In the framework of his official visit to Russia, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow on May 14.
In the spirit of openness and mutual trust and understanding, the two PMs briefed each other on the situation in each country.
PM Medvedev appreciated Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past time, saying that they have contributed to enhancing Vietnam’s position in the region and the world.
Russia strongly supports the way Vietnam is restructuring its economy, renovating its economic growth model and stepping up international integration, he added.
PM Dung stressed that Vietnam welcomes Russia’s achievements in modernising the country as well as in strengthening and enhancing its role and important contributions to ensure security, co-operation and prosperity in the world.
The two PMs exchanged opinions on orientations and measures to implement the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of politics, economics, trade, investment, energy, defence and security, science and technology, and education and training. Regional and international issues of common concern were also discussed by the two leaders.
They agreed that the reliable political relations between the two sides should be further strengthened through delegation exchanges of all levels, especially top-level delegations.
Regarding economic cooperation, both leaders said the two countries have seen much progress over the past time with strategic projects in the fields of trade, energy, oil and gas, nuclear power and mining.
They spoke highly of the outcomes of the first round of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, in Hanoi in March, 2013, affirming that the signing of this document will be breakthrough to realise the goal of raising bilateral two-way trade value to US$7 billion by 2015 and US$10 billion by 2020.
As for energy cooperation, the two leaders pledged to continue creating favourable conditions for the operation of the two sides’ oil and gas businesses in each country. They also encouraged the establishment of new joint ventures in the sector.
Vietnam and Russia will continue to work together to ensure the construction of the Ninh Thuan I nuclear power plant.
In the field of military co-operation, the two leaders agreed to continue with measures to raise their defence ties to a new height in a more comprehensive manner.
They also agreed to continue boosting bilateral co-operation in the fields of science-technology and education and training to bringing it to a strategic level while stepping up the establishment of the Viet-Russia Technology University in Hanoi.
The two leaders valued the contributions made by Vietnamese citizens in Russia and Russians in Vietnam, saying that the two sides will continue creating comfortable conditions for the people in each country in line with each country’s law.
After the talks, both host and guest witnessed the signing of a 2013-15 co-operation plan between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Russia Federal Agency for Tourism, a 2013-15 co-operation programme between the countries’ Ministries of Justice, and a co-operation agreement in science and technology between Hanoi National University and Moscow State University.
A credit contract between the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade and the International Investment Bank, and a comprehensive co-operation agreement between the Vietnam Railways Corporation, An Vien Group and JSC Russian Railways were also signed.
Meanwhile, the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on producing and using gas as fuel with Russia’s Gazprom, an agreement on the establishment of a drilling joint venture in Russia with Zarubezhneft, and a protocol on oil refinery and petrochemical and oil and gas exploration with Gazprom Neft.
Then, the two PMs met with the media to inform them of the outcomes of their talks.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Medvedev affirmed that Russia attaches special importance to boosting co-operation with Vietnam and will do its utmost to work with Vietnam to further deepen the two countries’ relations.
He expressed his hope that the two sides will promptly sign agreements to foster economic ties, and agree on investment-prioritised lists, especially in energy, infrastructure, culture, education and tourism.
PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam will always remember Russia ’s support in the past and present, and make every effort to develop the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for the common benefit of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.
Earlier, PM Dung offered incense at the Unknown Martyrs’ Monument, and visited Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation and Zarubezneft.
The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Speaker of the State Duma of Russia Sergei Naryshkin.
PM Dung briefed Naryshkin on the outcomes of his talks with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, stressing that with the two sides’ political determination, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia will become more and more effective and practical, making important contributions to each country’s development and meeting the desires of the two peoples.
On the occasion, he conveyed Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung’s invitation to the head of the Russian Duma to visit Vietnam .
Naryshkin appreciated the friendship and co-operative relations between the two countries over the time. He also noted PM Dung’s contributions to boosting bilateral co-operation ties.
The Russian Duma head also spoke highly of contributions by friendship parliamentarian groups between the two sides.
PM Dung and Naryshkin expressed delight over the positive development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. They were also pleased with the fine co-operation between the two countries’ legislative bodies.
Source: Nhandan online
