Vietnam wants to enhance all-around cooperation with Russia, particularly in economics, trade, investment, defence and security as Vietnam is a steadfast friend, affirmed President Nguyen Minh Triet.

President Triet made the affirmation while receiving visiting Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov on March 23.

He highlighted the results of the working session between the two defence ministries’ leaders, saying that Russia ’s recent developments have helped raise its role and position in the international arena.

The State leader also informed his guest that he accepted Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s invitation to Russia for a ceremony to mark the nation’s Victory over Fascism on May 9.

He expressed the Vietnamese people’s gratitude towards the former Soviet Union (now Russia ) for its valuable support and assistance for the nation’s past struggles for national liberation, reunification and post-war construction.

The former Soviet Union/Russia has helped Vietnam train numerous cadres who now hold important positions and build many projects that are symbols of the friendship between the two peoples.

Defence Minister Serdyukov informed his host of the results of talks between high-ranking delegations from the two defence ministries.

Both sides discussed in detail measures to tighten the two ministries’ cooperation, said Serdyukov.

Vietnam is a strategic partner, the Vietnamese people are close friends and Russia will continue developing its comprehensive relationship with Vietnam, stressed the minister./.