Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh on April 23 received a
delegation of war veterans from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, who
are visiting Vietnam at the invitation of the defence ministry.

During the war against the US , the Vietnamese people and military
received wholehearted and efficient support and assistance from
international friends, especially from the Soviet Union and other
socialist countries, Thanh told the guests.

He noted
that Russia, Ukraine and Belarus sent thousands of military
experts and consultants to Vietnam, contributing to the victory of
the Vietnamese people.

The Vietnamese people and
army always treasure the warm sentiment and great assistance from
international friends, especially Russia, Ukraine and Belarus,
the defence leader stressed.

At the reception, the
veterans recalled their memories of Vietnam during the war. They
said they hope the people and army of Vietnam, under the leadership
of the Communist Party of Vietnam, gain more great achievements.-VNA