(VOVworld) – In a Joint Statement signed on November 25 during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to Russia, Vietnam and Russia confirmed their consistent policy of fostering theỉ comprehensive strategic partnership and stressed the coordinating role of the Vietnam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee in economic, trade, science, and technology cooperation. 

They expressed their satisfaction at negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan and hoped that the agreement will be signed next year. They stressed the strategic importance of cooperation in nuclear power, particularly construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant with state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum security and economic efficiency. They also agreed to accelerate the implementation of a project to build a Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Vietnam. The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Vietnam’s continental shelf according to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and in new energy projects under Vietnam’s energy development plan until 2030. They emphasized prospects for cooperation in the areas of industry, agriculture, fisheries, credit, finance, military, military technology, national defense, and security. They confirmed the importance of greater cooperation in education, science, and technology and fostering cooperation on humanitarian issues. They agreed to work closely together to celebrate a number of important historical events next year. The leaders pledged to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese and Russian citizens to work and live in the other country and to support each other at regional and global forums.

The two sides agreed that Mr. Trong’s visit will create greater momentum for the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. President Putin accepted Mr. Trong’s invitation to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time, which will be agreed upon via the diplomatic channel.