General Phan Van Giang meets Russian Defence Minister

Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang met his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on September 8 during General Secretary and President To Lam’s state visit to Russia.

Phan said bilateral defence cooperation had produced positive results under agreements reached by the two countries’ senior leaders. He highlighted exchanges at various levels, cooperation among military branches, education and training, scientific and technological research through the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre, and mutual support in international and regional forums.

Phan also welcomed the online inauguration of a disease-prevention laboratory during the state visit. He said the event reflected the two sides’ determination to make the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre a model and symbol of cooperation between the countries.

The two ministers agreed to focus on high-level exchanges, defence consultations and strategic dialogue, training, and United Nations peacekeeping. Phan asked Russia to continue providing Vietnam’s Defence Ministry with preferential and free scholarships, as well as training, experience-sharing and equipment support for peacekeeping operations. He also welcomed a Russian Defence Ministry delegation to Vietnam’s third international defence exhibition in December.

Belousov said the visit would deepen strategic trust and the countries’ traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership. He described Vietnam as a traditional friend and an important regional partner, and said defence cooperation remained a pillar of bilateral relations.