VN-Russia: PMs hold talks, contracts signed

The two leaders discussed and agreed on a wide range of measures to concretize the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation.

They showed their determination to lift the two-way trade turnover to US $10 billion in the coming years. They asked their respective ministries and agencies to kick start negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.

Việt Nam commits to create favorable conditions for Russian businesses to bring their strengths into the Southeast Asian country, especially in the fields of energy, electronics and telecommunication.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, health, and tourism. Accordingly, an international-standard Việt Nam-Russia University will be built in Việt Nam and an agreement on recognition of academic diploma signed. The Russian Government pledged to provide 300 scholars annually to Vietnamese students since the school year 2010-2011.

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng (2nd from right, first row) visits the Mashinostroenhie Complex, Moscow, Russia Federation, December 15, 2009 – Photo: VGP/Nhật Bắc

The two PMs also deliberated on some strategic cooperation fields, including atomic energy, petroleum and military technology on the basic of mutual understanding and trust. Many cooperation documents have been signed in these fields.

The National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) inked a strategic cooperation agreement and many contracts on oil exploration with Gazprom and Zarubeznhep groups.

The Việt Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (VINACOMIN) also concluded agreements on exploring coal in Siberia and the Far Eastern Region.

Việt Nam reached agreements to buy submarines, planes and military equipment with Russia’s proper assistance and officially invited Russia to engage in building the first nuclear power plant.

The two PMs highly valued efforts of the Inter-Governmental Committee on economic-trade-science-technology cooperation over the past time for the signing of the above agreements.

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng made a speech at the opening ceremony of the VRB Bank (a joint venture between  Việt Nam and Russia), Moscow, Russian Federation, December 15, 2009 – Photo: VGP/Nhật Bắc

The deep understanding and agreements are among the key factors for the two sides to continue realizing the strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Russian Federation, the two leaders stated.

PM Dũng expressed his optimism that the bilateral ties would experience stronger and wider development in the future on the basis of mutual interests and assistance for peace, stability and development in Asia, Europe and the world.

Right after the talks, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng and his Russian counterpart V. Putin signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the results of their talks and witnessed the signing ceremonies of the reached agreements.

By Hải Minh