President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh hosted a reception in Ulaanbaatar on October 26 for Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam who have been on an official visit to the country, VNA reported.

Khurelsukh stressed that Vietnam has a special position in Mongolia’s foreign policy and wished that in the near future, bilateral ties would reach a new height for the benefit of the people of both countries and contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Mongolian President Ukhnagiin Khurelsukh welcomes Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang (left). Photo: Mongolian Defense Ministry

Giang affirmed that Vietnam always highly evaluates its traditional friendship with Mongolia and believed that the upcoming Vietnam visit in early November by the Mongolian President will be a success, especially at a time when the two countries will celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

He also informed the host about the outcomes of his talks with Mongolian Minister of Defence Gursediin Saikhanbayar and cooperation between the two armies over the past years.

For his part, the President committed all possible support to deepen collaboration between the two defence ministries in a way that matches bilateral cooperation framework.

At the talks between the two defence ministers in the morning of the same day, both sides agreed to continue their efforts to effectively promote practical cooperation in various fields, such as facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels, defence industry, training, military medicine, culture, arts, military sports, and sharing experience in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Saikhanbayar stressed that Mongolia always treasures the development of its relationship with Vietnam and considers Vietnam a bridge to foster its relations with countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and a key partner of Mongolia in the region.

At the talks between the two ministers. Photo: PANO

Meanwhile, Giang affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues a national defence policy of "four nos" and foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of international relations and giving the highest priority to developing friendship and cooperation ties with traditional friend nations, including Mongolia.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, the host and guest underscored the importance of maintaining an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea, which is significant to not only coastal countries but also landlocked nations.

Following the talks, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement on the exchange of delegations between the two defence ministries.

The Minister of National Defense of Mongolia presented a horse to Minister Phan Van Giang. This is a traditional ritual of Mongolian tribes for distinguished guests. Photo: PANO

On October 26 afternoon, Giang and his entourage visited the National Defence University in Ulaanbaatar. Founded in 1921, it is the country's premier and oldest military educational institution.

Giang and the delegation also visited the Inter-level School No.14 named after President Ho Chi Minh in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and laid a wreath at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument on its campus as well as visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Mongolia, according to PANO.

Founded in 1949, the Inter-level School No.14 is one of the talent-training cradles of Mongolia. On May 14, 1980, on the occasion of the 90th birthday anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Committee of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party decided to name the school after the Vietnamese state leader. That decision was a highlight in the history of the school. The school has become a symbol of the friendship, solidarity, and close-knit ties between Vietnam and Mongolia.

Gen. Giang visits the Ho Chi Minh Hall of Fame. Photo: PANO

In 2009, President Ho Chi Minh Monument was built on the school’s campus. The 1.7m high copper statue of President Ho Chi Minh is placed on a 3.33m pedestal. In 2017, the school’s Ho Chi Minh Hall of Fame was inaugurated.

The school annually holds a graduation ceremony on May 19 - President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday. It regularly organizes writing, drawing, and knowledge contests on Vietnamese state leader Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, its land and people.

Gen. Giang and the Vietnamese delegation lay a wreath at President Ho Chi Minh Monument on the school’s campus. Photo: PANO

After the Mongolian trip, on October 27 Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang arrived in Beijing, starting an official visit to China to attend the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum from October 27-31 at the invitation of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence of China.

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