Vietnam aspires to receive help from Russia in terms of COVID-19 vaccine priority and the implementation of signed vaccine contracts and vaccine production technology transfer, especially COVID-19 medicine production, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Chinh made the statement during a reception for Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko in Hanoi on Tuesday.

The prime minister told his guest that Vietnam regards Russia as one of the top priorities in its external policy and desires to reinforce the time-honored friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a more practical and effective manner.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese leader thanked Russia and natural gas producer Novatek Co., whose CEO Leonid Mikhelson also attended Tuesday’s reception, for donating the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine shots to Vietnam.

The head of government asked the ambassador to convey to senior Russian leaders Vietnam’s desire to continue receiving priorities for vaccine aid and accelerating the implementation of signed vaccine contracts and vaccine production technology transfer, especially COVID-19 medicine production, as well as other medical supplies.

He emphasized that the support and cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 prove the friendship and tradition of mutual supportiveness between the two countries during difficult times.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (center) speaks during a reception for Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko in Hanoi, August 3, 2021. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always welcomes and creates favorable conditions for international investors, including those from Russia, to study and participate in investment projects in accordance with the Vietnamese law, especially in areas where Russia has strengths and Vietnam has demands such as infrastructure, energy, oil, and gas.

Ambassador Bezdetko described Vietnam as a priority partner of Russia in Asia-Pacific and agreed with the measures and orientations to promote their bilateral ties as suggested by PM Chinh.

He pledged to further enhance and tighten the bilateral relations, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in both nations and across the globe.

Regarding regional and global issues, both sides vowed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On the East Vietnam Sea issue, they underlined the importance of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the region, as well as settling disputes over sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction via peaceful measures and solutions in line with the United Nations Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!