Russia fosters strategic partnership with Vietnam Promoting cooperation with Vietnam is one of Russia’s priorities in its Asia policy, Ambassador to Vietnam Andrey G. Kovtun told a press briefing in Hanoi on December 25. Reviewing the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, Kovtun said bilateral relationship has developed strongly through high-ranking reciprocal visits and expanded cooperation. Many large-scale agreements were implemented in 2013, resulting in effective cooperation in energy, telecommunications, culture, education and training, tourism, and science and technology. Two-way trade turnover in the first 10 months of this year hit US$3.15 billion, up 2% compared to the same period last year. Of the total, US$2.24 billion was generated from Vietnamese exports, up 20.5%. The two sides aim to raise bilateral trade value to US$7 billion by 2015 and US$10 billion by 2020.   Vietsovpetro -  an exemplary role model of efficient cooperation between Vietnam and Russia The diplomat recalled big progress in the ongoing negotiations of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Customs Union (comprising Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) and Vietnam, saying four rounds of talks have been conducted fruitfully to date. He said both sides are determined to reach a more balanced pact that will not only stimulate two-way trade turnover but also promote trade, services, investment, and technology transfer among its members. He said the Customs Union is on the threshold of entering a new economic integration period following the debut of the Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC) originated from the Customs Union. Once a new EAEC treaty is signed in 2014 and comes into effect in 2015, it will deepen integration between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, and Kovtun said he hopes Vietnam will be the first foreign partner to benefit from the treaty. He also expressed hope Russia and Vietnam will do their utmost to consolidate and strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership for mutual benefit and for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.  VOV