President Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Việt Nam Strengthens Bilateral Relations

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation from Russia, is on his fifth visit to Vietnam, engaging in talks and meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders. The visit, occurring at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, aims to further enhance and develop the robust relationship between the two nations.

This state visit is significant as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia, and precedes the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025. The strategic partnership established in 2001 was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, reflecting the depth and breadth of their bilateral relations.

Over recent years, the relationship between Vietnam and Russia has flourished, marked by increased mutual understanding and political trust, facilitated through high-level visits and exchanges. Cooperation between the CPV and major Russian political parties, including United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, and A Just Russia – For Truth, has also strengthened significantly.

Economic ties between the two countries are robust, with Vietnam being the first country to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Russia is a member. Vietnam is Russia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, while Russia ranks among Vietnam’s top five trading partners in Europe. Both nations are actively implementing investment projects in each other’s markets, especially in energy, science-technology, and education-training.

Defense and security cooperation, as well as collaboration in education and science-technology, continue to thrive. Currently, around 5,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Russia. Cultural, sports, and tourism exchanges are also vibrant, highlighted by annual cultural days held alternately in each country.

Additionally, the relationship between localities in both countries is strong, with 20 pairs of Vietnamese and Russian localities having twinned relationships. The Vietnamese community in Russia, numbering around 60,000, plays a significant role in fostering traditional friendship.

Lê Hoài Trung, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, highlighted the comprehensive and strong development of Vietnam-Russia relations, which bring practical benefits to their people and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and cooperation.

During the visit, senior Vietnamese leaders and President Putin, along with the Russian delegation, will discuss domestic and international issues of mutual concern, including peace, cooperation, development, dispute resolution, and frameworks like the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). They will also chart future directions to further enhance their comprehensive partnership.

The visit underscores Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, as well as the diversification and multilateralisation of its external relations. Trung emphasized that the visit reaffirms Vietnam’s international position and prestige and the consistent foreign policy outlined at the 13th National Party Congress. It also aims to reinforce diplomacy’s pioneering role in maintaining peace and mobilizing resources for national development.

President Putin’s visit, shortly after beginning his new term, demonstrates Russia’s high regard for Vietnam’s potential, position, and prestige following 40 years of Đổi mới (Renewal). It also reflects Putin’s respect for the leadership of the CPV and General Secretary Trọng, who has significantly contributed to the strengthening of bilateral ties.

With a strong foundation of traditional friendship and the achievements made thus far, President Putin’s visit is a pivotal moment for elevating bilateral relations, capitalizing on both nations’ potential and advantages, and setting new cooperation directions to achieve common goals. This visit is expected to benefit the peoples of both nations and contribute actively to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.