Researchers and scholars from Vietnam, Russia, Belarus, Ukraineand Poland gathered at a seminar in Russia on May 20 to talk aboutthe issues Vietnam is facing in its relation with the internationalcommunity.

The event was organised by the Centre forVietnam and ASEAN studies under the Far East Division of theRussian Academy of Sciences.

Participants, who are allleading specialists on Vietnam, touched upon a wide range of issuesfacing the Southeast Asian country, like its current position and role,progress and challenges as well.

Discussions put on tableincluded Vietnam’s international integration process, its relationswith two powers of the US and China and in Russia-ASEAN ties,amendments to the country’s Constitution, and climate change.

Inhis opening remark, Director of the Far East Division of the RussianAcademy of Sciences Mikhail Titarenko underscored the close tiesbetween Russia and Vietnam.

He described the seminar as afollow-up activity of the recent official visit by Prime Minister NguyenTan Dung to Russia and the 123rd birth anniversary of the latePresident Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnamese Ambassador toRussia Pham Xuan Son stressed that Vietnam always considers itsrelations with Russia as one of the priorities in its foreignpolicy.

Vietnam and Russia announced their comprehensivestrategic partnership in July 2012 during President Truong Tan Sang’svisit to Russia, marking a new milestone in their relations.

The outcomes of the event will be submitted to the Russian ForeignMinistry to serve its making of decisions and policies with Vietnam.-VNA