The meeting was a practical step to realize the shared vision of the two countries’ leaders in further promoting bilateral cooperation, as well as reaffirming the commitment to support the operations and enhance the effectiveness and potential of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.
    |
 |
|
Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Mogilevsky Konstantin Ilich chair the event. |
The conference heard reports from the General Directors of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center on scientific research activities from November 2024 to May 2025 and feedbacks on coordination among related agencies. Delegates acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements in science and technology, capacity building, and the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center and Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing on developing laboratory infrastructure for disease prevention and control.
The Russian Deputy Minister Mogilevsky Konstantin Ilich emphasized that in the past six months since the 35th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee, despite numerous challenges, both sides have actively overcome difficulties and made significant progress in implementing the committee's outlined tasks.
Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Hoang Xuan Chien sincerely thanked the Russian State and Government, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and related agencies for their continuous support in carrying out the objectives set out at the 35th meeting. Notably, he thanked the Russian side for sponsoring and transferring the “Professor Gagarinsky” scientific research vessel and a second mobile testing vehicle, as well as for ongoing efforts in laboratory construction for disease control and technology transfer for scientific research within the framework of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.
|
|
 |
|
Heads of the two delegations signing the minutes of the conference |
Gen. Chien expressed hope that in the near future, both subcommittees would direct the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center to pro-actively and decisively accelerate the implementation of assigned tasks. Priority should be given to finalizing a draft to submit to both governments by the end of 2025 for the signing of a protocol on technology transfer in support of scientific research within the framework of the center.
Both sides also agreed to resolve procedures for establishing the Center for Tropicalization and Technology Adaptation to report at the next meeting; actively finalize an additional task list for the scientific research and application program in the 2025-2029 period; expedite construction and bring into operation a laboratory for disease prevention and control by 2025; and continue to invest in infrastructure in conjunction with organizational structure and human resource development in the new development phase.
|
|
 |
|
Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Mogilevsky Konstantin Ilich |
At the end of the meeting, the heads of the two delegations handed over the “Professor Gagarinsky” scientific research vessel and signed the meeting minutes.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a ceremony was held to award the Russian Federation Second-Class’s "Merit to the Fatherland" Medal to Andrey Nikolaevich Kuznetsov, the Russian General Director of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.
Earlier the same day, Gen. Chien had a working session with Admiral Viktor Nikolayevich Liina, Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, during which he emphasized that in recent times, the defense cooperation between the two countries has continued to be effectively implemented in line with existing agreements and cooperation mechanisms. Particularly, on the afternoon of May 11, the handover ceremony of the “Professor Gagarinsky” scientific research vessel, donated and transferred by the Russian government to the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center, took place. This is a vivid symbol of the strong bilateral relationship, a new emblem of Vietnam - Russia cooperation, and a shared maritime platform for scientific collaboration, contributing to deepening of the long-standing traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. The gift is not only a symbol of friendship but also a source of motivation for scientists of both countries to continue their efforts for mutual benefit.
|
|
 |
|
Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien works with Admiral Viktor Nikolayevich Liina, Commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet. |
The Vietnamese defense leader proposed that in the future, both sides should focus on maintaining effective cooperation mechanisms, training, collaboration among arms and services, and scientific research cooperation; coordinating and consulting effectively at multilateral international forums on defense.
Admiral Viktor Nikolayevich Liina thanked Vietnam for facilitating the two navies’ meetings and information sharing. He added that Russian Federation possesses extensive experience in key cooperation areas mentioned by Gen. Chien and and is ready to foster cooperation based on Vietnam's proposals and needs.
By Kieu Trinh (from Vladivostok, Russia)
Translated by Tran Hoai