Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh on October 29 received a delegation of war veterans from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, who assisted Vietnam during the war for national salvation.The Vietnamese Defence Minister thanked the people of the former Soviet Union, including those from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus for their support for Vietnamese people during the war. During the country’s construction cause, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have helped educate many Vietnamese managers and scientists, he said. The Vietnamese people and military always respect the wholehearted and efficient support and assistance from international friends, especially from these three countries, Thanh told his guests. He said he hopes the veterans from these countries will continue to share their experience with Vietnamese military officers, contributing to increasing mutual understanding and boosting the traditional friendship and cooperation between their people and armies. At the reception, the veterans recalled their memories of Vietnam during the war. They said they hope to make further contributions to fostering the relations between Vietnam and Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.VNA