As part of his official visit to Russia, from April 22-24, the Chairman had a meeting with the mayor of Moscow, Iu. M. Lujkov on April 24 during which he suggested that Moscow should strengthen its ties with Hanoi as well as Ho Chi Minh City and a number of other cities in Vietnam.

He said that although both cities established trade relations many years ago, they should broaden their ties to include culture and tourism.

Mayor Lujkov agreed wholeheartedly but stressed the necessity to boost economic relations between the different regions of both countries to tap into their full potential during the current economic slowdown.

According to the mayor, both capital cities have been accelerating the construction of a Hanoi cultural centre in Moscow and a Moscow house in Hanoi, to facilitate links between the two cities.

He expressed his delight at being invited to attend Hanoi’s 1,000^th birthday celebrations and said that his city is preparing to hold a series of Muscovite science and cultural days in Hanoi.

Earlier, Chairman Trong and his delegation had met with the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association.

He appreciated the association’s active contribution to bilateral relations, considering it an example of the long-lasting friendship between both countries.

On the occasion, the association presented its insignia to Mr Trong in recognition of his own personal contribution to developing Vietnamese Russian rapport.

Also during the visit, the Vietnam-Russia Parliamentarians Friendship Group president, Dang Vu Minh, met with his Russian counterparts to discuss joint initiatives between the two groups. They agreed to increase exchanges between young parliamentarians, further cooperation in the training of scientists, teach Russian to Vietnamese workers and step up the transfer of advanced Russian technologies to Vietnam.

Later the same day, Chairman Trong left Moscow for St. Peterburg.