Vietnam, Russia agree on solid foundation of bilateral ties

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov sign the Cooperative Plan between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in 2019-2020 period following their talks in Ha Noi on March 23, 2018. Photo: VGP

The aforementioned viewpoint was reached by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam from March 22 to 23, during their talks in Ha Noi on Friday morning.

The two sides reviewed the bilateral cooperation, whilst discussing and agreeing on the key directions and measures aiming to effectively developing the Viet Nam-Russia cooperation for mutual benefits.

They agreed to strengthen the exchange of all-level delegations, especially at the high level; maintain and enhance the efficiency of existing cooperation, dialogue and consultation mechanisms; and facilitate the negotiation and signing of new cooperation deals, aiming to create a legal base for bilateral cooperation across spheres.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the currently effective implementation of the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), thus creating a momentum for economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two nations.

They agreed to exert greater efforts to bring two-way trade to US $10 billion by 2020 US$ 3.55 billion in 2017, up 31% compared to 2016.

The officials also reached consensus on timely coordination in addressing the issues arising in the implementation process of the Viet Nam-EAEU FTA, seeking to create more favorable conditions for the exchange of goods, services and investments between Viet Nam and Russia.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the enhanced bilateral relations in the fields of defense-security, education-training, science-technology, culture, tourism and humanities, thus contributing to further tightening solidarity and friendship between the two countries’ people.

The two sides consented to organize Year of Viet Nam in Russia and Year of Russia in Viet Nam in 2019 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Treaty on fundamental principles of the bilateral friendly ties.

Deputy PM Minh expressed his thanks to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and functional agencies for creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia, proposing Russia launch more mechanisms to help them stabilize their lives and uphold their bridging role in the two nations’ friendship and cooperation.

Regarding international and regional issues of mutual concerns, the two side highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, ensuring maritime and over-flight security, safety and freedom as well as respecting diplomatic and legal processes, peacefully addressing disputes on the East Sea in line with the international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Viet Nam and Russia commit to strengthening cooperation at multi-lateral forums at the United Nations and ASEAN, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader congratulated Russia on successful organization of the Presidential election and President Putin for his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation.

After the talks, the two sides signed the Cooperative Plan between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in 2019-2020 period, paving the way for further cooperation in the upcoming time, making contributions to consolidating and enhancing Viet Nam-Russia Strategic Partnership.