Vietnam, Russia Reinforce Defense Cooperation Ties

General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov, during their meeting, affirmed that defense cooperation between the two countries has achieved steady progress. This cooperation is based on agreements reached by the high-ranking leaders of both countries and signed cooperation documents. The two sides have maintained delegation exchanges at all levels and among armed services, and strengthened cooperation in education and training, as well as in scientific and technological research within the framework of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center. They have also coordinated closely and supported each other at regional and international multilateral mechanisms and forums, particularly the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+). During the meeting, both leaders witnessed, via videoconference, the inauguration of a laboratory for disease prevention and control. General Giang stated that this event demonstrates the determination of the high-ranking leaders of both countries to develop the Vietnam-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 the Vietnam-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 defense consultation and dialogue mechanisms; promoting training cooperation; and enhancing cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. General 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 Vietnam'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 Vietnam International Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in December.