The visiting Chair of the Council of the Federal Assembly (Upper House) of the Russian Federation, Valentine Ivanovna Matviyenko, was welcomed in Hanoi on November 14 by Vietnamese Party, State and Government leaders.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spoke highly of the visit, describing it as an important event that will contribute to fostering the cooperation efficiency between the two parliaments, while boosting the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

He expressed his delight at the fruitful cooperation outcomes between the two parliaments, as well as developments in the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the United Russia Party. He highly valued the role that Matviyenko, as a member of the party’s Supreme Council, plays in strengthening ties between the two parties.

Matviyenko applauded the significant achievements that Vietnam has gained under the leadership of the Communist Party.

She said the Russian Parliament and the Council of the Federal Assembly always treasure the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam . She affirmed that they will do their utmost to further develop the ties between the two legislative bodies in an effective manner, contributing to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries in all fields.

At his reception for Matviyenko, President Truong Tan Sang highlighted the special and deep relations between Vietnam and Russia . He thanked Russia for the valuable assistance to Vietnam in its cause of national liberation and defence.

Matviyenko said the cooperation between the two countries are expanding to new fields, adding that besides key cooperation agreements in oil and gas and energy signed between the two sides, she believes the two nations will reach a consensus on trade, investment and taxation cooperation in the mutually beneficial spirit.

In another meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told the Russian guest that her visit plays an important role in further strengthening the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Dung expressed his hope that the two countries’ ministries and departments will work closely to implement effectively cooperation agreements reached by both sides’ leaders, especially in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science-technology and energy.

Matviyenko suggested the two countries exploit potential and advantages to serve their cooperation and development, especially in energy, new technology and agriculture.

She also proposed increasing delegation exchanges at all levels.

Earlier in the day, the Russian delegation paid a visit to the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration.