The Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS)’ Far East Division held a roundtable discussion on Vietnam-Russia relations in Moscow on June 26 (Photo: VNA)Moscow (VNA) – The Russian Academyof Sciences (RAS)’ Far East Division held a press conference and a roundtablediscussion on Vietnam-Russia relations in Moscow on June 26.
Taking place on the threshold of PresidentTran Dai Quang’s official visit to Russia, the events gathered leading scholars,experts and representatives of news agencies from both Russia and Vietnam.
Participants discussed all aspects ofRussia-Vietnam relations, from cooperation in politics, trade and militaryscience to factors affecting the bilateral relationship.
Speaking at the discussion, Evgheny Kobelev,a RAS expert in politics, said relations with Vietnam are a priority inRussia’s foreign policy toward Asia.
A theory on the policy set out in May 2012considered Vietnam among the three most important partners of Russia in Asiaalongside China and India.
Kobelev detailed highlights of thepartnership in politics and diplomacy based on their similar views on pressinginternational affairs, particularly cooperation in Southeast Asia and inAsia-Pacific.
Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre forthe Study of Vietnam and ASEAN at RAS Far East Division, said Russia’s positionin the Vietnamese market has weakened in recent decades.
He attributed the trend to more globaleconomic powers entering the country and Russia facing a trade embargo from theWest.
According to the researcher, despite thiscontext, the two economies still have advantages for economic cooperation as theyare both leading cereal producers in a world of increasing population and foodsecurity concerns. He suggested the two countries work with developing nationsto build a cereal production alliance.
Mazyrin stressed that the free tradeagreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, which took effect in last October, will also help accelerate Vietnam-Russia trade and investment ties.
President Tran Dai Quang is scheduled tobegin a four-day official visit to Russian on June 28, after concluding histrip to Belarus.-VNA
VNA
