Russia and Vietnam discuss enhancing defense cooperation and developing a strategic partnership plan

Moscow, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held talks today with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Pham Van Giang on ways to bolster defense cooperation between the two countries, which are working on developing a “strategic” partnership plan in the military field.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the discussions took place in Moscow as part of a state visit by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Head of State To Lam to Russia, during which they discussed military and technical cooperation issues between the two countries.

The statement quoted Belousov as affirming during the meeting that communications between the Russian and Vietnamese defense ministries have become regular and play an important role in developing “strategic” relations between Moscow and Hanoi, noting the continuation of efforts to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The statement added that Giang, for his part, said that defense cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has achieved positive results in recent periods, based on agreements concluded between the leaderships of the two countries and existing cooperation documents, including the exchange of delegations and communications at various levels, cooperation among different branches of the armed forces, as well as fields of education, training, scientific and technological research.

Sources indicated that both sides agreed to continue enhancing defense cooperation to make it one of the “strategic” pillars of relations between Vietnam and Russia, with a focus in the coming phase on the exchange of delegations and high-level communications, maintaining the effectiveness of consultation mechanisms and strategic dialogue in the defense field, as well as education, training, and participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Giang also called on the Russian Defense Ministry to continue supporting training and education programs provided to the Vietnamese side, enhance the exchange of expertise and training, and provide professional equipment in the field of UN peacekeeping.

In response, Belousov affirmed that Russia views Vietnam as a “traditional friend and important partner” in the region, and that Moscow prioritizes the development of relations with it, including defense cooperation, which constitutes one of the “key” areas of cooperation between the two countries. He noted the Russian Defense Ministry’s intention to continue developing cooperation with its Vietnamese counterpart in new fields, in line with the capabilities and circumstances of both sides.

The meeting comes within the framework of the state visit being made by President To Lam to Russia from September 8 to 12, which is expected to include talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow and Hanoi seek to strengthen their “strategic” partnership, particularly in the fields of defense, security, and energy.

The Russian and Vietnamese defense ministers previously met in Moscow last May, where they discussed enhancing defense cooperation between the two countries, including maritime cooperation, as part of both sides’ efforts to develop bilateral military relations. (End) D.A.N. / M.A.A.