Vietnamese, Russian defence ministers hold talks in Moscow

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

Shoigu, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Defence 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 Defence Ministry, vessels from the Vietnam 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 defence dialogue mechanism at the deputy ministerial level, training quality personnel, supporting and joining international multilateral activities hosted by the two defence 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 Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus.

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

The Russian Defence Ministry also presented Russia’s Friendship Order to Minister Giang.

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

On Thursday, Giang met and presented gifts to Russian war veterans who used to fight and work in Vietnam.