Red carpet welcome for Russian president A red carpet welcome was given to Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 1. Mr Putin is in Vietnam for a three-day official visit, the first in his capacity as Russian President, from February 28. President Tran Duc Luong and Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem were prominent among those present at the welcoming ceremony. President Luong warmly welcome the visit by his Russian counterpart, describing it as an important landmark in the time-honoured friendship and co-operation between the two countries. The Vietnamese leader affirmed Vietnam always attaches importance to consolidating and strengthening traditional ties with the Russian Federation. He said that boosting relations with Russia is a long-term strategy of Vietnam's foreign policy. President Luong said he hoped that the current Vietnam visit by the Russian President will create a momentum to bring the Vietnam-Russia economic-commercial co-operation on a par with their fine political relations. The move, he noted, will provide a significant material basis for sustainable development of the traditional, comprehensive co-operation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, meeting the aspiration and interests of the two people, thus contributing to regional and world peace, stability and development. President Putin expressed his joy at visiting Vietnam, a beautiful country, and at witnessing the achievements recorded by the heroic Vietnamese people in their national renovation and construction. The Russian President expressed his sincere thanks to President Tran Duc Luong, the Vietnamese State, government and people for their hospitality. He noted with satisfaction the fine development of the relationship in political, economic, cultural and scientific and technological areas between the two countries over the past years. "As far as the Russian Federation's external relations in Asia are concerned," he stressed "Friendship and multi-faceted co-operation with Vietnam will enjoy priority." He said he believed that the visit would help the two parties continue discussing measures to better promote close coordination in developing Vietnam-Russia co-operation in conformity with each country's potential and desire. Immediately after the grand welcoming ceremony, President Tran Duc Luong held talks with President Putin. (VNA) _______________________________________________ Marxist-Leninist-List mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.wwpublish.com/mailman/listinfo/marxist-leninist-list
