Russia considers developing strategic partnership with Vietnam as a priority in its foreign policy towards Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made the confirmation at his talks with visiting Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh in Moscow on July 9.

President Medvedev spoke highly of the significance of the Vietnamese Party leader’s visit, describing it as an important event that will open up a new development period for the Vietnam-Russia traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

General Secretary Manh reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of further consolidating and developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Russia, considering it to be a priority in the country’s foreign policy.

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the comprehensive development of the Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership in all levels.

They stressed that bilateral ties have withstood the test of time to become an invaluable treasure of both countries which created a firm foundation for the long-lasting cooperation of the two nations.

The two leaders affirmed that the visit is a good chance for both sides to review their bilateral cooperation over the last decade, since the two countries set up strategic partnership.

This is also an opportunity for both sides to discuss measures to boost their comprehensive cooperation, especially in economy-trade and investment, for the next period, they said.

The Vietnamese and Russian leaders agreed to maintain regular high-ranking meetings, increase political talks, exchange ideas on important issues in bilateral ties and international issues and promote relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Russian political parties.

They also emphasised the importance of economic-trade relations in the strategic partnership and agreed to direct relevant ministries and agencies to enhance trade and investment promotion activities, with the aim of raising two-way trade to 10 billion USD in the coming years.

They reached the agreement on speeding up the implementation of the already-reached agreements, including the construction of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, expanding cooperation in oil and gas exploration, production and processing, energy, machinery engineering, mining, banking, telecommunications and aviation.

The two leaders also stressed the significance of expanding cooperation in education and training, culture, tourism and science and technology.

Russia is willing to continue to train Vietnamese staff, especially those in hi-tech sectors, President Medvedev said.

President Medvedev hailed the Vietnamese community’s  role in promoting economic, trade cooperation as well as the friendship between the two peoples. He affirmed Russia’s support and favourable conditions for Vietnamese citizens’ living and studying in line with Russian laws.

General Secretary Manh stressed that the Vietnamese side will facilate Russian citizens’ activities in Vietnam.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two leaders were pleased with their similar views in many international issues.

Manh reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

He voiced his support for Russia to deeply take part in Asia-Pacific connectivity, including the participation in the Asia-Europe dialogue mechanism (ASEM) and East Asia Summit (EAS).

The General Secretary assured Vietnam’s willingness to be a link for Russia to expand multifaceted relations with ASEAN members, emphasising that Vietnam, in capacity as ASEAN Chair 2010, will do its utmost to join ASEAN members and Russia in their efforts to successfully host the ASEAN-Russia Summit in October in Vietnam.

President Medvedev expressed his belief that Vietnam will fulfill its task as Chair of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly in 2010. He affirmed his country’s close working with Vietnam within the G20 framework which Vietnam takes part as ASEAN Chair.

General Secretary Manh invited President Medvedev to visit Vietnam and attend the second ASEAN-Russia Summit. President Medvedev accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Earlier during a private meeting with General Secretary Manh, President Medvedev reaffirmed Russia’s consistent policy of attaching importance to developing strategic partnership with Vietnam.

Following the talks, a ceremony was held to present the Puskin medal, a precious decoration of Russia, to General Secretary Manh for his contributions to developing the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive cooperation, including the cultural area.

Also on the same day, General Secretary Manh met with Speaker of the State Duma B. Gryzlov and Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly S. Mironov.

Manh informed the Russian parliamentary leaders of the results of his talks with President Medvedev. He expressed his belief that his visit to Russia would open up a new page in strategic partnership between the two countries in the coming decades.

The General Secretary and the Russian parliamentary leaders affirmed that the exchange of visits by delegations of senior officials, parliamentarians, has contributed to promoting relations between the two states, helping accelerate the implementation of the agreements signed by the two governments and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.

They stressed that the State Duma and the Federation Council will support and accelerate the implementation of the agreement on construction of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant, contributing to both countries’ development./.