Vietnam always welcomes and supports the intensification of ASEAN-Russia cooperative relations, and appreciates Russia’s important role in maintaining regional peace and stability, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh on October 23.

At the conference themed “ASEAN-Russia relations: Vietnam’s role” 

He made the statement while attending a conference themed “ASEAN-Russia relations: Vietnam’s role”, held by the Vietnamese Embassy in collaboration with the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University)’s ASEAN Centre.

Highlighting sound ASEAN-Russia relations, the Vietnamese diplomat said the two nations have enjoyed robust political ties, with delegation exchanges at all levels being maintained.

Regarding the security field, they are working together to fight traditional and non-traditional threats such as terrorism and transnational crimes, as well as settling issues related to marine security and freedom of navigation and aviation.

Both sides also support the implementation of the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct of Parties in the waters, he added, affirming respect of international laws and principles and prevention of protectionism and unilateral acts are a solid foundation for the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership in the field of politics-security.

Touching on economic-trade collaboration, Ambassador Manh believed that both sides need to make further efforts to develop potential in the field.

Anton Golubev, a representative from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke highly of Vietnam-Russia ties, noting the Southeast Asian country is playing a prominent role in promoting relations between ASEAN and Russia.

Grigory Lokshin from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies’ Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies, said he supported Russia’s attempts to expand cooperation with ASEAN member states, especially in energy.

He stated that Vietnam-Russia cooperation in oil and gas has brought benefits to both nations.

As the East Sea issue develops in a more complicated manner, he called for relevant sides to obey international regulations, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  (UNCLOS 1982), and settle conflicts by peaceful means.

Director of the MGIMO University’s ASEAN Centre Victor Sumski told Vietnam News Agency correspondents that mutual trust is the highlight of the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership, and both sides should enhance trade cooperation via breakthrough economic projects.

Experts at the conference also discussed challenges to cooperation across economy and trade, investment, education and culture between Vietnam and Russia, hoping competent agencies of both sides will work to remove bottlenecks so bilateral cooperation can develop in line with traditional relations formed over the past seven decades.

Scholars described the conference as an important event as it marked one year since ASEAN and Russia set up their strategic partnership, and in the context that ASEAN member states and Russia share many mutual benefits and face emerging challenges that need coordination for effective resolution.