The statement was made by Party leader Nong Duc Manh at a meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy and community in Russia on July 10.

Mr Manh highlighted that all Russian leaders want to boost multifaceted co-operation with Vietnam, agree to strengthen high-ranking exchange visits and increase the bilateral trade value to US$10 billion in the next years. The two sides should promote co-operation on big projects on fuel and energy, technology-military, security-defence, culture-education and other fields.

Russia leaders consider Vietnam a trusted support and bridge in implementing and expanding Russian policy in the Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia, Mr Manh reported.

Mr Manh emphasised that during President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Vietnam late this year, the two sides will sign a series of important co-operative agreements.

Party leader Manh advised Vietnamese residents in Russia to abide by its laws, help each other in studying and working and support their homeland.

Vietnamese ambassador to Russia, Bui Dinh Dinh reported to Mr Manh on achievements in politics, economics, and cultural diplomacy made by Vietnam’s representative agencies and its community in Russia. He said that in 2009, more than 80 Vietnamese delegations visited the country. Despite the impact of the global economic crisis, trade value between the two countries in 2009 reached US$1.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of 11 percent. Vietnam successfully organized “Vietnamese Cultural Days”, “Hanoi Days”, and a Vietnamese export products exhibition in Russia, Mr Dinh said.

After Cherkyzovo market closed, the Vietnamese community found ways to overcome difficulties and continue to do business in line with Russian laws.

Regarding Party building, Mr Dinh reported that currently there are four Party committees with a total of 722 members. Every year around 100 new Party members are admitted. The Business Association and the Vietnamese Residents Association, have been developing strongly, contributing to strengthening ties between the two countries.