In his response at the meeting, the visiting dignitary noted relations between the two nations had developed positively, especially in politics, national defense, education and training, trade, science and technology.

 

“We believe that bilateral cooperation will be boosted to a higher plane,” Lavrov was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency.

 

Lavrov was here at the invitation of Vietnamese Deputy PM cum Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, apart from the formal talk with Khiem. Lavrov also had a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. During the meeting on Saturday (25 July 2009), PM Dung suggested the Russian government create favorable conditions for Vietnamese residents in Russia, especially in the current difficult period. Russian investors were also invited to join huge projects in infrastructure, energy, metro, and high-tech sectors in Vietnam with many favorable polices.

 

Lavrov and Khiem on Saturday witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between atomic energy agencies of the two countries. Lavrov received a friendly medal and a campaign medal from Khiem and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations before he wrapped up his visit on Saturday.

 

He also visited Vietnam Russia Bank, the first financial joint-venture between the two sides established in 2006 with a total value of nearly US$400 million. Lavrov said the two central banks should facilitate international payments and commercial cooperation between the two nations.

 

Vietnam and Russia reached over US$1.6 billion in trade last year and have developed cooperation in tourism, telecom, education, science and technology. Vietnam is preparing for the official visit to Hanoi by Russian President Medvedev next year to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.