Russia’s external affairs official visits Vietnam

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue hosted a reception in Hanoi on June 7 for a delegation from the Communist Party of Russia led by Leonid Kalashnikov, who is also First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

The host thanked the Communist Party of Russia for its efforts to boost the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia over the past many years.

He informed his guest about the outcomes of the 12 th National Party Congress and major orientations to the country’s development.

Vietnam will continue pursuing its policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, multilateralisation and diversification of ties, extending mutually-beneficial partnerships with countries worldwide, Hue said, adding that the Party, State and Government of Vietnam always treasure and prioritise the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia.

The Deputy PM said Vietnam wants to strengthen the Party’s external relations and people-to-people diplomacy, particularly increasing the exchange of all-level visits and visits by the two countries’ youths.

According to Hue, the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in May 2015 is a significant milestone that will raise two-way trade as agreed by their leaders.

Once the signed agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Alliance of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan takes effect, Vietnam and Russia should further increase trade as Vietnam is an important gateway to ASEAN markets, he suggested.

Kalashnikov, for his part, said Russia continually values the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, considering the country a top partner in Southeast Asia.

The Communist Party of Russia wants to make positive contributions to bilateral cooperation, he confirmed.-VNA