General Giang emphasized that the visit by General Sergey Shoigu and the Russian Federation delegation holds important meaning, aiming to actualize major directions of the Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in the new phase of cooperation, as agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries in May 2025.
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General Phan Van Giang (right) welcomes visiting General Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. |
He expressed sincere thanks to General Sergey Shoigu for his previous role as Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, during which he provided close and effective guidance that enabled the Russian Ministry of Defense to complete the monument dedicated to Vietnamese international volunteer soldiers who fought in the defense of Moscow during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). He also informed the guests that the Vietnamese MND has inaugurated the Vietnam - Soviet Union Solidarity and Friendship Monument at the Vietnam Military History Museum in tribute to Soviet military advisors who assisted Vietnam during the past struggle for national liberation and reunification.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on global and regional developments and other issues of mutual concern. The Vietnamese defense chief affirmed that ASEAN continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping and maintaining regional security architecture, promoting practical cooperation among member states as well as between ASEAN and its partners, including the Russian Federation.
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An overview of the meeting |
Regarding the East Sea (aka South China Sea) issue, Gen. Giang stressed that Vietnam remains persistent and resolute in its principle of settling disputes and differences by peaceful means, on the basis of respecting the independence, sovereignty, and legitimate interests of nations; fully complying with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982. He stressed the importance of effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and early concluding negotiations and signing an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, contributing to making the East Sea a sea of peace, cooperation, and development.
The host noted with satisfaction that bilateral defense cooperation has continued to develop in the spirit of trust, practicality, effectiveness, and comprehensiveness, deserving its role as an important pillar of the time-honored friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. He highlighted stand-out cooperation in such fields as all-level delegation exchanges, particularly high-level ones, training, service-to-service collaboration; scientific research within the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center, and effective coordination and consultations at multilateral defense mechanisms and forums, especially ASEAN-led mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+). He affirmed that Vietnam supports activities jointly chaired by Russia and Laos within the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Mine Action for the 2024-2027 cycle.
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Minister of National Defense of Vietnam and his entourage at the meeting |
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General Sergey Shoigu (first from right) and the Russian delegation at the event |
Gen. Giang suggested the two defense ministries continue close coordination to effectively advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as training, experience sharing, and scientific research within the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.
He took this chance to express gratitude to the Russian Federation for sending a high-ranking delegation of the Russian Federation Council to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Vietnam, as well as for dispatching a Russian military contingent to participate in the parade at the ceremony.
For his part, General Sergey Shoigu emphasized the long-standing, sincere, and close traditional friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. He thanked the Vietnamese MND for sending a military contingent to the parade on Red Square marking the 80th anniversary of Russia’s Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 - 2025).
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The Vietnamese defense chief presents a souvenir to his Russian guest. |
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General Phan Van Giang presents the bilingual Vietnamese - Russian book entitled "Russia in my heart" to Gen. Sergey Shoigu. |
The Russian official affirmed that the Russian Federation prioritizes strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, particularly in defense cooperation. He hoped that both sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in training, service-to-service collaboration, defense industry, experience sharing in fields of mutual interest, and collaboration within the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.
Translated by Mai Huong