Russia treasures ties with Vietnam: Russian senior official

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President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man (L) presents a gift to Vice Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov

Melnikov, also First Vice Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) Central Committee, held talks with visiting Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man in Moscow on September 20.

During their discussion of numerous issues in bilateral ties, the two sides expressed their delight at development in the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, reflected through high political trust, increasing two-way trade and effective collaboration in defence, security, science, technology, education, training, culture and tourism.

Melnikov said Russia and Vietnam share similar stances in addressing regional and international issues, and Russia backs Vietnam’s efforts to increase its position in the international arena.

He suggested both sides pay more attention to educating young generations about their time-honoured friendship, and intensify their parliaments and social organisations’ supervision over the implementation of signed cooperative agreements.

He also expressed interest in the VFF’s experience in serving as a bridge between the country’s political institutions and people.

For his part, Man emphasised Vietnam treasures its ties with Russia, and prioritises consolidating and enhancing its partnership with Russia.

He lauded close and effective cooperation between the two parliaments.

The Vietnamese National Assembly supports and participates in inter-parliamentary cooperative activities chaired by Russia, such as the Eurasian Women's Forum, he stated, hoping the legislative bodies will continue coordinating closely within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

He proposed the two sides intensify cooperation and exchange experience in legislative affairs and increase the role of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group in stepping up ties between the two parliaments and countries.

The Vietnamese official expressed his gratitude to Russia for supporting the Vietnamese community in Russia.

He said he hopes Melnikov and Russian authorised offices will continue helping Vietnamese people consolidate their legal status and run business in Russia.

Acknowledging Man’s proposal, Melnikov stated that in the time ahead, both sides can seek measures to address outstanding obstacles in bilateral ties, including issues related to the legal status of the Vietnamese community in Russia.

Man’s visit to Russia will last until September 25.