Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, General Ngo Xuan Lich and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu emphasized the need for the two countries to realize defense cooperation agreements they have reached while increasing mutual support at international forums.
During their talks in Moscow on April 25th, the two ministers said cooperation in military training plays a key role in bilateral ties, adding that many Vietnamese officers are studying in Russia.
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General Sergey Shoigu (left) receiving General Ngo Xuan Lich. (Photo: Van Yen)
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The Russian side said they are considering sending officers to Vietnam for training.
They affirmed their resolve to consolidate and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Shoigu appreciated Lich’s first visit to Russia in his capacity as the Vietnamese Defense Minister, stressing that Russia regards Vietnam as an important partner.
Russia is willing to enhance its collaboration with Vietnam in national defense, he noted.
Lich said Vietnam considers Russia a close friend and places bilateral ties among its top foreign policy priorities.
Vietnam always remembers the support of the Government and people of the former Soviet Union, including present-day Russia, in the country’s struggle for independence as well in national construction.
Vietnam will continue cooperating with Russia to meet the interests of the two countries’ people and contribute to peace and stability in each region, he said.
The minister reiterated Vietnam’s stance on disputes in the East Sea, which, he said, should be settled by peaceful measures and on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and towards reaching a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Lich used the occasion to invite his Russian counterpart to visit Vietnam at a suitable time. Shoigu accepted the invitation with pleasure.
Source: VNA