Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talks on the phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (Photo: VNA) Hanoi, (VNA) – DeputyPrime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a phone talk withRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on May 29 on ways to strengthenbilateral cooperation and the two countries’ coordination at the UN Security Council.
The two officials noted with satisfaction the deepened comprehensive strategic partnershipbetween the two countries, and agreed to continue coordinating to promoteexternal activities of their high-ranking leaders in the time ahead and enhancebilateral cooperation in the framework of the Vietnam-Russia, Russia-VietnamYears.
They also exchanged measures tocontain the COVID-19 pandemic, and pledged to assist citizens of the twocountries as well as to coordinate for the timely settlement of arisingproblems. The Russian minister valued Vietnam’s epidemic control measures,saying that they are valuable experience that should be shared with others.
Regarding collaboration in theUN Security Council, Deputy PM Minh appreciated the role, position andcontributions of Russia in the international arena, particularly as a permanentmember of the council. He thanked Russia for the valuable support that thecountry had given to Vietnam during the time the latter ran for a non-permanentseat in the UNSC and participated in the UNSC’s activities, especially whenVietnam served as President of the council in January.
Minh also expressed his hopethat in difficult times, UNSC member countries, especially Russia and other majorpowers, will find a common voice, contributing to preserving and promote apeaceful and stable international environment.
The two officials exchangedviews on the activities of the UNSC during the past nearly six months,discussed and shared information on hotspots like Syria, Libya, Iran, Sudan andSouth Sudan. They vowed to continue working closely and sharing information onissues of common concern.
DeputyPM Minh invited the Russian FM to attend the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) tobe held in early August in Vietnam./.
