Vietnam attends International Security Conference 2016

The event brings together over 500 participants, including military officials and experts from over 80 countries and territories. General Ngo Xuan Lich, Member of the Politburo and Defense Minister, leads a high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation paying an official visit to Russia to attend the event.

The discussion at the conference has been focusing on the fight against terrorism.

Speaking at the event, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Soigu called for international cooperation in establishing a united alliance based on international law and the United Nations’ Charter. He reaffirmed that Russia plays an important part in military cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, meaning its relations with countries in the region are a top priority.

"We praise the establishment of a fair and inseparable security cooperation mechanism in the Asia–Pacific region based on principles of international law. The mechanism tends to resolve disputes by peaceful measures, with respect to each party’s benefits." - Sergey Soigu, Russian Defense Minister.

In his speech, Vietnamese Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich pointed out both traditional and new challenges facing the region, such as migration, trans-national crime, epidemics, cybercrime and natural disasters.

Therefore, he valued Russia’s contributions to peace and stability in the Asia–Pacific region and confirmed that Vietnam always hopes to contribute to maintain peace and stability in the region.

"Vietnam pursues a policy of harmony and self-defense. The country does not personally support any fight or disputes between countries or territories. Its relations with other partners is based on mutual respect and avoiding actions that are harmful to other countries, with the aim of resolving disputes by peaceful means and in accordance with international law." - General Ngo Xuan Lich, Vietnamese Defense Minister.

General Lich also expressed the hope that Russia will participate more in ASEAN, to make ASEAN operations more effective and practical.