Vietnam and Russia have a fine traditional relationship and cooperation that has been continually consolidated and promoted over the years. In March 2011, the two countries signed the strategic partnership. On July 27, 2012, the two countries announced a Joint Declaration on further strengthening the comprehensive partnership.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (right) receives Russian Prime Minister Medvedev. State President Truong Tan Sang (right) receives Russian Prime Minister Medvedev. National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (right) talks with Russian Prime Minister Medvedev. During his stay in Vietnam Russian Prime Minister Medvedev lays a wreath at Bac Son War Martyr Monument, Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Dan - VNA

During the talk between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Russian counterpart D.A.Medvedev, the two sides agreed to step up political relations through the exchange of multi-level delegations and diversifying cooperative channels.

The pair hailed the results of the 15^th meeting of the Inter-governmental Committee on Economic-Trade and Science-Technology held in Moscow from October 17-19 and highlighted achivements in key cooperation fields, including trade, nuclear energy, oil and gas, technology and military as well as other fields of science-technology, education-training, culture and tourism.

The two sides focused on discussing directions and measures to implement strategic cooperation projects and increase economic exchanges to realise the set target of raising bilateral trade to seven billion dollar by 2015.

The two leaders spoke highly of oil and gas exploration and exploitation in both Vietnam and Russia conducted by the existing joint-ventures.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stressed Vietnam pays special attention to promoting cooperation with Russia in the field of energy in general and oil and gas in particular and suggested Russia continue providing favourable conditions for oil and gas enterprises of both countries to establish new joint ventures to participate in projects in Russia.

He asserted that the Vietnamese Government would continue creating the best possible conditions for Russian companies to implement projects on oil and gas cooperation in Vietnam’s continental shelf. Russian Prime Minister Medvedev said the Russian Government and companies would continue cooperating with Vietnam to explore and exploit oil and gas in Vietnam’s continental shelf in the near future and support and provide favourable conditions for the two countries’ joint-venture companies to strengthen and expand cooperation in Russia.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked Russia to faciliate the establishment of joint ventures producing garments, footwear, wooden furniture, seafood and electronic products in Russia’s Far Eastern region as well as in other major cities. For his part, the visiting Prime Minister affirmed the Russian Government would offer incentives for Vietnamese enterprises to seek investment opportunities in the Far Eastern region as well as other areas in Russia.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in the areas of security-defence, science-technology, education-training, culture, sports, tourism and banking.

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the two countries’ collaboration and mutual support at the United Nations and at regional and international forums. Prime Minister Medvedev hoped that Vietnam would continue to act as a bridge for Russia to strengthen its ties with ASEAN and Southeast Asian countries.

The official visit to Vietnam by Russian Prime Minister Medvedev affirmed the determination of the two countries’ leaders and people to promote the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia.

On the occasion, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung met Russian Prime Minister Medvedev.