Russian defense minister plans to address broad agenda in Hanoi
HANOI, Vietnam. March 5 (Interfax-AVN) - Cooperation with Vietnam is among the priorities of Russia's foreign policy, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.
"I would like to reiterate that maintaining these relations of trust is a priority of Russia's foreign policy," Shoigu said at a meeting with Vietnamese National Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh in Hanoi on Tuesday.
Russia views Vietnam "as a strategic partner and a long-time and loyal friend," he said.
"Such a big Russian delegation has arrived here with the aim of discussing all key matters of interest for our countries," Shoigu said.
The Russian minister said that he had visited Vietnam's Cam Ranh Port on Monday.
"Lots of new facilities are being built here, and when visiting this port, we paid our respects to Russians and Vietnamese soldiers who fought for the freedom and independence of their land," Shoigu said.
