General Nguyen Tan Cuong (R), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, presents a gift to Russian Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies, and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Vyacheslavovich Kurenkov during their meeting in Hanoi, March 5, 2026. Photo: Manh Hung
During the meeting, General Cuong stated the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, saying that defense cooperation remains a key pillar of bilateral relations.
He spotlighted achievements in high-level exchanges, training, joint research at the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, and collaboration among military branches.
Cuong praised the effective implementation of agreements signed in 2001 and 2015 between Vietnam’s National Committee for Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and Russia’s Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief and its Civil Defense Academy.
These agreements have facilitated exchanges, training, and participation in international rescue exhibitions in Russia.
Looking ahead, Cuong proposed expanding cooperation in delegation exchanges, training, civil defense, emergency response, and search-and-rescue equipment.
He invited Russian defense industry enterprises and senior delegations to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2026.
Minister Kurenkov commended the progress made in civil defense and emergency management cooperation, stressing that both countries have significant potential to deepen collaboration.
He agreed with Vietnam’s proposals and expressed interest in sharing expertise, particularly in deploying military medical units for rescue operations.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation based on mutual needs and benefits, aiming to further strengthen the Vietnam-Russia partnership.
