(VNA): The Vietnamese people are proud of their traditional friendly and co-operative ties with the Russian Federation, and will do their utmost to preserve the relations, said Vietnamese Industry Minister Hoang Trung Hai on the occasion of Russia 15th National Day (June 12).

At a reception held in Hanoi on June 10 by the Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Serafimov Vadim Viktorovich to mark the day, Minister Hai said the solidarity between the two nations is an important foundation for the further development of their co-operative ties, and bilateral comprehensive co-operation between the two countries will develop in line with the traditional friendly relations.

The Russian ambassador noted that in the 55 years since their diplomatic ties were established, Vietnam and Russia have created a firm foundation for comprehensive co-operation.

The two countries are actively conducting political dialogues and their economic and trade ties have been consolidated. Two-way trade value increased by 36% in 2004 and will see higher growth.

He expressed his belief that Vietnam and his country will be able to tap their great potentials for the benefit of both people.

The same day, the Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to mark the Russian National Day.

President Hoang Huu Nghia of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association said that the traditional friendly relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation is a valuable property that the two countries' people, particularly young generations, should respect and preserve.

Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Yuri Vasiliev noted with joy the remarkable results in bilateral co-operation programmes in the past decade, especially the growing trade ties, which reached nearly US $700 million in 2004.

Many Vietnamese officials, researchers and students who had studied and worked in the Russian Federation, and enterpreneurs who are doing business with Russian partners, attended the event.