President Putin says Vietnam is Russia’s prioritized partner Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia, on May 19, 2016. Tuoi Tre Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia considers Vietnam one of its top priorities with regard to the country’s foreign policy during a talk with visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The Vietnamese head of government joined talks with President Putin on Thursday after arriving in Sochi to attend the ASEAN-Russia Summit commemorating the 20th anniversary of the two parties’ relations. The meeting was part of PM Phuc’s ongoing official visit to Russia from May 16 to May 21. The Russian president began the conversation with his guest by congratulating PM Phuc on his appointment and stating that it was an honor to meet him. President Putin praised Vietnam’s role in Southeast Asia and asserted that the nation is one of Russia’s top priorities in its external policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Highlighting the two nations’ special relationship, the Russian head of state said he is happy with the 27 percent growth rate that Russia-Vietnam bilateral turnover experienced during Q1 2016. Amid the rapid development of regional and global situations, the two countries must cement their cooperation in politics, economics and trade, defense and security, science and technology, education and training, culture, and tourism, as well as mutual support in international forums, respecting the demand and wishes of both countries, he added. PM Phuc extended his appreciation for the grand welcome from President Putin, stating that Hanoi always considers Moscow “a brother, and important friend,” and a comprehensive strategic partner. The Vietnamese head of government recounted his successfulmeeting with Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, adding that several cooperative contracts had been inked between Vietnamese and Russian corporations. He also expressed his gratitude toward the Russian president for providing favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia, hoping that the European nation will continue its support for Vietnam. On behalf of Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang, PM Phuc invited President Putin to pay an official visit to Vietnam, as well as participating in the 2017 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum, which will take place in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang. The two leaders also reached a consensus on boosting the efficiency of key cooperative projects, especially in trade, oil and gas, nuclear power, and tourism, thereby creating a solid foundation for ties in other fields. President Putin promised to urge other member states of the Eurasian Economic Union to complete the ratification of a free trade agreement with Vietnam, which is hoped to play an essential role in Russia-Vietnam ties in economics, trade, and investment. According to PM Phuc, Vietnam is willing to be a bridge for Russia to extend its market in Southeast Asia, against the backdrop that Hanoi has been establishing free trade agreements with many nations and organizations. The premier congratulated Moscow on being the chair of the ASEAN-Russia Summit, believing that the event will be a success and significantly elevate their relationship. The two officials also discussed several regional and international issues and agreed to continue collaborating at multilateral forums, namely the United Nations, APEC, and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), among others. Regarding the recently complicated progressions in the East Vietnam Sea, Putin reiterated Russia’s stance on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the maritime area, as per international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC). The president also supported the establishment of a Code of Conduct in the East Vietnam Sea between China and ASEAN. The ASEAN-Russia Summit is set to commence at 5:00 pm on Friday.  PM Phuc and the delegation of Vietnamese officials are scheduled to leave Sochi later that night. TUOI TRE NEWS