Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hà Nội on Thursday. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam regards ​​the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as a top priority in its foreign policy, said Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hà Nội on Thursday.

Trọng congratulated Putin on his re-election as president with a high number of votes, demonstrating the trust of the Russian people in his leadership in maintaining political and social stability, as well as economic development and foreign policy implementation of the Russian Federation.

The Party chief said Việt Nam always appreciates the valuable support and assistance of the Soviet Union, including the former Russia and the present-day Russian Federation in Việt Nam’s struggle for independence in the two resistance wars and the country’s reunification and construction.

Việt Nam also supports Russia's active contribution to the common tasks of the international community and Russia's eastward policy, Trọng said, believing that a peaceful, independent, strong and reputable Việt Nam with its increasing status is also consistent with Russia's long-term interests in the Asia-Pacific and the world.

Việt Nam hopes that President Putin and the Russian Federation will continue to pay attention to and strongly support the maintenance of peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and key rights and interests of Việt Nam, the settlement of disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and the implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), soon reaching an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), Trọng said.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the Party leader emphasised that Việt Nam wishes to soon have dialogue, end hostilities and resume negotiations to reach a peaceful solution on the basis of international law, ensuring legitimate interests of relevant parties. Việt Nam is ready to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and negotiations in that direction.

Party General Secretary Trọng discussed with President Putin Việt Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, including strongly strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, deepening bilateral cooperation with strategic partners, comprehensive partners and other important partners.

Việt Nam is persistent with its "four no’s" defence policy, he said.

President Putin spoke highly the great achievements achieved by Việt Nam after nearly 40 years of đổi mới (reform) led by the Communist Party of Việt Nam, headed by General Secretary Trọng.

While sharing foreign policy of the Russian Federation, Putin highlighted that the resolution of international and regional issues should be based on international law, the United Nations Charter and peaceful dispute settlement.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the Russian President supports the peaceful settlement of this issue based on international law. Putin also mentioned Russia's position on the conflict in Ukraine.

The two leaders agreed to continue to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, promoting visits and exchanges at all levels via the Party, State and National Assembly channels.

The two leaders vowed to expand economic cooperation as well as partnership in trade, investment, science, technology, defence, security, oil and gas.

They also highly appreciated the important contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia, which is an important bridge for relations between the two countries.

General Secretary Trọng proposed that Russia continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia to work and live stably and for the long-term. — VNS