Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday met with Chief of the Russian Presidential Anti-Corruption Directorate Chobotov Andrey Sergeevich in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday congratulated the Government Inspectorate of Việt Nam and the Russian Presidential Anti-Corruption Directorate on their expansion of anti-corruption cooperation.

At a reception for Chief of the Russian Presidential Anti-Corruption Directorate Chobotov Andrey Sergeevich in Hà Nội, the PM praised effective cooperation activities between the two agencies, such as the sharing of information and experience in fighting corruption among Government officials.

The two countries ungraded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during meetings in Hà Nội yesterday.

The update was signed by Inspector General of Việt Nam’s Government Inspectorate Lê Minh Khái and Chief of the Russian Presidential Anti-Corruption Directorate Chobotov Andrey Sergeevich.

Under the upgraded MoU, the two sides will continue their personnel cooperation through training courses and symposiums, and the sharing of information and documents on anti-corruption.
They will conduct consultations on corruption-related issues of shared concern within the framework of relevant international organisations and forums, firstly the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
They will also facilitate partnerships between inspection and anti-corruption agencies at the local levels.

PM Phúc stressed that Việt Nam attaches importance to anti-corruption work, considering this an important task and one of the top priorities in building a professional, modern and efficient administrative system.

Many corruption cases have been brought to light in Việt Nam, he said, adding that the political system and mass organisations have always kept a close watch on the efforts.

The leader rejoiced at the achievements Russia has recorded over the years, saying they have greatly contributed to global peace and stability.

He described the time-tested partnership as a valuable asset, and expressed his belief that the Russian delegation’s visit will contribute to boosting bilateral friendship and collaboration.

PM Phúc suggested the two countries strengthen their cooperation in economy, trade, investment and other spheres.

The Vietnamese Government will facilitate the operation of Russian businesses, he pledged, calling on the Russian side to create optimal conditions for Vietnamese firms to operate.

As the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2020, Việt Nam hopes to welcome the Russian President to visit the country this year, PM Phúc said.

Sergeevich said his visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two agencies, contributing to promoting Việt Nam-Russia ties.

He briefed PM Phúc on major cooperation orientations in the next five years as agreed by the two agencies, with collaboration in new areas expected to be enhanced.

The two sides also agreed to organise an anti-corruption conference in Russia in the future, as part of the activities marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Việt Nam-Russia diplomatic ties, he said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony with Government Inspector General Lê Minh Khái, Sergeevich expressed his hope the two agencies will optimise the document to improve the efficiency of fight corruption in both countries.

Khái said the upgraded document, which took place on the 70th founding anniversary of the Việt Nam-Russia diplomatic ties (1950-2020), will elevate cooperation between the two agencies to a new high and contribute to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Since the MoU was signed in 2014, the two countries have maintained their exchange of information and experience to deal with challenges in anti-corruption efforts, thus facilitating the building of a law-governed, pure, transparent state in each country.
They reached consensus on the need to step up result-oriented cooperation activities in the future, especially that in personnel training and partnerships between local competent agencies. — VNS