Vietnam prioritises strengthening partnership with Russia: NA Chairwoman

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has stated that Vietnam prioritises strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia.

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) receives Vice Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia Karelova Galina Nikolaevna (Photo: quochoi.vn)

She made the statement during a reception in Hanoi, on January 17, to Vice Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia Karelova Galina Nikolaevna and Deputy Chairwoman of the State Duma of Russia Epifanova Olga Nikolaevna on the occasion of their trip to Vietnam to attend the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26).

Speaking highly of their mutual support in multilateral forums, especially in the United Nations, the NA Chairwoman asked Russia to back Vietnam’s run for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

As two-way trade hit US$3.2 billion as of the late November 2017, she suggested continuing to effectively realise the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement that took effect in 2016 in order to maintain trade growth.

The host wishes that the Russian parliament would provide the necessary legal assistance to sign an agreement on food quality control, thus facilitating Vietnamese firms in exporting farm and aquatic produce to Russia.

She called for providing all possible support for the two countries’ joint oil and gas ventures to operate effectively, and affirmed that Vietnam backs Russia in new energy, railway and metro construction projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam is willing to support the establishment of a joint automobile manufacturing venture in the near future, she said.

She also wishes to receive Russia’s assistance in milch cow farming and milk processing, and clean vegetable farming projects.

She said that the Vietnamese NA always actively join in with parliamentary cooperation activities hosted by Russia, and wishes that the two legislatures would continue working closely within the framework of the multilateral parliamentary cooperation such as the International Parliamentary Union and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting.

Vice Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia Karelova GalinaNikolaevna, for her part, informed the host that the Russian delegation prepares five draft resolutions on specific issues for consideration at the APPF-26.

She said Russia attaches importance to promoting the trade-economic links, tourism and cultural exchanges with Vietnam.

The guest also took the occasion to invite the senior Vietnamese legislator to attend the Asia-Europe Women’s Forum in Russia this year.

(Source: NDO)