As part of Party Chief and President To Lam’s state visit to Russia, General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, met with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on Sept. 8.

Giang emphasized that bilateral defense cooperation has produced positive results in recent years, building on agreements reached by senior leaders and cooperation documents signed by the two countries.

Areas of cooperation include education and training, scientific and technological research within the framework of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, as well as coordination and mutual support at international and regional multilateral mechanisms and forums, particularly the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, or ADMM+.

Giang expressed his pleasure at joining senior leaders of the two countries in witnessing the inauguration of a disease prevention and control laboratory via video link during the visit.

He said the event demonstrated the attention and determination of senior leaders on both sides to make the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center a genuine model and symbol of cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to focus on promoting delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, particularly at the senior level; effectively maintaining defense consultation and strategic dialogue mechanisms; and strengthening cooperation in training and United Nations peacekeeping.

Giang said he hoped the Russian Ministry of Defense would continue offering preferential and fully funded scholarships to Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense.

He also called for stronger cooperation in sharing experience, training and providing specialized equipment for United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Giang affirmed that Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense welcomes a delegation of senior Russian Defense Ministry officials to attend the third Vietnam International Defense Expo this December.

Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said the visit by Party chief and President To Lam, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation would help further deepen strategic trust, the traditional friendship and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia.

Belousov emphasized that Russia has always regarded Vietnam as a traditional friend and an important partner in the region.

Russia prioritizes the development of cooperation with Vietnam, he said, adding that defense cooperation between the two countries has consistently received attention, been strengthened and expanded, and become a pillar of bilateral relations.

Agreeing with Giang’s proposals, Belousov affirmed that the Russian Ministry of Defense would continue working with Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense to expand cooperation into new areas suited to the capabilities and conditions of both sides.

Tran Thuong