Hanoi hosts first strategic dialogue with Russia

Hanoi (VNA)- The first Vietnam-Russia strategic dialogue took place in Hanoi on November 6, in furtherance of a high-level commitment made during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Russia in September 2007.

The two sides, led either by permanent or first Deputy Foreign Ministers, held in-depth discussions regarding a number of global issues, but focused mainly on the Asia-Pacific region.

They also examined challenges to global security and development, particularly those affecting Vietnam and Russia , including economic security.

Also high on the agenda were measures to strengthen coordination of action at international and regional forums, to help both nations contribute further to common peace, stability and prosperity.

On the same day, the Russian head delegate, First Deputy Foreign Minister A. I. Denisov, was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem.–

RoK, Singapore to hold defence strategic dialogue

– Senior defence officials from the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Singapore will hold a “strategic dialogue”, the first of its kind between defence authorities of the two nations.

The one-day “strategic dialogue”, slated for August 28 in Singapore, is aimed at expanding bilateral defence ties and exchanges, according to the RoK’s Defence Ministry.

During the strategic dialogue, the two sides are expected to discuss the potential sale of the RoK’s T-50 supersonic trainer jets for Singapore.

Deputy Minister for policy at the RoK’s Defence Ministry Jeon Jei-guk will represent the RoK delegation while Singapore’s delegation will be led by Assistant Deputy Defence Minister for policy Gary Ang Aik Hwang.-

RoK president wants to resume inter-Korean dialogue

Seoul (VNA) – Republic of Korea (RoK) President Lee Myung-bak on July 11 proposed the RoK and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) immediately resume dialogue.

In a speech delivered to the new parliament, the RoK leader wanted the two Koreas to discuss denuclearisation of the DRPK, implementation of existing inter-Korean summit agreements and cross-border humanitarian cooperation.

President Lee said his government is willing to engage in serious consultations with the DPRK on how to implement the inter-Korean agreements made so far.

Agreements between the two Korea’s include the summit declaration signed in October last year, the Joint Declaration of June 15, 2000, and a 1991 joint declaration of the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

Inter-Korean relations should transcend changeovers in administrations and be pursued from a future-oriented perspective for all the Korean people, the president was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. –