Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives Russian Ambassador Bezdetko Gennady Stepanovich in Hanoi, August 13, 2021. (Photo: VNA)

Mr. Trong expressed his pleasure over the two countries’ strong relationship, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. He affirmed that Vietnam consistently respects and promotes its cooperative ties with Russia.

As Vietnam and Russia are celebrating 20 years of their strategic partnership this year, Party leader Trong said he hopes the two countries will elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

He expressed his belief that Ambassador Stepanovich will contribute greatly to the Vietnam-Russia relationship.