Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at Vietnam Airlines' celebrations to mark the 15th anniversary of its first direct flight to Russia. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

MOSCOW — Vietnam Airlines should offer safe and competitive services to Russia since traveling between Việt Nam and Russia is more important than ever now since the two nations are working to promote their comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in trade and investment, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has said.

Speaking at a ceremony held on Thursday by Vietnam Airlines to mark the 15th anniversary of its first direct service to Russia, he said with a modern fleet, high-quality services and well-trained pilots, Vietnam Airlines is a prestigious airline both in Việt Nam and globally.

Speaking highly of its role as an ambassador to enhance the friendship and nudge Vietnamese people and land closer to the Eastern European country (rewrite), he said the carrier should organise cultural activities during the Việt Nam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Việt Nam to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He hoped that Russian authorities would create favourable conditions for Vietnam Airlines to provide quality service to passengers.

Vietnam Airlines began its first flight to Russia in July 1993 transiting in Dubai.

Eleven years later it began a direct service using Boeing 777s, the most modern aircraft at that time, increasing the number of its passengers 10 fold.

Vietnam Airlines has used wide-body 787-9 Dreamliners on the route to improve service quality since 2018.

According to its chairman, Phạm Ngọc Minh, the carrier’s extensive global network and alliance with many reputed airlines allow its passengers to travel easily to Asia and Europe via Russia.

Vietnam Airlines plans to move its operations in Moscow from Domodedovo Airport to Sheremetyevo Airport from July 2 this year to improve connectivity to destinations in Russia and Europe through its codeshare agreement with Russian carrier Aeroflot.Russia is the sixth largest source of tourists for Việt Nam, with more than 600,000 coming last year. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism forecasts the number to reach one million next year. — VNS