The talks took place right after the welcome ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense for the Belarusian general.
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong (right) welcomes Maj. Gen. Pavel Muraveiko. |
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong and Maj. Gen. Pavel Muraveiko review the Guard-of-Honor of the Vietnam People's Army. |
At the meeting, Gen. Cuong affirmed that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Belarus has been continuously consolidated and nurtured over the years. The two countries upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership on the occasion of the state visit to Belarus by Party General Secretary To Lam in early May 2025, with defense cooperation serving as an important pillar in bilateral relations.
The Vietnamese Chief of the General Staff (GS) emphasized that bilateral defense ties have been implemented effectively, consistent with the two countries’ overall relations, and have achieved positive outcomes in various areas such as delegation exchanges at all levels, particularly high level ones; cooperation between arms and services and between affiliates of both Defense Ministries; training; and military science.
During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on the global and regional situations and other issues of mutual concern.
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Gen. Cuong speaks at the talks. |
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The Vietnamese delegation at the event |
Gen. Cuong stressed that ASEAN plays a key role in shaping the regional architecture through ASEAN-led mechanisms. Vietnam supports and works with member states to strengthen ASEAN’s centrality, enhance internal solidarity and unity, narrow differences, and promote practical cooperation with partners.
Regarding the East Sea (aka South China Sea), the Vietnamese defense leader affirmed that Vietnam consistently resolves all disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982; effectively and fully implements the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and strives to soon conclude and sign a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
He reaffirmed that Vietnam pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community; persistently upholding its “four no's” defense policy for the common good, sustainable development, and prosperity in the region and the world.
Regarding future defense cooperation, Gen. Cuong suggested the two sides continue to coordinate closely to effectively promote agreed contents, including maintaining delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, and effectively implementing cooperation areas defined in signed documents. He also suggested maintaining exchanges and cooperation between services and arms, enhancing collaboration in training and military sports, continuing to support and actively engage in each other’s international defense expos, and exploring potential new areas of cooperation such as military science and military medicine.
The Vietnamese GS Chief expressed his belief that this visit will contribute to further consolidating and strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, thereby fostering the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Belarus for the benefit of both people, and for peace, stability, and shared development.
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Maj. Gen. Pavel Muraveiko (first from right) speaks at the event. |
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The Belarusian delegation at the talks |
For his part, Major General Pavel Muraveiko affirmed that Vietnam and Belarus share many similarities, both having undergone struggles for national independence and liberation. He acknowledged the positive results in bilateral defense ties achieved so far and emphasized that there remains great potential for further collaboration.
He agreed with Vietnam’s views and assessments on global and regional situations, affirming that Belarus stands ready to cooperate with countries pursuing friendly policies to promote regional and global stability and peace.
The Belarusian general proposed that the two countries continue to promote cooperation in delegation exchanges, military sports, and training.
He took this chance to express gratitude to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense for accepting Belarusian officers to study Vietnamese language, stressing that this provides an opportunity for Belarus to enhance understanding of Vietnam’s culture, land, and people, while further promoting the friendship between the two nations.
Translated by Mai Huong