President holds phone conversation with Russian counterpart

President Nguyen affirmed Viet Nam has always attached importance to the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, expressing his wish that both countries would further strengthen bilateral cooperation across fields in the interest of both nations.

President Putin once again congratulated Nguyen upon his election as the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the 2021-2026 tenure.

The two Presidents agreed on the need to take more measures to further facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries, and accelerate the implementation of joint projects in   such key areas like energy, petroleum, defense and security.

On COVID-19 fight, President Nguyen thanked and called on Russia to continue supporting Viet Nam with vaccines, drugs and medical supplies and to step up transfer of vaccine production technology to Viet Nam. President Putin spoke highly of the bilateral cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, affirming that Russia will continue support and close collaboration with Viet Nam to push back the pandemic soon.

Regarding regional and international issues, both sides vowed to continue close and effective coordination at regional forums and agreed on peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, thus contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. President Nguyen affirmed Viet Nam always welcomes and stands ready to serve as a bridge for Russia to expand cooperation with ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

The Vietnamese President took the occasion to extend thanks to President Putin, Government and competent agencies of Russia for having supported the Vietnamese community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic time.

Putin invited Nguyen to pay an official visit to Russia and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure./.

By Hai Minh