Russia’s Republic of Sakha leader affirms closer ties with Vietnam
Moscow (VNA) – Russia’s Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
clearly understands the relationship
with Asian partners, sees opportunities for new mutually beneficial ties, and
actively promotes relations with many ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, its
head Aisen Nikolaev told foreign
reporters during a press conference on March 23.
The
reporters arrived in the capital
city of Yakutsk to attend the International Conference on Climate
Change and Melting of the Permafrost held from March 22-24 during Russia's alternate
chairmanship of the Arctic Council for the 2021-2023 tenure.
Nikolaev believed that
the strategic geo-political location of the Republic of Sakha in the Far East
will positively step up such relationships. In particular, he mentioned a
project to establish a transportation corridor that could connect Yakutia with
Asia and bring Yakutia's products to ASEAN countries and vice versa. He also
outlined possible areas of cooperation, including mineral exploitation.
He
said a Yakutia delegation had visited Vietnam and identified several areas for
positive cooperation with Vietnam, from tourism to mineral export from Yakutia.
This
year, Yakutia will join international exhibitions held in Vietnam, he said,
adding that he is delighted at welcoming Vietnamese businesspeople to Yakutia
to explore opportunities.
According
to him, investment climate in Russia and Yakutia in particular has
significantly improved. Yakutia leaps to the 13th place from 50th in 2018 in the rankings of investment-friendly localities
in Russia.
Regarding the
development of cultural and sports ties with Yakutia, he revealed that Yakutia
will host the Summer Games "Children of Asia" next year, one of the largest
sports events for children in Asia, and invited ASEAN member countries,
including Vietnam, to join this major event./.