Vietnam targets closer ties with Russia

The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) will do its utmost to strengthen Vietnam–Russia relations, cultivating greater standing in the Asia–Pacific region, according to NA chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Hung made the statement after holding talks in Ha Noi yesterday with the Chair of the Council of the Federation Assembly (Upper House) of the Russian Federation, Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko.

He introduced his guest to the current situation in Vietnam, declaring that the country is dedicated to pursuing its policy of increasing growth quality, reforming State-owned enterprises and encouraging the stimulation of all economic sectors.

Vietnam upholds its foreign policy of independence, self-control, peace, cooperation and development while increasing multilateral and diverse relations, active and proactive global integration, and acting as a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, Hung added.

He suggested that Vietnam and Russia should continue to exchange delegations at all levels and diversify cooperation channels between the two legislative bodies, ministries and departments.

Matviyenko asked the two legislative bodies to work closely to promote and supervise bilateral projects and to share experiences in lawmaking and administrative reforms, and support each other at international parliamentary forums.

She added that the two legislatures need to support the signing of bilateral trade agreements that will make it easier for economic cooperation. Additionally, Vietnam and Russia should reinforce their partnerships in the areas of education and training to bring the two peoples even closer together.

After the talks, both host and guest signed a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Council of the Federation Assembly of Russia, which is expected to serve as an important foundation in deepening bilateral ties in a more effective and practical manner.

Following the signing ceremony, Matviyenko presented an insignia to Vietnamese NA Deputy Chairman Uong Chu Luu in recognition of his contributions to the cause of parliamentary development. A number of senior Vietnamese officials also received certificates of merit from the Chair of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Wednesday was a busy day for Matviyenko, who fitted in a visit to the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration before meeting with more Vietnamese leaders from Party, State and Government.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spoke highly of her visit, describing it as an important event that will help foster a more effective relationship between the two parliaments, while boosting the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

He hailed the positive development in the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the United Russia Party and he said he highly valued the role that Matviyenko, as a member of the party's Supreme Council, plays in strengthening ties between the two.

At his reception for the visitor, President Truong Tan Sang highlighted the special and deep bond between Vietnam and Russia, who he thanked for their valuable assistance to Vietnam in its fight for national liberation and defence.

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Matviyenko that her visit plays an important role in further strengthening the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dung expressed his hope that the two countries' ministries and departments will work closely to effectively implement the agreements reached by their respective leaders, especially in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science-technology and energy.

Meanwhile yesterday, the Vietnam-Russia and Russia-Vietnam friendship parliamentary groups both agreed to continue increasing cooperation in the fields mentioned by the Vietnamese PM.