Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese government and people will do their utmost to further develop its strategic partnership with Russia to bring practical benefits to both countries.

He delivered that statement while receiving the out-going Russian Ambassador to Vietnam , Vadim Serafimov, in Hanoi on July 22.

The PM reiterated that Vietnam always treasures the development of traditional friendship and strategic partnership with Russia for long-term interests of people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

He highly valued positive contributions that Ambassador Serafimov has made to bilateral ties, especially in the fields of economies, trade, education and training, security and defence during his working term in Vietnam .

The PM expressed expectations that both countries will boost trade and facilitate businesses’ deals in each other’s market and hoped the out-going ambassador will continue contributing to that work in whatever position he will be in.

The outgoing Russian Ambassador expressed his impression and sentiments toward Vietnam and its people, confirming that he will work to foster the two countries’ friendship.

The diplomat emphasised developments achieved in the two countries’ ties, particularly after PM Dung’s visit to Russia in September 2007, as well as gains made in bilateral economic, trade, investment, security, defence, education and training cooperation.

He blamed the global economic crisis for hindering the two countries to achieve their set two-way trade target of 1.5 billion USD and reducing Russia ’s investment in Vietnam .

Accordingly, the outgoing ambassador called on the two countries to boost coordination to remove difficulties and increase cooperation in such fields as energy, telecommunication and science and technology./.