Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung bid farewell to outgoing Russian Ambassador Andrey Kovtun at a reception in Hanoi on December 3, expressing hope that the diplomat, in any position he undertakes in the future, will do his constructive part for the sake of both nations.

Vietnam is steadfast in deepening ties with Russia, the PM reiterated after praising the bilateral traditional friendship that has been lifted to the comprehensive strategic partnership level.

The ambassador, for his part, pledged to do his utmost to foster bilateral relations between the two countries.

He also asked for more efforts to facilitate visits at all levels and conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia-Belarus and Kazakhstan in early 2015.

The successful launch of joint projects across oil and gas and nuclear energy will open up new chances of cooperation across the board, he assured.-VNA