Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh talks on the phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation and coordination at the United Nations Security Council.

During a talk on the phone on Friday, both leaders said they were pleased to see the Việt Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership becoming more in-depth and substantive.

The two sides agreed to continue working to promote the external activities of high-ranking officials of the two countries in the future and to enhance bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Việt Nam-Russia Cross Year 2019-2020 also known as the Việt Nam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Việt Nam.

Regarding COVID-19 prevention and combat work, the two leaders exchanged measures to control the epidemic and pledged to support citizens of the two countries and coordinate to promptly handle emerging issues.

The Russian Foreign Minister appreciated Việt Nam's measures in responding to the pandemic, saying that these valuable experiences should be shared.

Regarding cooperation at the UN Security Council, Deputy PM Minh thanked Russia for valuable support to the country in the running for candidacy and participation in the UN Security Council, especially when Việt Nam assumed the role of the UNSC Chairman in January this year.

Việt Nam hopes that United Nations Security Council members will find a common voice in difficult times, contributing to promoting a peaceful and harmonised international environment, he said.

The two sides also exchanged information on issues including Syria, Libya, Iran and South Sudan. They agreed to continue closely coordinating in sharing information on issues of common interest.

On this occasion, Minh invited FM Lavrov to attend the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) to be held in early August in Việt Nam. — VNS