Moscow (VNA) – Vietnam always welcomes and supports theintensification of ASEAN-Russia cooperative relations, and appreciates Russia’simportant role in maintaining regional peace and stability, said VietnameseAmbassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh on October 23.

He made the statement while attending a conference themed “ASEAN-Russiarelations: Vietnam’s role”, held by the Vietnamese Embassy in collaborationwith the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University)’sASEAN Centre.

Highlighting sound ASEAN-Russia relations, the Vietnamese diplomat said the twonations have enjoyed robust political ties, with delegation exchanges at alllevels being maintained.

Regarding the security field, they are working together to fight traditionaland non-traditional threats such as terrorism and transnational crimes, as wellas settling issues related to marine security and freedom of navigation andaviation.

Both sides also support the implementation of the Declaration on Conduct ofParties in the East Sea (DOC), and the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct ofParties in the waters, he added, affirming respect of international laws andprinciples and prevention of protectionism and unilateral acts are a solidfoundation for the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership in the field of politics-security.

Touching on economic-trade collaboration, Ambassador Manh believed that bothsides need to make further efforts to develop potential in the field.

Anton Golubev, a representative from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,spoke highly of Vietnam-Russia ties, noting the Southeast Asian country isplaying a prominent role in promoting relations between ASEAN and Russia.

Grigory Lokshin from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies’ Centre for Vietnamand ASEAN Studies, said he supported Russia’s attempts to expand cooperationwith ASEAN member states, especially in energy.

He stated that Vietnam-Russia cooperation in oil and gas has brought benefitsto both nations.

As the East Sea issue develops in a more complicated manner, he called forrelevant sides to obey international regulations, including the 1982 UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and settle conflicts by peaceful means.

Director of the MGIMO University’s ASEAN Centre Victor Sumski told Vietnam NewsAgency correspondents that mutual trust is the highlight of the ASEAN-Russiastrategic partnership, and both sides should enhance trade cooperation viabreakthrough economic projects.

Experts at the conference also discussed challenges to cooperation acrosseconomy and trade, investment, education and culture between Vietnam andRussia, hoping competent agencies of both sides will work to remove bottlenecksso bilateral cooperation can develop in line with traditional relations formedover the past seven decades.

Scholars described the conference as an important event as it marked one year sinceASEAN and Russia set up their strategic partnership, and in the context thatASEAN member states and Russia share many mutual benefits and face emergingchallenges that need coordination for effective resolution./.