Russian parliamentarian, scholar laud Vietnam's role in ASEAN
Moscow (VNA) – Chairman of the International Affairs
Committee of the Federal Council of Russia Konstantin
Kosachev has lauded Vietnam’s efforts in its capacity as Chair of the 41st General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-41) in ensuring
AIPA’s activities amid the global COVID-19 outbreak.
Addressing the AIPA-41, Kosachev
also spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in promoting global inter-parliamentary
cooperation, saying that Vietnam is one of the locomotives playing an
outstanding role in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other international
forums.
He added that inter-parliamentary exchanges at AIPA play an
important role and Russia sees it as an important mechanism to strengthen
peace, stability and mutually-beneficial cooperation.
In his speech, he said Russia
regards ASEAN as one of the most successful organisations in Asia-Pacific and
Russia-ASEAN dialogue is a crucial factor to ensure regional stability.
Regarding the impacts of COVID-19
pandemic, he said it fails to hinder Russia – ASEAN ties with dialogue
mechanisms being maintained online. Both sides fostered collaboration in
hi-tech, innovation, digital economy via the Russia – ASEAN Business Council.
About Vietnam’s role in ASEAN, well-known
Russian journalist and expert on international affairs Adam Shamir offered
objective and positive feedback.
Talking with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Moscow, he said Vietnam takes the guiding role in ASEAN not only
thanks to crowd but also dynamic population. Its industry and agriculture are
growing while military power is maintained. Despite challenges, Vietnam’s
efforts brought about positive results, contributing to developing ties with
regional nations.
Vietnam’s entry to ASEAN has brought
a new vitality and changes to the bloc, he said, adding that as Russia is
paying more attention to Asia in general, Southeast Asia and Vietnam in particular,
it is striving to develop economic and trade ties with the region.
In order to develop its Far East
region, Russia considers Vietnam a favorite partner and a key ally, he said./.