(VOVworld)- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Friday attended the Commemorative Summit marking the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue partnership in Sochi, Russia.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the summit

Leaders from both sides discussed regional and international issues, reviewed their relationship over the past 20 years and set out future directions. The summit approved the Sochi Declaration and 5 major documents: the ASEAN-Russia Comprehensive Action Plan for 2016-2020, report on policy recommendations by prominent figures, the ASEAN-Russia Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Renovation, report on the implementation of working program on ASEAN-Russia trade and investment for 2016-2020 and the ASEAN-Russia working program on agricultural cooperation and food security.

Leaders from ASEAN appreciated Russia’s role and hoped that Moscow will continue to actively take part in ASEAN cooperative mechanisms and to support ASEAN’s central role in the region.

This was the first time Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended an ASEAN summit with Russia as Prime Minister. In his address at the meeting, Mr. Phuc affirmed Vietnam’s stance on reinforcing the ASEAN-Russia ties in a practical and effective manner. 

PM Phuc noted that the two sides now discuss ways to foster cooperation amid both advantages and challenges to their security and development. 

PM Phuc emphasized that the Sochi Declaration and other important documents adopted at the event will lay a crucial foundation and framework for practical and effective ties between ASEAN and Russia. The PM noted that Vietnam and other ASEAN countries consider peace and security in the East Sea critically important to peace and security in the region and the world. He called for efforts to guarantee security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation; not to use or threaten to use force; and not to conduct militarisation.