(VOVworld)- Russian President Vladimir Putin made a one-day visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang. This is Putin’s third visit to Vietnam, his second as Russia’s President. The visit reflects mutual trust between Vietnam and Russia and contributes to deepening the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation.
The Vietnamese and Russian people have always treasured their solidarity and long-term cooperation which was built and fostered through their national construction and development.
Comprehensive cooperation framework
The two countries’ leaders have always given each other top priority. Russia, which is paying attention to the East and strengthening its role in the Asia-Pacific region, has placed a high value on Vietnam’s role in the region. Meanwhile, Vietnam, with its external policy of openness, diversification and multi-lateralization, has always treasured its comprehensive cooperation with Russia, a world power and a traditional friend.
Since the two countries established a strategic partnership in March, 2001, which was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, the Vietnamese- Russian relationship has entered a new period of dynamic growth.
New opportunities to boost cooperation
However, the economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has not maximized the two countries’ potential. This relationship now enjoys great opportunities following Russia’s joining in the World Trade Organization and Vietnam’s participation in the Free Trade Agreement with the Customs Alliance of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Tran Dang Chung is President of the Vietnamese Business Association in Russia.
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“Thanks to Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization, Vietnamese goods have more opportunities to penetrate Russia. Vietnamese businesses in Russia can take this opportunity to distribute their goods and serve as a bridge linking with Russian businesses to consume Vietnamese goods”.
After signing the FTA with the Customs Alliance of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, Vietnamese and Russian businesses can now benefit from new trade and export opportunities. Vietnamese Trade Counselor in Russia Pham Quang Niem says:“First, the Free Trade Agreement creates a breakthrough in economics, trade and industrial investment between Vietnam and the Customs Alliance. Second, Vietnam will acquire advanced technology and scientific advantages from the Customs Alliance to modernize its economy. Third, more jobs will be created and Vietnam can strengthen service, tourism and investment cooperation with the Customs Alliance”.
Vietnam has conducted three rounds of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with the Customs Alliance. This will be high on the agenda of President Putin’s visit to Vietnam. The Russian President will discuss with Vietnamese leaders cooperation in national defense, energy, education, training, and especially coordination and mutual support in regional and global forums.
Deepening comprehensive strategic partnership
Expectations for President Putin’s visit are high in both countries. Do Xuan Hong is General Director of the Mareven Group and President of the Vietnamese Community Association in Russia: “I think the bilateral ties are sustainable and built up on a time-honored significance. President Putin’s third visit to Vietnam will contribute to deepening the bilateral economic ties. It is further evidence of the two countries’ determination to expand bilateral ties, benefiting their economies, peoples and enterprises”.
Based on a foundation of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, President Putin’s visit to Vietnam will further mutual trust, and deepen the strategic partnership. During the visit, the two sides will work out specific measures to boost the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation.