Ha Noi (VNA) - Developing diversified relations with Viet Nam is one of Russia's priorities in the Asia-Pacific region, affirmed Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam V. V. Serrafimov at a banquet to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries in Ha Noi on Jan. 31.

The Ambassador said the two countries are maintaining positive negotiations at the summit level and expanding relations between the two countries' provinces and cities while effectively coordinating with each other at regional and international forums.

He said the Russian people are proud of their solidarity with the Vietnamese people during the latter's past struggle for national independence and their assistance to Viet Nam's economic restoration and development at present. The former Soviet Union and Russia have helped Viet Nam build more than 300 projects in all fields, thus contributing to developing the Vietnamese economy.

He said he believed that on the basis of the time-honoured friendship  and experienced cooperation, the Russia-Viet Nam partnership will be continously consolidated to benefit both peoples and promote peace, security and stability in the region and the world at large.

In his speech, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan said the Vietnamese Government has always attached importance to multi-faceted cooperation with Russia.

He said Russia's establishment of diplomatic relations with Viet Nam is an historical event and has been a strong support to the Vietnamese people. It opened a new stage of development in the relations between the two countries. The Vietnamese people have born in mind the Russian people's fine sentiments towards and valuable assistance to Viet Nam in the past as well as at present, he noted.

The Deputy PM affirmed that over the past decade, the strategic political relationship between the two countries has been defined by their leaders' meetings, bilateral cooperation in the international arena and increasing economic-commercial ties.

He and Ambassador Serrafimov raised toasts to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.