Vietnam has opened its first international weapons fair, with exhibitors from Japan, the United States and Russia.

The event began at an airbase in the capital Hanoi on Thursday. More than 170 companies and other entities from about 30 countries are showcasing their products.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke at the exhibition's opening. He welcomed the participants from overseas, saying the expo is a good opportunity to strengthen relations.

Vietnam has imported weapons primarily from Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with which the socialist Southeast Asian country enjoyed close ties during the Cold War.

A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that about 66 percent of the weapons imported by Vietnam between 2016 and 2020 came from Russia.

But Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February has stoked concerns in Vietnam over whether Moscow can continue its stable supply of arms.

Analysts are closely watching whether the expo helps Vietnam diversify its weapons suppliers.