President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception in Hanoi on December 7 for Governor of Saint Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko.

President Truong Tan Sang (R) and Governor of Saint Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko.

He underlined the traditional relationship between Vietnam and Russia, saying that the two countries already set up comprehensive strategic partnership with a high level of political trust.

The leader applauded Saint Petersburg’s economic strengths as well as its efforts to promote cooperative ties with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and other localities of Vietnam.

He stressed that, as an economic, tourism and cultural centre of Russia, Saint Petersburg should discuss ways to fully tap potential in order to step up cooperation with its Vietnamese partners in accordance with the expectations of senior leaders of both nations.

Governor Poltavchenko also emphasised the time-honoured relations between Russia and Vietnam as well as between Saint Petersburg and Vietnamese localities.

He said this year marks the 10th anniversary of twin relationship between Saint Petersburg and Ho Chi Minh City so the delegation’s ongoing visit aims to further boost economic ties between the two cities.

Entrepreneurs joining the delegation will attend a business forum with their local counterparts to seek partnerships in the fields of energy, hi-tech industry and healthcare. Saint Petersburg also hopes to attract more visitors from Ho Chi Minh City.

VNA