Vietnam, Russia hold seventh strategic dialogue

The seventh annual Vietnam-Russia Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy-Defence-Security was held in HCM City on November 15. 

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son had working sessions with his Russian counterpart Igor V.Morgulov.

In the framework of comprehensive strategic partnership, the two sides discussed measures to beef up bilateral cooperation in an open and reliable spirit and highlighted the fine development of political ties over the years. They underscored the importance of the exchange of regular high-level dialogues which have contributed to improving trustworthiness between the two countries and providing a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation in other fields.

Both sides consented to accelerate comprehensive cooperation in prioritized areas such as national defense, security and military tactics. They compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern and pledged to continue coordinating strictly and effectively at international forums, especially at the United Nations and regional connectivity mechanisms.

The same day, Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan received Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Igor V.Morgulov. During the function, both sides spoke highly of the cooperative outcomes between HCM City and Russia’s localities in recent time.

Quan thanked the Russian Government for creating favorable conditions for the city’s businesses to invest in Russia and urged both parties to speed up the signing and implementation of a cooperative agreement between HCM City and Moscow in the time ahead.

Quan said that in the first ten months of the year, HCM City welcomed more than 200,000 Russian visitors. Two-way trade turnover between HCM City and Russia reached nearly US$250million. However, economic cooperation has not matched both nations’ potential.

Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in turn affirmed that Russia wants to promote long-term strategic cooperation with Vietnam, stressing that HCM City has bright prospects for future coopration. He hoped that local authorities will support Russia’s Consulate General in HCM City to facilitate tourism and economic cooperation.