Russia will keep providing modern weapons to Vietnam: Foreign Minister

By Vu Anh   February 25, 2019 | 04:41 pm PT
Russia will keep providing modern weapons to Vietnam: Foreign Minister
The 015 Tran Hung Dao, a Russian built Gepard-class frigate, docks at Yokosuka port of Japan on September 27, 2018. Photo by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia will continue to supply modern weapons to Vietnam towards fortifying national sovereignty and security.

"Defense cooperation has always played an important role in our relations. We are ready to continue fulfilling Vietnam’s need for modern weapons to help ensure the country’s security and protect its sovereignty," Russian News Agency quoted him as saying Saturday.

Russia and Vietnam had also been effectively cooperating in cybersecurity, Lavrov noted.

Russia has been a major provider of military hardware for Vietnam for decades.

In a recent purchase, Vietnam inked a deal worth $2 billion in 2009 to buy six Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines to strengthen its maritime forces. The contract also includes training for Vietnamese crew in Russia.

The fifth submarine was delivered to Vietnam in February 2016 and the sixth one arrived at the Cam Ranh Port in the central province of Khanh Hoa in January 2017.

Also in 2017, Vietnam received the final two of four Russian-built Gepard-class frigates it had ordered earlier. The first two were delivered in 2011.

 
 
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