Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterPham Minh Chinh on April 6 received Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Chernyshenko, who is in Vietnam for an official visit and to co-chair the 24th session of the Vietnam-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for economic, trade and scientific-technical cooperation.

The host leader affirmed Vietnam’sconsistent foreign policy of independence, multilateralisation and diversificationof external relations, being a good friend and trustworthy partner ofcountries, and being a responsible member of the international community, stressing that Vietnam does not choose sides but choose justice and reason.

He underlined that the Vietnamese Governmentalways treasures the traditional friendship and sound cooperation in the spiritof the Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, keeps in mind theRussian people’s assistance for Vietnam during trying times, and pays attentionto promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in different spheres, includingeconomy - trade, investment, science, technique, education - training, culture,tourism, and sports for the sake of both sides and the two peoples’connectivity.

At the meeting, both host and guestspoke highly of the recent cooperation achievements, with political tiesmaintained and partnerships in traditional areas continuing to be strengthened.

They affirmed that the 24th meeting of the Vietnam - Russia Inter-governmental Committee, held in Hanoi on April 6, was a chance for the two sides to devisemeasures for further enhancing bilateral cooperation and create new drivingforces for effectively implementing joint projects in the time ahead.

Chernyshenko said the RussianGovernment views Vietnam as one of the leading partners in the region andshares the Southeast Asian country’s viewpoint on the respect for internationallaw and the UN Charter.

He expressed his hope that the twosides will maintain contact and discussion to deal with arising problems in a timelymanner and propose measures for implementing bilateral cooperation.

The visiting official also informedhis host about the main outcomes of the Inter-governmental Committee’s meetingas well as the business forum participated by nearly 200 companies of bothcountries on the sidelines of the meeting.

Applauding the meeting’s outcomes, PMChinh said the two sides should promote the role of the Inter-governmentalCommittee to foster multi-faceted relations, including in further raising bilateraltrade, expanding investment in the fields in which the countries have potentialand demand, and exploring new cooperation areas matching current trends such asepidemic control, climate change fight, clean energy, and digital governmentbuilding.

He also thanked the Russian leadersand Government for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese communityto work, live, and study in the country, asking for their continued attentionto the Vietnamese citizens there./.