Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich (centre) and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu at the meeting (Photo: VNA)
Moscow (VNA) – Vietnaꦇm values Russia’s contributions to peace aꦐnd stability in the Asia–Pacific region, Minister of National Defence Ngo Xuan Lich said on April 26.
He delivered a speech at a meeting in Moscow between Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and the heads of the 10 ASEAN countries’ military delegations to the fifth Moscow Conference on International Security.
He said Russia’s hosting of the meeting was a demonstration of its willingness to enhance relations with the ASEAN.
Since Russia’s partnership with the ASEAN was set up in 1996, Russia has played an increasing role in the peace, stability and development of Southeast Asia as well as Asia–Pacific.
The country has engaged in ASEAN-led multilateral security cooperation mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), Lich said.
He emphasised that Vietnam pledges to intensify cooperation with Russia on the basis of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefits and adherence to international law.
The ASEAN, founded in 1967, has become one of the most successful regional cooperation groups in the world. It is important to peace, stability, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia and the world.
The Vietnamese officer highlighted defence cooperation activities among the ASEAN nations and between the ASEAN and its partner countries, including the ADMM and ADMM+.
The ADMM+ has helped maintain peace and stability as well as cope with non-traditional security issues, in Asia–Pacific. It has also boosted mutual understanding and created foundations for resolving disputes, he said.
In their speeches, other heads of the ASEAN military delegations pointed out traditional and new challenges facing the region such as migration, trans-national crime, epidemics, cybercrime and natural disasters.
Only solidarity and cooperation can help the countries successfully tackle those challenges, they added.
At the meeting, Russian Defence Minsiter Sergei Shoigu said the participants mapped out orientations for developing win-win cooperation, including in counter-terrorism, maritime security, natural disaster relief, military medicine and unexploded ordnance clearance.
He added his country will increase bilateral meetings with the ASEAN members to expand military collaboration.-VNA
Vietnam and Russia signed an inter-governmental agreement on further geological survey and oil and gas exploitation in Russia at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 20.
A high-ranking delegation of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence led by Minister-General Ngo Xuan Lich left for an official visit to Russia on April 23.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Major General Vu TienTrong, Director of the Defence Ministry's Institute for International Relations, attended the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials Meeting Plus (ADSOM+).
Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Ngo Xuan Lich and his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu emphasised the need for the two countries to realise defence cooperation agreements.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich (centre) and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu at the meeting (Photo: VNA)
