Vietnam
– Russia relations have seen strong developments in recent years. This is an in-depth comprehensive strategic partnership and is getting more effective in many fields. On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Vietnam – Russia relations, Vietnam Business Forum had an interview with H.E Mr Vadim.V Bublokov, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation. With over 16 years in Vietnam, Mr Vadim shared sincere comments about the prospect for future cooperation. Tran Ngoc reports.Can you please give an overall assessment of the cooperation and development relations based on the traditional friendship between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union and now the Russian Federation?
The friendship between our two countries has been forged over the and past 65 years and we continue to be more closely united. We stood closely together in the years of arduous struggle for freedom and independence of the people of Vietnam, as well as in the time after war when Vietnam started to recover its national economy. In the Soviet Union, many generations were educated about the solidarity between the two countries and heroic victories of the people of Vietnam. In Vietnam, people also very much cherish this historical relationship. Experience of mutual support and traditional friendship has strengthened the relations between Russia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the current period.
The relations between the two countries are characterised by not only a deep level of trust, but also the effective political dialogue at all levels, which has become an invaluable heritage and an example for future generations to follow.
What do you think about the importance of Vietnam in terms of its strategic location in Southeast Asia as well as in Asia?
In recent years, in foreign policy, Russia has given priority to the integration in the Asia-Pacific region, not only in politics and security but also in trade and economics. With the aim of supporting and promoting the socio-economic development of Eastern Siberia and the Far East region, Russia is increasingly and actively participating in the East Asia Summits and has become a dialogue partner of ASEAN.
In my opinion, Vietnam is a responsible member of the international community and has been gaining credibility in the region and the world. With its autonomous foreign policy, Vietnam is one of our key partners in Asia Pacific region. Obviously, it is with the help of Vietnam that we have succeeded in making various initiatives in the above forum.
The development of relations with Vietnam was noted in ordinances including “Measures for foreign policy”, “The concept of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation” by President V.V. Putin and repeatedly confirmed in speeches by Russian leaders.
In the official visit to the Russian Federation by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, many important commitments were mutually discussed. What would you say about the prospect of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in the upcoming time?
The visit to the Russian Federation by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong became an important political event of the last year. During the visit, the two sides continued to assert consistent ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam to meet long-term interests of the peoples of the two countries.
The two sides are holding good prospects in the fields of oil and gas, technique, military, mineral mining and processing, manufacturing and other industries. The Russia – Vietnam high-level task force on prioritized investment projects has drafted 17 projects worth US$20 billion. The two sides stressed the strategic cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, primarily in the safe construction ensuring high economic efficiency of the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam, namely Ninh Thuan I.
Meanwhile, the negotiation on the signing of the free trade area agreement between the member states of the Europe – Asia Economic Union and Vietnam has been concluded. We are considering the possibility of increasing the supply of Vietnamese goods to the Russian market by proposing that Vietnamese businesses establish enterprises engaged in the processing of seafood, wood and textiles in Russia, especially in Siberia and the Far East region.
In the field of education, scientific and humanistic disciplines are growing strongly. Currently, in Russia, 6,000 citizens of Vietnam are attending colleges. In 2014, the Russian government offered more than 600 scholarships to citizens of Vietnam. This number is expected to reach 700 and 1,000 in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
In the field of information technology, we are researching and drafting issues related to cooperation between the two parties, including the development and use of GLONASS global positioning system.
At the same time, we will continue to ensure all favourable conditions for the living, working and studying of Russian and Vietnamese citizens in the two countries. Also, I can see that Vietnam has become an attractive tourist destination for Russian tourists for its favourable climate, excellent cuisine and hospitable people.
What is your expectation for the 2015 free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union including Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan?
Vietnam was chosen as the first partner of the Customs Union to negotiate the free trade agreement in Asia. This is a decisive factor in the formation of a favourable environment for coordinating action between relevant enterprises, related countries and Vietnam.
The FTA negotiation was launched in March 2013; 8 rounds of consultation took place and the two sides officially completed negotiations on December 15, 2014 at Phu Quoc. We hope that this agreement will promote trade turnover and investment capital as well as foster strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Exporters of agricultural products, food and seafood should seize this opportunity to take advantage of preferential tariffs.
Looking back on 65 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia, the peoples of the two countries can proudly assert that, at the height of comprehensive strategic partnership and as trusted friends, the two countries will continue on the path of cooperation for peace and prosperity, for a brighter future of the two peoples. I also hope that the younger generation of the two countries will follow their predecessors to develop the potential the previous generations have built.
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