Despite a friendship treaty that dates from 1982, the two countries have never been friends.

Moscow's new friendship treaty with China, the first since the 1950's, is one means of reply.

On May 27, 1971, a friendship treaty was signed between the two countries, but relations were nevertheless declining.

They proposed a friendship treaty between the two countries, an idea that met with a cool reception from Vietnam's leaders.

"I've had more than a half-dozen cases prevented from going to court because of the friendship treaty," he said.

This was intended as a prelude to the signature of a friendship treaty.

He is warmly accepted by the Queen and a friendship treaty was signed.

That boundary was enshrined in a friendship treaty signed last year between the countries.

North Korea has also recently signed a new friendship treaty with Russia.

March 19 - India and Bangladesh sign a friendship treaty.