Prominent among the attendees were Professor Dmitry Pavlov, co-chairman of the joint committee and president of the Russian section of the joint committee; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Huy Hieu, co-chairman of the joint committee and president of the Vietnamese section of the joint committee; Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia, Bui Dinh Dinh and many scientists and experts from both countries.

Participants at the meeting listened to a report on the results of activities in 2010.

Mr Pavlov reviewed co-operative agreements between the two countries signed during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s recent visit to Vietnam. He said that leaders from both countries affirmed the VRTC’s role in scientific research and in strengthening comprehensive co-operation and friendship between Russia and Vietnam. Opening a Vietnamese VRTC representative office in Moscow manifests the close co-operation between scientists from the two countries for mutual benefit.

The VRTC fulfilled its set tasks in 2010 and the qualifications of its staff have improved significantly.

The committee discussed a scientific technology plan for 21 projects in 2011 submitted by the VRTC Board of Directors. It agreed with the board on developing exploration projects and co-operating with other Russian and Vietnamese organizations.

The committee accepted the board’s reports on the use of the centre’s funds in 2010 and the establishment of the Vietnam-Russia Science and Production Joint Venture.

The VRTC coordinating committee will hold its 24^th meeting in Hanoi in November 2011.