At the reception, senior lieutenant-general Nghien emphasized that Vietnamese people received enthusiastic support from international friends in its past struggle for national independence and freedom.

Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus in particular provided ammunition and sent thousands of experts to help the Vietnamese people, contributing to their ultimate victory against the US nearly 40 years ago.

Mr Nghien added that although the war is over, the Vietnamese Party, State, people and the army have not forgotten the contribution and devotion of the former Soviet Union’s war veterans.

He hoped that the veterans would make further contribution to national construction and defense of their countries as well as to friendship between their countries and Vietnam.

The head of the delegation of war veterans expressed his delight at visiting Vietnam and his hope that friendship between the Vietnam People’s Army and the armies of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus will rise to new heights.