President Tran Dai Quang hosted a warm reception in Hanoi on April 19 for Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov, assuring his guest that Russia is a high priority in Vietnam’s diplomatic policy.

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov

He informed the ambassador that Vietnam is working with Russia to prepare for the ASEAN-Russia Summit to be held in Sochi city in May.

In the annual list of priority tasks to boost Vietnam – Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, the President suggested focusing on the political-diplomatic, economic-trade, national defence-security pillars, particularly oil and gas, and nuclear power.

The host urged Vnukov to recommend that the Russian Government early sign a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in which Russia is a member.

Amid the complicated developments globally, he also suggested Russia enhance cooperation with Vietnam in regional and global forums as well as in matters of shared concern.

Vietnam always supports and shares sympathy with Russia over the current embargoes and sanctions, he said.

On the occasion, he also extended his invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Vietnam in his convenience.

Vnukov, for his part, hailed Vietnam as a long-time and trustworthy friend which will be a priority in Russia’s external relations with Asia-Pacific.

He said the upcoming ASEAN-Russia Summit in Sochi is one of Russia’s major diplomatic events this year, adding that Russia is ready to welcome Vietnamese high-ranking leaders to the event.

The Russia parliament stands ready to approve the FTA between Vietnam and the EEU, he stated, expressing his belief that FTA member countries will adopt the deal in the foreseeable future to make it valid later this year.

VNA