Vietnam to continue buying Russian arms

Vietnam will continue to purchase weapons and military equipment from Russia, Vietnamese Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh said. The head of the Russian Defense Ministry, Army General Sergei Shoigu and his Vietnamese counterpart had a meeting, at which they reached an agreement on strategic partnership at all levels on major regional and international issues. The ministers also considered the issue of educating Vietnamese soldiers in Russian universities. Vietnam also intends to develop military and technical cooperation, continuing purchases of various types of Russian arms and military equipment. Following the talks, it was announced that Russia would help Vietnam in building submarines. In turn, the Vietnamese side expressed its appreciation for the assistance provided by the Soviet Union and Russia during the struggle for independence of the People's Republic of Vietnam. Vietnamese Defense Minister also invited veterans from Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union for rehabilitation and treatment in Vietnam.