They also discussed ways to boost the relationship between the two countries and foreign ministries.

Deputy PM and FM Khiem expressed his wish that Vietnam and Russia would promote bilateral cooperation in trade, science, technology, education and training and culture.

He took the occasion to affirm Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to the traditional friendship and strategic partnership with Russia. He also touched upon preparations for the success of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s upcoming visit to Russia.

The Russian FM singled out Vietnam’s great achievements, affirming “Russia is interested in and wants to forge its ties with Vietnam, especially in trade and investment.”
Regarding education and training, the Russian diplomat went on to say: “Russia is willing to help train Vietnamese students at both under-graduate and postgraduate levels.”

He thanked Vietnam for its support to Russia’s participation in regional mechanisms, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

The same day, on the sidelines of the 19^th APEC Ministerial Meeting that took place on September 5 and 6, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang met his Canadian counterpart. The two sides agreed to start negotiations on their investment encouragement agreement.