VN-Russia relations developing positively

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov, Ha Noi, April 16, 2014 - Photo: VGP

The agreement was made during their talks in Ha Noi on Wednesday on the occasion of the Russian FM’s official visit to Viet Nam from April 15-16.

In terms of politics-diplomacy, the two countries have maintained regular mutual consultation and exchange of visits, said Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh at the press conference after the talks.

The two-way trade stood at nearly US$4 billion in 2013 while important results have been achieved in energy cooperation. Progress has also been made in other fields like national defense and security, culture, education, tourism.

Deputy PM Minh, however, noted that the trade value still remains modest in comparison to the two countries’ potentials as it only accounts for some 1% and 0.5% of the total import-export figures of Viet Nam and Russia, respectively.

Both sides deliberated on measures to expand the bilateral cooperation, especially in economy, trade, culture, education, science and technology as well as coordination in the international arena.

They also discussed on the implementation of key projects, including the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant No. 1 and construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Viet Nam; measures to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese people to work effectively and legally in Russia.

Regarding regional and international situation, Deputy PM Minh expressed his belief that Russia will continue to promote its role in enhancing cooperation in Asia-Pacific, especially at multi-lateral forums coordinated by ASEAN like EAS and ARF.

Deputy PM, FM Minh called for practical, transparent and responsible engagement of big countries in the region because it will only benefit all, including Russia and Viet Nam.

According to Deputy PM, FM Minh, Viet Nam and Russia will celebrate the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2015. The bilateral relations have been built and nurtured with mutual trust and cooperation.

For his part, Russian FM Lavrov highly valued the expansion of the bilateral ties thanks to both countries’ efforts.

He believed that the two-way trade will continue to rise after Viet Nam and the Customs Alliance of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan sign the free trade agreement.

Mr. Lavrow said the two countries shared the same views on many international issues, including their support for the United Nations’ leading role in expanding the collective principle in international relations.

He also said Russia advocates Viet Nam’s active role in ASEAN and ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.

On the occasion, the two Foreign Ministries signed a cooperation plan for the 2-15-2015./.

By Huong Giang