Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam and Russia now had every essential condition for building their stable and new-quality relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a state dinner given in his honour by President Tran Duc Luong at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on March 1.

President Putin said: "Vietnam has a saying that 'Friendship and brotherhood are more precious than any property! I think this is a wise and an accurate reflection of the ties between our two countries and peoples.

"Over the past half-century, we have helped each other to overcome difficulties and shared joys at our common achievements. The Russian people stood side by side with the Vietnamese people in their struggle for national independence and unification. We also gave great help to Vietnam after the war.

"Our common task was to quickly restore Vietnam's war-devastated economy, develop and build new production industries.

"In Russia, Vietnam has been seen as a very important strategic partner not only in south-east Asia but also in the Asia-Pacific region. I don't think I am mistaken if I say that many Russian generations have fully understood and had sincere sentiments for your country. In particular, they have special pride in your achievements and shared all your difficulties.

"I believe this will be so forever.

"Today, we have opportunities to develop the Russia-Vietnam co-operation to a new height. To this end, we should set new orientations to improve the quality of the co-ordination of actions between our two States in the 21st century and lay a firm foundation for an effective development of our strategic partnership.

"I believe that such approach meets the interest not only of Russia and Vietnam but also of peace and stability in south-east Asia."

President Tran Duc Luong said "The 20th century was most engraved with the historic impression of great Russia's October Revolution.

"This was also a century that has bound our two countries and peoples as close and reliable friends. This history has brought the Vietnamese people major material and spiritual values to help them win victory in their national liberation struggle, leading to the national reunification and socialist construction.

"This friendship has stood the test of time, becoming an invaluable asset and will be treasured forever, from one generation to another, and will be an important factor to help us continue consolidating and developing bilateral ties in the new situation now and in the future.

"With this pure and loyal tradition, the Vietnamese people will bear in mind forever and sincerely thank the people of Russia and other former republics of the Soviet Union for their support and help in the struggle for national liberation and construction.

"With this spirit, the Vietnamese people have always followed with their deep feelings all developments in your country and are very happy to see that Russia has surpassed the hardest period to firmly stand and begin advancing forward.

"A nation that had been in the frontline of the fight for national salvation and helped mankind be free from the Fascist holocaust, a nation that has been in the frontline of space discovery and conquering for human interests, is bound to make new miracles in the 21st century." (VNA)