanisms and forums, particularly the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

General Phan Van Giang expressed his pleasure to join the two countries' leaders in witnessing, via videoconference, the inauguration of a laboratory for disease prevention and control during the visit.

He said the event demonstrated the determination of the two countries' high-ranking leaders to develop the Viet Nam-Russia Tropical Center into a model and symbol of bilateral cooperation.

To ensure that defense ties continue to play their role as a strategic pillar of Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new period, the two sides agreed to focus on several key areas. These include maintaining delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels; effectively implementing defence consultation and dialogue mechanisms; promoting training cooperation; and enhancing cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

General Phan Van Giang expressed his hope that the Russian Ministry of Defense would continue to provide preferential and full scholarships for the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, strengthen experience sharing, train Vietnamese officers, and provide professional equipment and support for Viet Nam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense welcomes a delegation of Russian Defense Ministry leaders to attend the third Viet Nam International Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in December./.