Vietnamese leaders and people always want to strengthen and develop the relations with Russia, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Nguyen Thanh Son said on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (January 30, 1950).

In an interview granted to Russia’s Sputnik News Agency, the Ambassador emphasised that the ties between the two countries are always mutually beneficial and pure and faithful, which have gone through many decades of hardship and challenges.

He said the Vietnamese people will never forget the valuable support that the Soviet Union and later Russia have given Vietnam in the past struggle for national independence and the current construction and development.

Discussing bilateral ties, Ambassador Son said the establishment of a free trade area with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan is very important for Vietnam. He noted that the Russian Government hopes Vietnam will become the first Asian country to benefit from the preferential treatment provided by the union. Once signed, the trade deal will pave the way for Vietnam’s industrial, agricultural and food products and help Vietnamese businesses to reinforce their foothold in the market of Russia and this region.

The ambassador also said in the field of military technology cooperation, Russia is a reliable traditional partner of Vietnam. As it was said at the meeting between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vladimir Putin, Russia remains a strategic partner of Vietnam, and the purpose of their bilateral technical military cooperation remains unchanged, he said.

He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to maintain its cooperation with Russia in the traditional field of oil and gas despite the sudden decline in global oil prices and other difficulties facing the Russian economy, adding that Vietnam believes Russia will overcome the difficulties soon with its potential, the spiritual strength of the Russian people and sound leadership.

Regarding Russia’s involvement in a nuclear power project in Vietnam, Ambassador Son said the two sides have agreed on the construction site of the project but further in-depth discussions are still needed to ensure safety in the long run.

Vietnam is consistent in its choice of Russia as partner in the building of its first nuclear power plant, he said.

The ambassador also said he hopes the Hanoi cultural-commercial complex in Moscow will become a symbol of the Vietnam-Russia friendship and a similar facility will be built in Vietnam.-VNA