President Truong Tan Sang hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 16 for Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, who is here to attend the 16th session of the Vietnam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

President Sang thanked the Russian Government and people for their valuable support for Vietnam in the past and at present.

He expressed his hope that the two sides continue cooperating closely on the basis of their comprehensive strategic partnership, for each country’s interest and for stability and development of the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader also stressed the need to exert more efforts to increase economic and trade cooperation and expand investment in the fields of their strength such as oil and gas exploration and exploitation, ship repair and military technology.

He suggested that the two sides review signed mechanisms, policies and agreements and make necessary amendments to create a legal basis for stronger business and investment cooperation between the two nations.

Deputy PM Shuvalov said his visit to Vietnam aims to prepare cooperation documents on education, economics, energy and military technology for the upcoming visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On the basis of mutual understanding, the two sides will work together to solve obstacles for some projects and set up joint working groups on labour, migration and infrastructure construction, he said, adding that Russia will provide credit for atomic energy projects and coordinate with Vietnam in attracting investment.

The Russian guest noted that bilateral economic and trade cooperation has seen growth, but yet to match the two countries’ potential and fine political ties.

Positive outcomes of negotiations in an Asian-European economic union agreement will be an important basis to promote economic ties between the two countries and the two regions, he added.-VNA