Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Russia on its significant achievements under President Putin's leadership and expressed his belief that Mr. Putin will continue to support Vietnam and the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam's gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance provided by the former Soviet Union and modern-day Russia throughout history, particularly during the struggle for independence, freedom, and national reunification, and in the current efforts of national defense, construction, innovation, and socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for both sides to closely coordinate to create new momentum for traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, and to promptly address difficulties and obstacles to promote bilateral cooperation.

President Putin emphasized that Vietnam is a long-standing and trustworthy partner, highlighting the relationship's resilience and many positive results. He noted that high-level delegation exchanges have strengthened political trust, serving as a foundation for promoting other areas of cooperation, including economic and trade growth, investment projects, cultural, educational, scientific-technological cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Putin stated that this visit provides an important opportunity for both sides to discuss and agree on measures to promote cooperation in various fields, including economic and trade, science and technology, energy, and people-to-people exchanges, thus strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides agreed to enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen financial-credit cooperation in accordance with international law and the legal regulations of both countries to facilitate trade and investment.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of maximizing the advantages of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and asked Russia to continue removing trade barriers. This effort aims to facilitate trade, especially the export of consumer goods and agricultural and aquatic products from Vietnam to the Russian market. He also requested an increase in the quota for Vietnam's rice exports and support for Russian agricultural exports to access the Vietnamese market.

Regarding investment, the two sides support the early implementation of several large-scale "lighthouse" projects by Russia in infrastructure, railways, urban railways, subways, and renewable energy in Vietnam. This would create favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand and invest effectively in each other's territories.

Emphasizing the importance of oil and gas-energy cooperation, the Prime Minister suggested close coordination to promptly address difficulties and improve the efficiency of joint projects.

Vietnam is ready to facilitate operations for the Vietsovpetro Joint Venture and Russian oil and gas enterprises such as Zarubezhneft and Gazprom. Both sides support expanding cooperation to new, clean, and renewable energy fields, such as LNG and offshore wind power.

The leaders agreed to promote cooperation in science and technology, information and communication, culture, sports, tourism, and labor.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed soon negotiating and implementing agreements on transport and maritime trade to enhance connectivity, trade, and investment; strengthening aviation connectivity; and agreements on travel conditions and recruiting skilled workers, thereby promoting people-to-people exchange and tourism cooperation.

The leaders supported increasing the teaching and promotion of Vietnamese and Russian languages in each country through cultural centers.

The Prime Minister suggested that Russia support training Vietnamese athletes in sports where Russia excels, such as gymnastics and chess.

They also agreed to negotiate and sign a new Agreement on Labor and Vocational Training.

The two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, agreeing to continue close coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai