(VOVworld)- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Hanoi on Monday for an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Vietnam, Russian agree to strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership

During talks after the welcoming ceremony, the two Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership to meet the long-term interests of the two peoples and boost cooperation in various areas. The Prime Ministers stressed the need to maintain, increase delegation exchanges at all levels, diversify cooperation channels between the Parties, States, Governments, Parliaments, social organizations as well as localities, and strengthen cooperation and mutual support in the international arena.

The two leaders urged their ministries, sectors and enterprises to seek ways to boost bilateral cooperation, accelerate the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union by the first half of this year and bring two-way trade to 10 billion USD by 2020. They highlighted the importance of ensuring maximum security and safety during the construction of Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant No 1. They also agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in the fields of the military, science, technology, education, training, culture and tourism. The Prime Ministers shared the view that disputes in the East Sea must be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of respecting international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well as soon finalizing the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Speaking at a press conference after the talks, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said: “We agreed that territorial border disputes and other spatial disputes in the Asia Pacific region need be resolved by peaceful means, not using or threatening to use force and respecting international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in order to maintain peace, stability and security in the region. Russia and Vietnam support the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and the soon to be finalized Code of Conduct in the East Sea. I and his Excellency the Russian Prime Minister agreed to maintain and expand oil and gas cooperation projects within Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf”.

After the talks, they witnessed the signing of a number of cooperative agreements on energy, investment, banking, health care, and transport.

President Truong Tan Sang also received the Russian Prime Minister in Hanoi. President Sang highlighted the development of bilateral ties and expressed his belief that Prime Minister Medvedev’s visit would solidify the comprehensive strategic partnership, especially in trade, energy, oil and gas, nuclear power, military and education.

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung receives Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Hanoi

At a reception for the Russian Prime Minister in Hanoi, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to consolidating the trusted strategic partnership between the two countries. Mr. Hung said Vietnam never forgot the valuable assistance of Russia and treasured their bilateral ties.