Vietnam supports Russia in enhancing role in Asia-Pacific: Deputy PM hinh anh 1Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (right) and his Russian counterpart Maxim Akimov (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA)
– Vietnam always treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and supports the country in enhancing its role and position in Asia-Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has said.

Receiving his Russian counterpart Maxim Akimov in Hanoi on October 29, the Deputy PM affirmed that Vietnam wishes to deepen the bilateral cooperation in a pragmatic manner.

Binh said the outcomes of the freshly-concluded 22nd session of the Vietnam-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technological Cooperation have reflected joint efforts in removing obstacles to bilateral collaboration and seeking measures to step up the partnership.

Regarding Vietnam-Russia Year 2019, the official urged organisers of both sides to coordinate with each other and use the agreed logos to increase the efficiency of the communication work.

In the sphere of commerce, he pointed out the signs of decline in bilateral trade, with revenue in the first nine months of this year standing at only 3.4 billion USD, down 1.4 percent year-on-year.

Given this, Binh suggested the two sides continue to work together to remove non-tariff barriers in a bid to optimise the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Binh stated that oil and gas is a strategic cooperative sector in the bilateral relationship, noting Vietnam is willing to create favourable conditions for Russian enterprises to expand oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Vietnam’s continental shelf in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He also called on the Russian Government to support and encourage oil and gas firms to expand their activities in Vietnam’s continental shelf.

Akimov, for his part, affirmed that Vietnam is not only an important diplomatic and trading partner but also a traditional friend of Russia.

The highest-level political dialogue between the two countries has created a good foundation for them to advance their trade ties, he said, highlighting common perceptions in international issues and mutual support in the global arena.

The guest said Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 will help to strengthen Vietnam-Russia partnerships across spheres.

He used the occasion to congratulate Vietnam on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, stressing the event is of significance to not only Vietnam but also the world in maintaining regional and global peace and stability./.
VNA