The Vietnamese people and Vietnam People’s Army forever respect the immense assistance and support from international friends, including Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Senior Lieutenant-General Truong Quang Khanh, affirmed the warm welcome at a meeting in Hanoi on August 8 with a delegation of war veterans from the three former Soviet Union republics.

Khanh noted that, Vietnam received substantial support from the three countries that sent thousands of experts and military advisors to assist the South East Asian nations during the past war of resistance against US imperialists.

The visit provides a good chance for war veterans to witness Vietnam’s achievements in national construction and defence processes, Khanh said.

He expressed his hope that they will continue to share their valuable experience with the Vietnam People’s Army and strengthen their traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the nations and their respective militaries.

The veterans recalled their time spent in Vietnam and emphasised that the country is one of only a handful which still respects and remembers the former Soviet Union’s support. They expressed confidence that Vietnam, under the leadership of the Communist Party, will reap more success in building a peaceful, independent, democratic, socialist and prosperous nation./.