Vietnam is Russia’s faithful friend and priority partner in the Asia-Pacific region, says First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov.

Vietnam and the UK have signed a joint statement to establish a public university in the central city of Da Nang.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has emphasised the need to create a high consensus among the entire Party, army and the people to fulfill the country’s socio-economic tasks set for 2010.

Vietnam wants to promote bilateral cooperation in various pursuits with the US in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and benefit, and common development, says Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked ministries, agencies, provinces and cities to work closely together to speed up decentralisation and capital disbursement for eligible projects.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has urged ministries and localities to closely watch prices, especially for essential goods, to prevent the return of high inflation and speed up economic recovery.

Vietnam is consistent with its policy to promote human rights through dialogue and cooperation, said a Vietnamese diplomat at the 13th UN Human Rights Council (HRC) session in Geneva, Switzerland, on March 2.

More diversified foreign affairs information, particularly major external relations events, have captured the attention of international friends and left them with impression of Vietnam.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has expressed his belief that relations between Australia and Vietnam will continue to grow and flourish in the Year of the Tiger 2010.

On the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet), State President Nguyen Minh Triet extends his New Year greetings to people throughout the country.