“Vietnamese people will keep in mind forever the huge and effective political, economic and military assistance that Russia has given to it during the past years of struggle for national independence as well as in the current process of national construction,” said a message from State President Nguyen Minh Triet and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The Vietnamese leaders said they were pleased at seeing both countries’ determination to strengthen and develop their partnership, which help promote bilateral ties in all areas, from politics to trade and economics, defence and security to culture and education as well as science and technology.

Energy has become a focal, highly potential and effective area of economic cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, said the message.

In a similar message to the Vietnamese leaders, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister V. Putin both acknowledged that the Russian relations with Vietnam have developed in all areas, particularly through the political dialogue.

Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem and Russian Foreign Minister S. Lavrov also took the occasion to exchange messages of congratulations.