(VOV) - At a reception in Hanoi yesterday for a visiting delegation of war veterans from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh praised the support and assistance of international friends, especially those from the former Soviet Union. Thanh said that during the war against the US, 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 including those from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. General Thanh said the visit offers an opportunity for the veterans of the former Soviet Union to witness Vietnam’s achievements in its construction and defense process. He expressed his delight at receiving souvenirs of the veterans and others who died in the war in Vietnam to be exhibited at Vietnam’s military museum to teach younger generations about Vietnam’s solidarity with international friends.