Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoygu immediately after the March 5 ceremony welcoming the Russian Defence Ministry delegation.

They compared notes on international and regional issues of common concern, reviewed the results of the defence ministries’ cooperation over 2012, and discussed opportunities for future cooperation.

Thanh described the Russian General’s visit as a boon to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, adding fresh impetus to expanding their bilateral defence ties.

Shoygu said cooperation between the two armies has yet to meet its full potential. The two sides need to discuss possible improvements that would honour the traditional friendship and accord with the strategic partnership.

At a meeting with the Russian guest on the same day, State President Truong Tan Sang spoke highly of the outcomes of talks between the two defence ministers, expressing hope that Minister Sergei Shoygu’s visit will help boost the nations’ multifaceted cooperation.

Despite differences in political mechanisms, Vietnamese-Russian cooperation continues to develop and deliver the mutual benefits worthy of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam always acknowledges the assistance it received from Russia’s Soviet Union predecessor during its past struggles for national liberation and unification—assistance that has extended into the current campaigns for socio-economic development and national protection, Sang said.

The President affirmed Vietnam will do its utmost to advance its bilateral relations with Russia across a variety of fields but especially in national defence.

Sang said he hopes the newly sworn-in Minister Sergei Shoygu will spare no effort in upgrading Vietnamese-Russian defence ties.

Shoygu pledged his total focus to effectively implementing the military cooperation agreements negotiated by both sides.

VOV