Vietnam continues facilitating Russian companies’ deployment of joint oil and gas projects in its continental shelf as the country attaches special attention to boosting cooperation with Russia in the energy sector, especially the oil and gas industry, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said.

The Vietnamese leader laid stress on the issue during his talks with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Hanoi on November 7 following an official welcome ceremony held at the Presidential Palace for the Russian PM on his third visit to Vietnam .

He asked for Russia allowing for the establishment of new joint ventures between Vietnamese and Russian companies in the field and their participation in projects in Russia .

Prime Minister Medvedev assured his host of continued cooperation in finding and producing oil and gas in Vietnam’s continental shelf in the coming time.

The Russian Government will support and create the best possible conditions for the two countries’ joint venture companies to strengthen and expand cooperation in Russia, he also stated.

The two Prime Ministers spoke highly of oil and gas exploration and exploitation in both Vietnam and Russia conducted by the existing joint ventures.

In an atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual understanding, the two PMs briefed each other of political, economic and social situation and external policies in their countries and exchanged views on bilateral relations, and international and regional issues of mutual concern.

They agreed to step up political relations through the exchange of delegations at different levels, especially the high-ranking ones, and diversify cooperation channels.

The two PMs hailed the results of the 15 th meeting of the inter-governmental committee on economics-trade and science and technology held in Moscow on October 17-19, and highly valued the achievements in the key cooperation fields, including trade, nuclear energy, oil and gas, military and technology.

Both sides discussed the orientation and measures to implement strategic cooperation projects and increase trade exchange to realise the set target of raising bilateral trade to 7 billion USD by 2015.

They stressed the importance of negotiations on the establishment of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus , which are expected to be completed within two years since the scheduled launch in the first quarter of 2013.

At the talks, PM Dung asked Russia to facilitate the Vietnamese side’s establishment of joint ventures producing garments, footwear, wooden furniture, seafood and electronic products in Russia ’s Far Eastern region as well as in some other big cities.

For his part, the visiting PM affirmed that the Russian government will adopt incentives for Vietnamese enterprises which seek investment opportunities in the Far Eastern region as well as other localities in Russia.

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in security, defence, science and technology, education and training, culture, sports, tourism, and banking as well as local ties.

The two PMs expressed their pleasure at the two countries’ collaboration and mutual support at the UN as well as at regional and international forums and organisations.

PM Medvedev said he hopes that Vietnam will continue to act as a bridge for Russia to strengthen its ties with ASEAN and Southeast Asian countries.

On the occasion, PM Dung thanked the Russian leaders and local authorities for enabling the Vietnamese community to reside and make a living in a stable manner in Russia .

He said he believes that the Vietnamese community will bring into full play their role as a bridge for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

PM Dung highlighted the Russian Prime Minister’s visit, the first high-ranking one since the two countries lifted their relations to comprehensive strategic partnership in July this year, as an important event, contributing to consolidating and developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Russia.

The two PMs shared the view that the outcomes of the visit will create a new, strong impulse for the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Medvedev invited Prime Minister Dung to pay an official visit to Russia. Prime Minister Dung accepted the invitation. The visit will be arranged via diplomatic channel.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of an agreement on the exploration and use of space for peaceful purpose and some cooperation documents in energy and trade and met with the press.-VNA