Minister of Defence General Phung Quang Thanh welcomed a delegation of war veterans from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus in Hanoi on December 4.

The visiting veterans worked in Vietnam to assist in the country’s struggle for independence more than 40 years ago.

Minister Thanh said Vietnam always remembers the fraternal sentiment and valuable help that the Soviet Union has given to Vietnam . He expressed hope that the veterans will continue to share their experience with Vietnamese staff to enhance mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among the peoples and armies.

During the meeting, the veterans recalled their days and nights fighting side-by-side with Vietnamese soldiers in the struggle with great hardships.

They wish Vietnam even greater achievements in the course of national construction and development.

The delegation’s visit came at the time when Vietnam marks the 40th anniversary of the 12 day-and-night battle against the US bombing of Hanoi, dubbed “Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory, in December 1972.-VNA