The visits are made at the invitation of Russian PM Mikhail Ephimovich Fradkov, Czech PM Mirek Topolanek and Polish PM Iaroslaw Kaczynski.

The Russian Federation is the first leg of his tour of the three European nations.

In reply to Russia's Novosti and Itar-Tass news agencies prior to his visit to Russia, Mr Dung said, “Vietnam-Russia cooperative relations are based on mutual trust and mutual understanding. This is my first visit to Russia in my capacity as Vietnamese Prime Minister. During the visit, leaders from both countries will consider and find out measures to promote two-way trade turnover and are also expected to sign a number of documents at the governmental, ministerial, sectoral and local levels.” From September 12-15, PM Dung and his entourage will visit the Czech Republic and the Republic of Poland, which always attach great importance to promoting relations with Vietnam and appreciate Vietnam’s role and position.

Mr Dung will compare notes with Czech and Polish leaders on measures aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science and technology, education and training and tourism in line with the signed agreements.

Mr Dung is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, Minister and Director of the Government Office Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Khanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee and assistant to the PM Nguyen Van Tung and leaders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Finance.

On this occasion, a series of business forums will be held in these countries to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese entrepreneurs to seek cooperation and business opportunities on an equal footing with other foreign enterprises.