Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (sixth from left) and Mongolian Minister of Defence Saikhanbayar Gursed (fifth from left) at the event. Photo: VNA

Vietnam always considers Mongolia an important partner in the region, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Mongolian Minister of Defence Saikhanbayar Gursed on December 6, VNA reported.

At a reception for the Mongolian minister, who is on an official visit and will attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022, the Government leader said he believes that the visit will contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and lifting the traditional friendly relationship between the two countries in general and defence cooperation in particular to new heights.

The two sides are pleased to see that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Mongolia has been continuously consolidated and developed after nearly 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and education has been promoted by leaders at all levels and produced practical results.

They shared the view that in the context of complicated development of the world and regional situation, it is necessary for the two countries to strengthen their solidarity and enhance mutual trust, understanding and support.

Vietnam shares Mongolia's socio-economic difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the world situation, and wishes to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation with Mongolia, PM Chinh said.

He suggested the two sides continue to exchange high-level delegations, bolster political-diplomatic relations, support each other at multilateral forums, step up cooperation in education and training, people-to-people exchanges, and agriculture, as well as study the opening of direct air routes connecting the two countries.

Chinh asked the Mongolian minister to continue promoting the relationship between the two ministries of defence and the two armies of Vietnam – Mongolia to commensurate with the collaboration framework between the two countries.

For his part, Saikhanbayar emphasised that Vietnam has a special place in Mongolia's foreign policy and is an important partner in the region. The two countries always support and help each other.

Mongolia considers Vietnam a reliable partner; highly appreciates the development of Vietnam and wishes to upgrade relations with Vietnam, he said.

Saikhanbayar Gursed briefed the host about the results of his visit to Vietnam, as well as the cooperation activities between the two Ministries of Defence and the two armies over the past time.

He also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in officer training, military medicine, military sports, and exchange of experiences in participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The Mongolian official said that he would report to the Mongolian leadership the Vietnamese PM's proposals and pledged to work to promote collaboration in the areas that the Vietnamese leader mentioned.

Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang (L) welcomes his Mongolian counterpart Brigadier General Saikhanbayar Gursed in Hanoi on December 6. Photo: VNA

The same day, Minister of Defence Phan Van Giang held talks with the visiting Mongolian minister, during which the two sides acknowledged the constant and substantive development of bilateral relations in all fields.

They agreed that the two sides have effectively implemented the agreement between the two governments on defence cooperation signed in 2019, and vowed to continue to maintain high-level contacts and exchanges at all levels; improve the quality and efficiency of training cooperation and the sharing of experiences in participating in UN peacekeeping operations.

On this occasion, the two sides also exchanged assessments on world and regional situations and issues of mutual concern. They underlined the importance of preserving an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea.

The same day, at the Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense, Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang chaired the official welcome ceremony for his Mongolian counterpart Brigadier General Saikhanbayar Gursed who is in Hanoi for a visit to Vietnam. Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two sides held talks, according to VOV.

Both sides reviewed the efficiency of defence cooperation over the years and outlined orientations for future cooperation.

Gen. Giang affirmed Vietnam gives high priority to developing friendly and cooperative relations with traditional friends, including Mongolia.

He thanked the Mongolian Defence delegation for accepting the invitation to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2022, saying their participation would make an important contribution to the overall success of the expo.

Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang welcomes his Mongolian counterpart Brigadier General Saikhanbayar Gursed in Hanoi on December 6. Photo: VNA

Gen. Gursed for his part affirmed Vietnam holds an important position in Mongolia’s foreign policy.

Mongolia attaches great importance to developing relations with Vietnam, considering the Southeast Asian nation as a bridge to strengthen cooperation with the whole region, he stated.

The two ministers held that bilateral relations have developed comprehensively and practically in many fields, especially in economy, trade, education and investment.

The two sides have effectively implemented major contents of the 2019 defence cooperation agreement between Vietnam and Mongolia, focusing on visit exchanges, personnel training and participation in conferences organized by Mongolia.

In the coming time, they agreed to maintain reciprocal visit exchanges, further improve the quality and efficiency of training cooperation, boost cooperation in the fields of military medicine, culture and sport exchanges, and share experiences in participating in UN peacekeeping operations.

While exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the East Sea, not only for coastal but also landlocked countries.

Vietnamese Troupe Attends International Circus in Mongolia At the invitation of the Mongolian Circus Association, the Phuong Nam Art Theater of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, consisting ...

Delegation of Mongolian Province Visits Vietnam to Promote Cooperation A delegation from the Mongolian province of Tuv, led by Ts. Jambalsuren, Chairman of the provincial People's Council, worked in Hoa Binh province on November ...

Vietnam Int’l Defence Expo 2022 Slated for Dec 8-10 with 29 Countries and Territories Participating The first-ever international defence exhibition will be held by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence in Hanoi in Hanoi with the participation of exhibitors from ...