The banquet was attended by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, along with representatives from the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defense, and defense attachés and ambassadors from other countries.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien delivering a speech at the banquet |
In his speech, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that Defender of the Fatherland Day holds a prominent and meaningful place among Russia’s national holidays. It serves as an occasion for the Russian people to honor the heroic milestones and glorious victories of their forefathers in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). This commemoration fosters intergenerational unity and patriotism among younger generations.
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Russian Defense Attaché Colonel Govorov Alexey Arkadievich addressing the event |
Over the years, Vietnam-Russia relations, particularly in defense cooperation, have been strengthened in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries. The defense ministries have effectively engaged in high-level diplomacy, including Vietnam's Minister of National Defense attending the inauguration of a monument for Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in Moscow during the Great Patriotic War, participation in the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2024, bilateral talks with Russia's Minister of Defense, annual meetings of the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee on the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, and deputy minister-level strategic dialogues.
Looking ahead to 2025, the two countries will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950 - 2025), while Russia will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War Victory (May 9, 1945 - 2025). These milestones hold great significance in their diplomatic and political ties.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien in conversation with Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko and his spouse |
Several high-level exchange activities are planned, including a visit to Vietnam by Russian Minister of Defense (in March 2025), a visit to Russia by Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Defense, including attendance at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow’s Red Square (in May 2025).
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed confidence that defense cooperation between Vietnam and Russia will continue to be implemented effectively, contributing to their long-standing friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Translated by Trung Thanh