Researchers and scholars from Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland gathered at a seminar in Russia on May 20 to talk about the issues Vietnam is facing in its relation with the international community.

The event was organised by the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN studies under the Far East Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Participants, who are all leading specialists on Vietnam, touched upon a wide range of issues facing the Southeast Asian country, like its current position and role, progress and challenges as well.

Discussions put on table included Vietnam’s international integration process, its relations with two powers of the US and China and in Russia-ASEAN ties, amendments to the country’s Constitution, and climate change.

In his opening remark, Director of the Far East Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Titarenko underscored the close ties between Russia and Vietnam.

He described the seminar as a follow-up activity of the recent official visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to Russia and the 123rd birth anniversary of the late President Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son stressed that Vietnam always considers its relations with Russia as one of the priorities in its foreign policy.

Vietnam and Russia announced their comprehensive strategic partnership in July 2012 during President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Russia, marking a new milestone in their relations.

The outcomes of the event will be submitted to the Russian Foreign Ministry to serve its making of decisions and policies with Vietnam.-VNA