Moscow (VNA) – Russia attaches importance to the strategic partnershipwith Vietnam in the new context, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharovahas said.

She made the remarks on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing ofthe Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership statement (March 1).

The statement is a clear confirmation of the aspirations of Vietnamese andRussian people for enhancing the bilateral ties on the basis of thetime-honoured friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the twocountries, the spokeswoman said.

The signing is the result decades-long, effective collaboration between Vietnamand Russia across spheres, while demonstrating their determination to expandthe relationship in the new historical context, according to the statement.

Zakharova said over the past two decades, the strategic partnership has reaped impressiveachievements, with high-level political dialogues and visits at the highestlevel by leaders of the two countries maintained.

Meanwhile, cooperation in trade, economy, military and military technology,science-technology, and humanitarian collaboration have also received more momentum.

She highlighted the intensified exchanges between the parliaments, Parties andlocalities, and new cooperation mechanisms, saying Vietnam and Russia elevatedtheir relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021.

The solidarity and mutual support have been reflected during the fight againstthe COVID-19 pandemic, Zakharova said.

Vietnam and Russia have provided consultations and other necessary aid for eachother, while sharing experience in the combat, she elaborated.

Given difficulties facing the region and the world, the comprehensive strategicpartnership remains an important factor of Russia’s foreign policy inAsia-Pacific, the spokeswoman said.

On this occasion, Russia’s TASS news agency had an interview with Russian Ambassadorto Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov who said the bilateral ties have made progressover the past two decades.

Thanks to joint efforts, the two countries have reached serious agreements,even breakthrough ones, to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship inall fields, the ambassador said.

Mentioning the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian EconomicUnion, he said the deal has contributed to raising Vietnam-Russia trade to 5.7billion USD in 2020 given the pandemic.

He stressed effective cooperation in oil and gas, with the formation of suchjoint ventures as Vietsovpetro, Rusvietpetro, Gazpromviet and Vietgazprom thathave benefited both sides./.