Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National DefenceSenior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang received ambassadors of Laos,Cambodia, China and Russia in Hanoi on April 14.

Lao Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuangcongratulated Giang on his appointment as Defence Minister of Vietnam andexpressed his belief that the minister will make more contributions to thegreat friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between thetwo Parties, States and armies.

The two sides affirmed that the defence cooperationis an important pillar of the bilateral ties, and significantly contributes tonational construction and defence of each country.

Given the unexpected developments of the regionaland international situation, the two countries should maintain and tighten thetraditional friendship and special solidarity, and the defence ties inparticular, they said.

They agreed to step up the exchange of delegations,especially those at the high level, in order to discuss strategic issues ofshared concern, and enhance collaboration across spheres, especially defenceand military.

At a meeting with Cambodian Ambassador Chay Navuth,Giang spoke highly of efforts by the Cambodian government, army and people inthe COVID-19 combat.

They shared the view that defence collaboration isone of the major pillars of the relations between the two countries, andconsented to step up delegation exchanges in the time ahead.

 
During a reception for Chinese Ambassador Xiong Bo,Giang affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to its relations with China,and will make all-out efforts to consolidate and strengthen the time-honouredrelationship and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with the neighbouringcountry.

The minister briefed the ambassador on upcomingdefence external activities to be held by Vietnam and China in the time ahead.

Meeting with Russian Ambassador Konstantin Vnukov,the minister said Vietnam always treasures the long-standing relations withRussia, and will do its utmost to promote the comprehensive strategicpartnership between the two countries, covering collaboration in nationaldefence and technical military.

He called on the ambassador, in any position, tomake more contributions to the bilateral ties.

The two sides reviewed the organisation of defenceactivities within Vietnam Year in Russia and Russia Year in Vietnam and the25th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on basic principles forVietnam-Russia friendship in 2019, and the 70th anniversary of theVietnam-Russia diplomatic relations last year.

The countries are working hard to prepare for theArmy Games this year./.