Vietnam, Russia to elevate defence cooperation as strategic pillar

General Phan Van Giang (R), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, and Andrey Belousov, Defence Minister of Russia, meet in Moscow on September 8. (Photo: PANO) The agreement was reached during a meeting in Moscow on September 8 between General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, and Andrey Belousov, Defence Minister of Russia, on the sidelines of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam's State visit to Russia. Vietnam-Russia defence cooperation records positive results Building on agreements reached by the two countries' senior leaders and signed cooperation documents, General Giang spoke highly of the positive results achieved in Vietnam-Russia defence cooperation in recent years. Key areas of cooperation include exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-level exchanges; cooperation between military services and arms; education and training; scientific and technological research within the framework of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre; and mutual coordination and support at international and regional multilateral mechanisms and forums. A notable milestone in bilateral cooperation was the online witnessing by the senior leaders of the two countries of the inauguration of a laboratory for disease prevention and control during the current visit. General Giang said the event demonstrated the attention and determination of the two countries' senior leaders to turning the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre into a true model and symbol of cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Focusing on key areas of cooperation The two sides agreed to continue expanding and deepening defence cooperation in the coming period, first and foremost in areas where they have strengths and that are compatible with their respective capabilities and conditions. Accordingly, the two sides will promote delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, particularly at the senior level; effectively maintain defence consultation and strategic dialogue mechanisms; and strengthen training and cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping. Gen. Giang asked the Russian Ministry of Defence to continue providing attention and offering preferential and tuition-free scholarships to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, while strengthening the sharing of experience, training and capacity building, as well as providing professional equipment support in the field of United Nations peacekeeping. He said strengthening connectivity, sharing experience and developing human resources will remain a priority, particularly in new areas of cooperation that are suited to the needs and practical conditions of both sides. Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov affirmed that Russia has always regarded Vietnam as a traditional friend and an important partner in the region, and attaches priority to developing cooperation with Vietnam. According to Belousov, defence cooperation between the two countries has consistently been strengthened and developed, becoming a pillar of bilateral relations. The Russian Ministry of Defence will continue enhance cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense in new areas that are compatible with the capabilities and conditions of both sides, he assured his guest. Belousov also emphasised that General Secretary and President To Lam's State visit to the Russian Federation, together with his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, would contribute to further deepening strategic trust, traditional friendship and the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Gen. Giang affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence welcomes a delegation of Russian defence leaders to attend the third Vietnam International Defence Expo slated for December 2026, thereby creating further opportunities to boost cooperation and exchanges between the two sides.