Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: CPV)

In an interview with Russian news agency TASS prior to the visit, Party leader Trong said he will discuss with the Russian President and other leaders key measures to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. Mr. Trong expressed his belief that the visit to generate momentum for the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership to prosper for the interest of their people and peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific.

He said Vietnam always respects and gives priority to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia. Vietnam wishes to develop economic and trade cooperation as a pillar in bilateral ties.

Vietnam and Russia established diplomatic relations in 1950 and elevated the relationship to strategic partnership in 2001 and then to comprehensive strategic partnership 11 years later. Political ties between the two nations with a high level of trust have been enhanced through the regular exchange of delegations and bilateral meetings at all levels, and via the mechanism of consultation and strategic dialogue.

Vietnam-Russia economic, trade and investment ties have enjoyed dynamic development. After the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union officially came into effect in October 2016, the trade value between the two countries has grown strongly, reaching 5.3 billion USD in 2017. The two nations are striving to lift the bilateral trade to 10 billion USD by 2020. Russia has 117 direct investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of nearly 1 billion USD. Meanwhile, Vietnam is operating 22 investment projects worth nearly 3 billion USD in Russia.