PM holds talks with Russian counterpart

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev at the press confernece after talks, Ha Noi, November 19, 2018 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

Infographics: Key figures of VN-Russia relations 

PM Phuc revealed that the two sides had practical and effective talks; assessed achievements in the bilateral ties; discussed and agreed specific orientations and measures to beef up cooperation in the coming time. 

The two PMs praised the special relations, traditional friendship, comprehensive strategic partnership, political relations, regular dialogue, and close coordination on the international arena. 

To cement the comprehensive strategic partnership, the two sides were unanimous in consolidating the political ties; maintaining exchanges of delegation especially high-ranking ones; preparing for the Viet Nam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Viet Nam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on fundamental principles of Viet Nam-Russia friendly relations in 2019 and the 70th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2020. 

Over the past time, two-way trade turnover grew positively. In 2017, trade turnover hit over US$ 3.55 billion. In the first nine months of 2018, two-way trade volume valued US$ 3.45 billion, representing a year-on-year surge of 38%. 

The two countries will work closely to optimize the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU); strive for over US$ 10 billion trade turnover by 2020; support major projects especially in such areas as petroleum, energy, industry, infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and tourism. The two sides will create favorable ways for agro and fishery exports. 

“We satisfy with the cooperation in national defense, security, science, technology, culture, tourism, education, and local level with positive outcomes,” said PM Phuc. 

The two sides also discussed  international and regional issues of common concern including the maintenance of peace, stability, security, freedom of navigation and aviation, settlement of disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards  a Conduct of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Viet Nam, said PM Phuc, respects for and hopes that Russia will continue to make positive contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.  

PM Medvedev said that the two sides discussed development orientations including the political relations, economics, trade, science and technology. 

“We have defined specific steps for future cooperation,” said PM Medvedev.

He went on to say that Russia will cooperate with Viet Nam in industries, fuel and oil, transport. 

PM Medvedev stressed that Russia will also facilitate joint projects of Gazprom, Zarubezhnev and PetroVietnam. 

The Russian PM also hailed the increasing number of Russian tourists to Viet Nam. 

He was convinced that the Russia Year in Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Year in Russia would help local people to understand culture, customs, and practices of the respective country.

He believed that the talks would contribute to cementing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia./.

By Kim Anh