Moscow (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev discussed measures to enhancethe two countries’ cooperation during talks in Moscow on May 22.

The host welcomed PM Phuc’s official visit,affirming that Russia always wishes to strengthen the countries’ comprehensivestrategic partnership. In return, PM Phuc reiterated that Vietnam alwaystreasures traditional cooperation and friendship with Russia.

The two leaders highlighted the importance oforganising the Vietnam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Vietnam in 2019and 2020, describing these as major events in bilateral ties, contributions tothe time-tested friendship, and a new driving force for their cooperation.

They said political relations have continuallybeen solidified with frequent mutual visits and meetings at all levels andthrough all channels.

They noted with satisfaction that as a result ofthe free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union thatcame into force in 2016, Vietnam-Russia trade and investment have made strongprogress as bilateral trade reached 4.57 billion USD (over 6 billion USD inRussian data) in 2018, up 28.6 percent year-on-year.

To further tap into their trade partnershippotential, the two sides said they will continue working together to createconditions for their businesses and goods to enter each other’s markets.

The two PMs affirmed that energy is one of the mostimportant pillars of Vietnam-Russia cooperation. They agreed to promotebusinesses’ cooperation in oil and gas exploration and exploitation inVietnam’s continental shelf and Russia’s territory.

They shared the view that despite the manyprojects proposed and carried out, much potential remains in investmentpartnership between their countries. They also welcomed Vietnamese and Russianfirms’ attention to collaboration in developing urban transport and railwayinfrastructure in Vietnam.

The leaders also agreed to accelerate theconstruction of a research centre for nuclear science and technology in theSoutheast Asian nation.

Highly valuing the fruitful cooperation indefence-security, PM Phuc and PM Medvedev said it has helped enhance the twocountries’ strategic mutual trust. They concurred in continuing to expand tiesin other potential spheres such as science-technology, education-training,culture, sports, and tourism.

They also voiced their support for directrelations between Vietnamese and Russian localities, which will help diversifythe all-round cooperation. Some measures were also devised to bolster labourcooperation – a potential area that matches demand on both sides.

PM Phuc took this occasion to thank Russianleaders and relevant agencies for creating conditions for Vietnamese people tolive, do business, and study in the country.

At the talks, the PMs also exchanged views onmany international and regional issues of shared concern, including themaintenance of peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigationand aviation in Asia-Pacific, including the East Sea.

Vietnam spoke highly of Russia’s role as apowerful nation and hopes that it will continue helping ensure regional andglobal peace, security, and stability.

PM Phuc invited his counterpart to visit Vietnamin the near future. For his part, PM Medvedev thanked and accepted theinvitation with pleasure.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessedthe signing of many cooperation documents in such fields as nuclear energy, oiland gas, construction, tourism, justice, and locality-to-locality ties.–VNA