Lieutenent General Porfiry Ivashko (Photo: VNA)Moscow (VNA) – Lieut. Gen Porfiry Ivashko, oneof the first experts and advisors of the former Soviet Union (now Russia) sentto Vietnam right after the northern border defence war began in the country 40years ago (February 17, 1979), has asserted the just struggle of Vietnamesepeople.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on theoccasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam’s war to defend its northernborder, Porfiry Ivashko said before being dispatched to Vietnam in February1979, he spent time learning about the history, land and people of theSoutheast Asian nation.
He highlighted the time-honoured friendship between Vietnamand the Soviet Union, and Soviet Union people’s material and spiritual supportto Vietnam during resistance wars against invasion as well as their comprehensiveassistance to the country in the northern border defence war.
Vietnam soldiers were very smart and could apply new militaryknowledge and technologies rapidly and effectively, the Lieut. Gen. said.
Despite difficulties, Russian experts and advisors stood sideby side with the Vietnamese army and people during their just fight, whilehelping mobilise international support to the country.
Russian experts were proud to join these efforts ofVietnamese people, he noted.
Porfiry Ivashko shared hardships Vietnamese people sufferedduring the pro-longed anti-US war, and stressed that the Soviet Union alwaysbacked Vietnamese’s just struggle to protect their national independence. –VNA
VNA
