Hanoi (VNA) – 🔯Party General Secretary and StatePresident Nguyen Phu Trong had phone talks on June 11 with Russian PresidentVladimir Putin on the occasion of the Russia Day, June 12.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, PartyGeneral Secretary and President Trong congratulated President Putin and theRussian people on their Russia Day, stating Vietnam always attaches importanceto the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. He also spoke highly of Russia’s enormous achievements underPutin’s leadership. On this occasion, he also offered greetings to the Russianpeople on the 75th anniversary of the victory over fascism, affirming that theVietnamese people always keep in mind and treasure this historic triumph. During the talks, the two leaders discussed many importantcooperation aspects of their countries, along with some international andregional issues of shared concern. Party General Secretary and President Trong expressed hissympathies for the losses caused by COVID-19 to Russia and hailed the country’sdrastic measures and contributions to the international community’s commonfight against this pandemic. For his part, President Putin highly valued Vietnam’ssuccessful control of the coronavirus outbreak and thanked it for practicalassistance for his country in this combat. The two sides agreed to foster cooperation in the COVID-19fight and continue to provide timely support for each other’s citizens. The leaders shared the view that the Vietnam-Russiacomprehensive strategic partnership has continued to enjoy great strides in therecent past. As both nations are jointly celebrating many importantevents, including 70 years of their diplomatic ties, the two leaders agreed tomaintain frequent contacts at all levels, especially high level, and coordinateto organise meaningful activities within the Vietnam-Russia Cross Year2019-2020 that suit the current context. They also stated that defence, security and energy areimportant pillars of the bilateral cooperation, agreeing to further tightenlinks in these fields. Party General Secretary and President Trong and PresidentPutin agreed to continue supporting and encouraging their countries’ oil andgas companies to take part in new projects in Vietnam and Russia.  They will also further facilitate trade and investmentpartnerships and optimise the free trade agreement between Vietnam and EurasianEconomic Union, in which Russia is a member, to soon raise bilateral trade to10 billion USD; while creating optimal conditions for the countries to develop economy and address consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Talking about international and regional issues of commonconcern, the leaders applauded and agreed to reinforce Vietnam-Russiacooperation at multilateral forums while coordinating with each other topromote peace, security, cooperation and international law in the world, aswell as in their respective regions. The Vietnamese leader said as ASEAN Chair in 2020, hiscountry will exert efforts to enhance ASEAN-Russia relations. In return,President Putin also voiced his belief that Vietnam will be successful in itspost as ASEAN Chair this year and a non-permanent member of the UN SecurityCouncil for 2020-2021. On this occasion, Party General Secretary and President Tronginvited President Putin to pay an official visit to Vietnam in the near future.The Russian leader accepted the invitation with pleasure./.