Russian President gave interview to Nhan Dan
Ha Noi, Feb. 28 (VNA) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country regards the development of all-sided relations with Viet Nam as a priority in the Russian Federation's Asia foreign policy.
The President was speaking in an interview with Viet Nam's newspaper Nhan Dan ahead of his three-day visit to Viet Nam, starting evening, Feb. 28.
Asked about his Viet Nam visit, the first by a head of the Russian State, Putin said:
What is of special importance is that the visit takes place at a time when the Russia-Viet Nam cooperative ties are lifted to a new level - that of strategic partnership.
Currently, Russia and Viet Nam are working together in all major aspects - political, economic, military, scientific-technical and cultural. The past 15 years was an important test for both countries. Despite all difficulties, the two countries have succeeded in preserving all positive results they obtained in the past years, while even promoting the development of these results, especially in the economic sector.
Vietsovpetro is now the biggest oil producer in Viet Nam and also one of the most effective oil exploitation companies in the world.
Other than exploitation, the two countries are now moving towards oil processing cooperation, with the construction of the first oil refinery in Viet Nam.
Russia and Viet Nam have also succeeded in furthering their traditional cooperation in such areas as electricity, ship repairing, machine manufacturing, construction, transport, fisheries, agriculture and farm product processing.
Both have begun cooperating in new areas, including the production of modern communication satellite equipment and the application of advanced technologies, while promoting bilateral trade to match their potential and broadening economic relations at the local level.
With joint efforts, the two countries have successfully resolved Viet Nam's debt repayment for Russia, which should be used as a driving force to accelerate follow-up action coordination between the two.
The President also pointed to major strengths and potential for the Russia-Viet Nam cooperation in culture, art, science, education, sport and tourism in the coming years.
Asked to comment on measures to boost bilateral cooperation to match their potential in the 21st century, President Putin said Russia and Viet Nam have all favourable conditions for effective cooperation, including their traditional relationship, mutual trust and similar viewpoints on basic international issues.
Noteworthy is the fact that the two countries are maintaining regular high-and highest-level contacts to exchange views on the most important international issues and major issues relating to multi-lateral relations.
One of the crucial issues, he said, is that every measure should be taken to strengthen investment and trade cooperation between the two countries, first of all in building energy-fuel complexes as well as other prospective areas as mentioned above.
This will depend largely on the performances of the Russia-Viet Nam Inter-governmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
No less important are their efforts to further bilateral coordination in foreign policies, first of all their coordination in the United Nations and other international organizations' activities, issues relating to the stabilisation of global and regional strategies and global disarmament and arms control, Mr. Putin said.--VNA
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