The agreement was reached during a meeting in Hanoi on February 22 between the Municipal Party Secretary Pham Quang Nghi and Moscow Deputy Mayor Vladimir Resin.

Mr Nghi acknowledged the positive developments of the cooperative ties between the two cities in recent times and said he hopes that big projects, including the Hanoi Trade Centre in Moscow and the Moscow House in Hanoi, will be implemented and completed soon.

Mr Resin praised Hanoi’s high economic growth and said Vietnam, including Hanoi capital, is an attractive destination for Russian tourists. Every year, he said, about 40,000 Russians visit Vietnam to enjoy tropical climate, fruits and beauty spots.

Mr Resin was also received by Hanoi Mayor Nguyen The Thao who said the Vietnamese capital wants to boost cooperation with Moscow in urban management, infrastructure investment, transportation, and a project to build an elevated railway line.

Both host and guest discussed measures to implement the Hanoi Trade Centre and the Moscow House projects.

The same day, the Moscow delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai who hailed the results of talks between the two cities.

Mr Hai said the two cities have great potential for cooperation, especially in building underground works and trade centres.

Mr Resin affirmed Moscow will try its utmost to help Hanoi complete its underground traffic planning, build trade centres and conduct cultural exchanges to mark the latter’s 1,000^th anniversary this October.