Russian Consul General to HCM City Anatoly V.Borovik affirmed the above at a February 19 press conference marking the 63rd anniversary of Russian-Vietnamese diplomatic ties (1950-2013).

Bilateral ties between the two countries were pushed to new heights through 2012’s senior-level leader and business visit exchanges to seek opportunities for cooperation and investment in their respective countries.

During the reviewed period, two-way trade turnover hit US$3.5 billion, a 40 percent increase on a year earlier. Both nations are striving to bring the figure to US$7 billion in 2013.

Borovik noted Russia is helping Vietnam build a nuclear power plant in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan.

Russia will assist Vietnam apply the most up-to-date advanced technology to ensure the important national and regional project’s safety, he added.

Apart from energy, Russia is also carrying out a number of mineral exploitation projects in southern Vietnam such as the Titan project, also in Binh Thuan.

The number of Russian visitors to Vietnam has surged in recent years with more than 200,000 recorded in 2012.

The two countries boast great potential for developing their relationship further and 2012’s achievements will give their efforts to do so fresh impetus.

VOV