Hanoi (VNA) – DeputyDefence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh had an online discussion onJuly 3 with his Russian counterpart Sen. Lieut. Gen. A.V. Fomin, during whichthey talked about issues of mutual interest and agreed on measures to effectivelypromote bilateral defence cooperation, one of the important pillars of the twocountries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vinh congratulated Russia on successfully organising the parade marking the75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, as well as thesuccess of its national referendum on amendments to the constitution.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese Defence Ministry has made every effort to prevent disruptionof activities between the two sides, he said.

He expressed his hope that after the pandemic, Minister S.K.Shoigu will visitVietnam and attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM ) to be heldin the country.

Regarding the defence cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, Deputy DefenceMinister Nguyen Chi Vinh spoke highly of the performance of the Vietnam-RussiaTropical Center and a mobile clinic that the Russian side gave Vietnam. It isvery important equipment to help Vietnam early detect cases and effectivelyprevent this disease.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese official informed the guest about the processof organising activities in the year when Vietnam takes the roles of ASEAN Chair2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, therebyaffirming Vietnam's determination to continue promoting cooperation in ADMM andADMM for the mutual benefits of ASEAN as well as partner countries, includingRussia.

Vietnam backs a number of Russia’s initiatives and also wishes for the Europeancountry’s  support for its initiativesduring the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, thus promoting ASEAN-Russia relationsto contribute to the peace, stability and development of the region and the worldas well.

For his part, A.V. Fomin congratulated Vietnam on its successes in combating theCOVID-19. He expressed his deep thanks to the Vietnamese Defence Ministry forpresenting medical supplies to its Russian counterpart as well as to Vietnamfor widely broadcasting the parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Victoryin the Great Patriotic War on June 24.

Russia will never forget Vietnamese soldiers who stood side by side with their SovietUnion peers in the fight against Facism, he said, adding that his country has honouredseven Vietnamese soldiers at the Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces.

The Russian Deputy Defence Minister wished Vietnam will reap great successes asASEAN Chair 2020, especially in organising activities celebrating the 10th anniversary of ADMM .

Russia is ready for dialogue and cooperation on the basis of trust and peacewith other countries. Regarding the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, Russiaconsiders it an important heritage in the comprehensive strategic partnershipbetween the two countries.

The two officialstogether evaluated the defence cooperation between Vietnam and Russia over thepast time and agreed on orientations to develop relations in the coming time,affirming a determination not to let COVID-19 pandemic affect their developing ties.

They stressed the importance of collaboration in dealing with non-traditionalsecurity challenges.

The two sides also highlighted outstnading areas of cooperation such asexchanging high-level delegations, promoting cooperation between army services,building a profile on 70 years of Vietnam-Russia defence relations,participating in the International Military Sports Festival, and completingdocuments on UN cooperation and peacekeeping and a book on the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia relations./.