Minister of National Defence General Ngô Xuân Lịch has lauded the deputy ministerial-level defence strategic dialogue between Việt Nam and Russia, saying it has contributed to enhancing defence ties and the comprehensive strategic partnership. — Photo qdnd.vn

HÀ NỘI — Minister of National Defence General Ngô Xuân Lịch has lauded the deputy ministerial-level defence strategic dialogue between Việt Nam and Russia, saying it has contributed to enhancing defence ties and the comprehensive strategic partnership. 

At a reception for Lieut. Gen. Alexander Fomin, Deputy Defence Minister of Russia, in Hà Nội yesterday, Lịch urged the two sides to continue defence co-operation in the areas of shared concern. 

The minister also suggested Russia provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students.

For his part, Fomin affirmed that Việt Nam was Russia’s traditional and important partner in Asia-Pacific, adding Russia would boost defence ties with Việt Nam. 

The Russian guest informed his host about outcomes of the third deputy ministerial-level defence strategic dialogue between Việt Nam and Russia, which took place earlier the same day. 

At the dialogue, Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Chí Vịnh said his ministry attaches importance to developing co-operation and friendship with the Russian people and army. 

He also noted that the Việt Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has developed across various fields, including defence, as reflected through high-level visits by state leaders of the two countries in 2017. 

The two sides applauded the outcomes of defence affiliation over the years, covering delegation exchanges, training, peace-keeping operations, scientific research and collaboration within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. 

They also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern. 

At the end of the dialogue, the two sides inked memoranda of understanding between the two defence ministries on cooperation in peace-keeping operations and on operational regulations of the Việt Nam-Russia joint working group on defence co-operation. — VNS