(VOVworld) –  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev have pledged to strengthen the two countries’ friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Phuc’s on-going visit to Russia. At a reception for Mr. Phuc, Mr. Medvedev said Russia has always considered Vietnam one of its top Asia-Pacific partners. Mr. Phuc stressed Vietnam’s consistent policy of promoting the traditional amity and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev held talks in Moscow, Russia on May 16.

The Prime Ministers agreed to continue all-level delegation exchanges and existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms. They agreed to make concerted efforts to shore up bilateral trade by creating favorable conditions for trade activities, fostering trade promotion events, and capitalising on the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and other free trade agreements.  The two leaders concurred in supporting oil and gas joint ventures in each country, strengthening collaboration petroleum refining and liquefied gas production, and expanding their partnerships in other countries.

They vowed to maintain a close and effective cooperation in defense and security, particularly in military technique, and to expand cooperation in science, technology, education, training, culture, tourism, labor, and between localities.
The Prime Ministers shared the view that marine disputes need to be resolved through peaceful measures with respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and eventually, a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Vietnam and Russia have committed to maintain a close and effective cooperation in various fields.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperative agreements on petroleum, investment, and personnel training. Prime Minister Phuc spoke at a joint press conference following their meeting: “We’ve also discussed projects in social humanity and fundamental exploration. We will implement practical measures to carry out the FTA between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam. We will urge ministries, sectors, and special government teams to resolve emerging difficulties in the implementation process in line with the Vietnam-Russian strategic partnership.”

Prime Minister Medvedev said he believes that the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement will expand cooperation in high-tech, agriculture, mining, shipbuilding, and tourism, as well as petroleum.  “We have worked to boost bilateral investment in energy and other sectors. Russian enterprises have invested in 100 big projects in other sectors besides petroleum. Petroleum and energy cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is of strategic importance. Russian enterprises have invested in Vietnam and vice versa.”