(VOVworld) – Chairman of the State Duma of Russia’s Federal Assembly Naryshkin Sergey Evgenievich is on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.
During talks following the welcoming ceremony on Tuesday, Chairman Hung said that Russia was Vietnam’s most important partner and top weapons exporter. He said that Vietnam wants to work with Russia to bring bilateral ties to a new height. Evgenievich said he hoped the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, which could be signed early next year, would promote trade and investment between the two countries. He said that in the near future Russia will prioritize cooperation with Vietnam in nano technology, IT, laser technology, and biotechnology.
Chairman Hung proposed that Russia continue supporting Vietnam in education and training by providing annual scholarships and expanding training areas. He also said that both countries should continue to hold cultural exchanges including cultural days in each other’s territory.
Both sides agreed to boost friendship and cooperation between the two countries’ legislative agencies and increase contacts and mutual support at global parliamentary forums.
Chairman Hung conveyed his invitation through Mr. Evgenievich to Valentina Ivanova Matviyenko, Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council, to attend the 132nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Hanoi in March next year.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received Mr. Evgenievich later the same day. Mr. Dungproposed that both countries continue supporting each other at global forums, particularly the UN and boost cooperation in economics, trade, investment, tourism, science-technology, education, training, oil and gas, military technology, and atomic energy. Both also discussed global complications and conflicts. Evgenievich said Russia supports Vietnam's stance on the East Sea, adding that Russia's stance on the East Sea remains unchanged that is to settle disputes through peaceful means in line with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and not using force in any forms.