State President begins official visit to Russia

During the visit, State President Quang and Russian leaders will discuss ways to enhance the two countries’ ties, especially the implementation of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union.

They will also exchange viewpoints on regional and global issues of common concern, including bilateral cooperation in APEC Year 2017 and within the framework of ASEAN-Russia cooperation.

Relations have been increasingly strengthened through regular delegation exchanges and meetings at all levels, consultations and strategic dialogues.

The bilateral economic and trade connections have also been advancing. Oil and gas cooperation projects are being implemented in both countries and bilateral trade is growing, reaching US$2.7 billion in 2016 – up 25% from 2015.

The figure increased by 30% to US$1.1 billion in the first four months of 2017. The expansion of the partnership in auto assembly and production also shows promise.

Cooperation in defense-security, science-technology, education-training and culture-tourism have also been tightened while cultural exchanges have been held regularly.

Russia is one of the 10 biggest sources of foreign tourists to Viet Nam. More than 430,000 Russian tourists came to the Southeast Asian country in 2016, up 12.8%./. 

By Quang Minh