The Russian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on June 9 hosted a get-together to mark Russia Day (June 12) and 20 years since Vietnam and Russia signed their Treaty on Fundamental Principles of Friendly Relations.

Russian Consul General Anatoly Vasilievich Borovik said that in its external activities, Russia always wishes to expand its cooperation with Asian-Pacific nations, including Vietnam.

The Russia-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership is developing in all fields, especially in politics, economics and humanitarian activities, he said.

According to the official, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the Vietnamese localities having close ties with Russia’s regions and localities. Russian investors are conducting 20 projects worth 44 million USD in the city, while two-way trade between the city and its Russian partners reached 386 million USD last year.

Congratulating the Russian people on their achievements over the past years, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hong said that Russia has affirmed its important role in the international arena.

The two countries have focused their partnership on oil and gas exploration and exploitation, energy, military affairs and tourism, Hong said, adding that Vietnam is becoming a leading destination to Russian visitors.

Towards the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties (January 2015), Ho Chi Minh will do its utmost to further strengthen the two countries’ friendship and solidarity, stated Hong.-VNA