Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Khac Nghien gave a briefing on the construction and development of Vietnam People’s Army over the past 65 years.

He thanked the embassy staff and military attaches from overseas for their contributions to solidarity, friendship and cooperation in areas between Vietnam and their countries, including cooperation in national defence.

Japan’s defence attachés Colonel Hidemaro Ohto, who is also head of the foreign military mission in Vietnam, congratulated Vietnam on its People’s Army anniversary and All-People National Defence Day. 

He said he hopes that the Vietnamese Defence Ministry will continue with its close ties with the defence ministries of other countries, which, he said, maintains peace and stability in the region.

Celebrations to mark Vietnam’s military day were also held in South Africa, Russia and the Czech Republic by the local Vietnamese embassies and Defence Attaché Offices.

**** While, in Moscow on December 17, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia, Bui Dinh Dinh informed international friends about the Vietnam People’s Army’s glorious tradition over the past 65 years and praised its achievements during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process under the Communist Party of Vietnam’s leadership.

Mr Dinh also highlighted the significance of the Former Soviet Union People’s valuable support for Vietnamese people during the current process of national construction and defense.

Vietnam-Russia traditional relations have been strengthened by the recent visit to Russia by a Vietnamese Government delegation led by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung from December 14-15, said Mr Dinh.

*** Later the same day, Vietnam’s National Defense attachés to South Africa, Colonel Nguyen Manh Chu, said that over the last 65 years, the Vietnam People’s Army has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people to safeguard the country’s independence and freedom. Currently, the army is promoting cooperation with other armies in the region and around the world.

For his part, the Deputy Head of the South African Intelligence Department praised the contributions made by the Vietnam People’s Army and expressed his belief that with their glorious traditions, the South African and Vietnamese armies will continue to make a greater contribution to maintaining peace and ensuring security around the world.

*** Vietnam’s National Defense Attache Office was officially opened in Prague in the Czech Republic to mark the same event.