Vietnam, Russia agree on steps to boost ties

They lauded growing bilateral ties over the past years, especially political relationship with high trust which has laid solid foundation for sustainable and dynamic development of Vietnam – Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Both sides agreed to increase all-level exchanges and improve the efficiency of existing cooperation, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, accelerate negotiations and signing of new deals to create legal foundation for all-around ties. 

Hailing the positive outcomes of the Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA), they agreed to further strive to lift two-way trade to US$10 billion by 2020. The figure rose 31 percent annually to US$3.55 billion in 2017. 

Host and guest promised to offer timely collaboration to deal with issues while carrying out the VN-EAEU FTA to facilitate the exchange of goods, services and investment between the two countries. 

They expressed satisfaction about extended links across national defence-security, education-training, science-technology, culture, tourism and human culture, contributing to further tightening solidarity and friendship between the two peoples. 

The two officials agreed to successfully hold the Year of Vietnam in Russia and Year of Russia in Vietnam scheduled for 2019 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of a treaty on basic principles for bilateral friendship.

Deputy PM Minh asked Russia to issue mechanisms in support of Vietnamese citizens living and working in the country who will serve as a bridge connecting the two countries. 

Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, host and guest stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, ensuring security, maritime and overflight safety and freedom, respecting diplomatic and legal process, peacefully settling disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

Vietnam and Russia will continue strengthening mutual liaison at multilateral forums, the United Nations and ASEAN forums, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. 

The host expressed his belief that the visit would create a new driving force for bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Concluding the talks, both sides signed a cooperation plan between the two foreign ministries for the 2019-2020 period, thus making active contributions to reinforcing bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Lavrov is on an official visit to Vietnam from March 22-23.