Vietnamese Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang shakes hands Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, Moscow, Russia, December 1, 2021

The talks took place at a time when the two countries celebrate the 20th anniversary of bilateral strategic partnership this year as well as activities during Viet Nam – Russia, Russia – Viet Nam Year (2019-2020) that last till this year.

Minister Phan hailed Russia as a major country that plays an important role in world peace and stability. He said Viet Nam welcomes Russia’s peaceful contributions to Asia-Pacific, and Southeast Asia in particular.

Shoigu, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Defense Ministry for successfully holding competitions within the framework of the International Military Games 2021, sending a high-ranking delegation to international multilateral activities hosted by the Russian Defense Ministry, vessels from the Viet Nam People’s Navy to a naval parade and the Sea Cup competition as part of the Games.

On the basis of signed international treaties and agreements, both sides agreed to focus on facilitating all-level visits, maintaining strategic defense dialogue mechanism at the deputy ministerial level, training quality personnel, supporting and joining international multilateral activities hosted by the two defense ministries, sharing experience in military technology, considering the issuance of a consultation mechanism as well as holding joint activities in search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and post-war recovery.

They pledged to work closely together at multilateral forums, especially the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus.

The Vietnamese side expressed support for Russia’s initiatives to promote mutually-beneficial ties with ASEAN as well as contribute to maintaining an environment of peace, stability and development in each region and the world.

On the occasion, Phan invited Shoigu to visit Viet Nam at the earliest time.

Following the talks, the two ministries signed several important cooperation agreements, laying a legal foundation for bilateral defense and military technology cooperation.

In the afternoon the same day, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc granted Viet Nam’s Friendship Order to Minister Shoigu in honor of his important contributions to strengthening bilateral defense ties as well as traditional friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

On December 2, Phan met and presented gifts to Russian war veterans who used to fight and work in Vietnam.

At a meeting with the Vietnamese community in Russia, representatives from the Vietnamese Defense Ministry also symbolically received keys of several UAZ vehicles used for search and rescue, which are donated by the Vietnamese Association in Russia./.