The Vietnamese leader underlined the significance of the agreement, which he said is a modern and comprehensive deal with necessary flexibilities and balanced benefits which take into account the specific situation of each side. He added that it is a breakthrough for economic-trade ties between Vietnam and the EAEU’s member states. For his part, Khristenko expressed his hope that Vietnam will serve as a bridge linking the Union with ASEAN member states. The two sides expressed their belief that the FTA will create a foundation for the EAEU to bolster trade and investment connections with Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region in particular, and the Asia-Pacific in general. Vietnam and the EAEU began negotiations on the bilateral FTA on March 28, 2013. The Eurasia Economic Union comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.