President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his spouse arrive at Vnukovo 2 Airport, Moscow. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

MOSCOW — President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow on Monday afternoon (local time), beginning an official visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese State leader and his entourage was held at the airport, with the participation of the Deputy Minister and other officials of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with Ambassador Đặng Minh Khôi, his spouse and the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia.

In an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Moscow, Ambassador Khôi said Việt Nam-Russia ties are close-knit, loyal and rare in the world.

He said the visit would further deepen and lift bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a greater height in all areas in the new situation.

It manifests that Việt Nam is pursuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of ties for national benefits, as well as for the world peace and stability, according to the ambassador.

The visit also shows that Việt Nam attaches importance to ties with Russia, considering the country a priority in its foreign policy and a key partner while sincerely and consistently supporting Russia in an ever-changing world.

Moreover, it affirms the strengthening of joint work against COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the research and production of vaccines and medicines.

The bilateral political relationship has been continuously consolidated, reflected through the regular exchange of high-level delegations.

Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has also been developed dynamically in recent years. Two-way trade reached US$4.85 billion in 2020, up 9 per cent year-on-year. It hit US$3.6 billion in the first nine months of this year, up 5 per cent against the same period of 2020.

As of April 2021, Russia had ranked 25th among countries and territories investing in Việt Nam with 144 projects worth $944 million. Meanwhile, Việt Nam had invested in over 20 projects worth nearly $3 billion in Russia.

During the visit, President Phúc is scheduled to hold talks and meetings with leaders of the Russian State and the State Duma. He will also meet with representatives from the Russia-Việt Nam friendship organisations, attend a Việt Nam-Russia business forum and visit a number of local firms. — VNS

President Phúc is welcomed at Vnukovo 2 airport by Russian foreign ministry's representatives. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất