PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday (Moscow time). VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

MOSCOW — Việt Nam and Russia have the potential to grow their relationship and should strive for two-way trade value of US$10 billion by 2020, said Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow on Wednesday (Moscow time).

President Putin said the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership is based on a high level of trust. He welcomed the official visit by PM Phúc as the two countries are organising activities to mark 25 years since the signing of the treaty on basic principles for the friendship and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

PM Phúc said he was happy to visit Russia again, and that Việt Nam treasures the relationship and the valuable support provided by the Russian people today and in the past.

The leaders discussed trade co-operation, citing the effective implementation of a free trade agreement between Việt Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union and showing their willingness to continue removing barriers to trade, especially for agricultural and seafood products.

Stressing the importance of collaboration on the issue of energy, oil and gas, the leaders agreed to continue encouraging companies from each country to work in the other. They also discussed the project to build a nuclear technology and science research centre in Việt Nam, and agreed that two countries have the potential to work together in the hi-tech and digital technology fields.

President Putin said Russia is ready to provide support for Việt Nam's effort to build an e-government, including online public service portals, information security centres and smart cities.

PM Phúc said Russia has been a reliable partner for Việt Nam in defence, military security and technology, and agreed the countries should continue to work together in these areas.

The leaders discussed an array of regional and global issues, and agreed to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums.

President Putin said Russia supports the settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the speedy compilation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

PM Phúc extended an invitation to visit Việt Nam from Party General Secretary and State President Nguyễn Phú Trọng to President Putin. The Russian President accepted the invitation and said he will arrange his visit soon. 

Meeting with upper house leader

During a meeting with Chairwoman of the Federation Council (upper house) of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko on Thursday, the Government leader said the parliaments have maintained regular contact and close coordination at forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), adding that such joint work has contributed to deepening a comprehensive strategic partnership.
She said the Federation Council will continue working with the National Assembly of Việt Nam to push for the effective implementation of agreements and cooperation projects, particularly the Eurasian Economic Union – Việt Nam free trade agreement.
She lauded the implementation of the Việt Nam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Việt Nam, saying the diverse and meaningful activities will help tighten the bilateral traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation.
PM Phúc spoke highly of the effective assistance of the Federation Council, especially of its chairwoman, in boosting collaboration between Vietnamese and Russian localities recently.
He said several cooperation deals have been signed between localities of the two countries during his visit, citing the one between Bình Thuận Province of Việt Nam and Kaluga City of Russia as an example. 
State Duma Chairman's reception

PM Phúc on Thursday also met with Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation as part of his ongoing visit to Russia.
The leaders said they were delighted at the dynamic cooperation in various fields including between Việt Nam’s National Assembly and Russia’s State Duma.
PM Phúc praised the two legislative bodies’ close cooperation and mutual support at international forums, saying this has made a positive contribution to promoting the Việt Nam – Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Vietnamese leader said implementing the Việt Nam- Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement is a task that should be prioritised.
He spoke highly of the establishment of the inter-parliamentary committee of the two parliaments, which will help realise agreements and collaboration projects.
Volodin said the State Duma pays special attention to promoting bilateral partnerships in economy-trade, science-technology, education-training, defence, security and tourism.
The State Duma will support building a suitable legal framework to strengthen investment activities in industry, agriculture, energy and oil and gas, he said.
The State Duma will work with Việt Nam to mark the 25th year of the Treaty on fundamental principles of friendship relations between Việt Nam and Russia (1994-2019) and the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (1950-2020), he added.
PM Phúc asked the State Duma to give legal support to the Vietnamese community so they can lead a stable life and thrive in Russia, and contribute to fostering the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. — VNS