Top legislator greets Russian lawmakers

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) shakes hands with Vice Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia Karelova Galina Nikolaevna, Ha Noi, January 17, 2018 - Photo: VNA

On behalf of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Chairwoman Ngan warmly welcomed the Russian guests who were present in Viet Nam for the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26). 

The host leader affirmed that Viet Nam attaches importance to and gives a priority to cementing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Russian Federation; and hopes to promote effective cooperation in all fields. 

The top legislator said that the two-way trade turnover fetched US$ 3.2 billion as of late November 2017, suggesting the two sides effectively realize the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement that took effect in 2016 to maintain trade growth. 

She wished that the Russian parliament will provide necessary legal assistance to sign an agreement on food quality control, thus making it easier for Vietnamese firms to export farm and aquatic produce to Russia. 

The Chairwoman called for providing all possible support for the two countries’ oil and gas joint-ventures to operate effectively, and affirmed that Viet Nam backs Russia in new energy, railway and metro construction projects in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Viet Nam is willing to support the establishment of an automobile manufacturing joint-venture in the near future, she said. 

Ms. Ngan also wished to receive Russia’s assistance in cow farming and milk processing, and clean vegetables farming projects.  

She said the Vietnamese NA always actively joins parliamentary cooperation activities hosted by Russia, and wished that the two legislatures will continue working closely within the framework of the multilateral parliamentary cooperation such as the International Parliamentary Union and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting.

In return, Vice Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia Karelova Galina Nikolaevna, for her part, informed the host that the Russian delegation prepares five draft resolutions on specific issues for consideration at the APPF-26. 

She said Russia attaches importance to promoting trade-economic link, tourism and cultural exchange with Viet Nam. 

The guest also took the occasion to invite the Vietnamese top legislator to attend the Asia-Europe Women’s Forum in Russia this year./.

By Kim Loan