Tô Lâm Meets Russian Security Council Secretary, Highlights Strengthened Security, Defence Cooperation

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on Tuesday met with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu in Hànội, praising the growing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security and defence.

Welcoming Shoigu to Việtnam, the Party leader said the visit held significant importance in further bolstering bilateral ties. He reaffirmed that Việtnam attaches great value to its traditional friendship with Russia — a relationship nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of both nations. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the former Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, in Việtnam’s historic struggle for national liberation and its ongoing national development.

General Secretary Lâm reiterated that the Party and State of Việtnam remain steadfast in pursuing a foreign policy based on independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations. Within this framework, strengthening the trusted Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia continues to be a key priority.

He underscored the need for both countries to effectively implement high-level agreements and fully harness their respective potential to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights, contributing to regional and global peace, stability and development.

The Vietnamese leader welcomed the outcomes of working sessions held between the delegation of the Russian Security Council and Vietnamese agencies. He noted that the two sides had identified important cooperation areas, including combating transnational crime, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, non-traditional security, strategic information sharing and professional capacity training.

Lâm emphasised that amid the complex and rapidly changing global landscape, Việt Nam and Russia must continue enhancing coordination, consultation and experience exchange to ensure the security and prosperity of both nations.

Shoigu, expressing gratitude for the warm reception, reaffirmed that Russia viewed Việt Nam as a reliable and important partner in the Asia-Pacific region. He praised the country’s independent and peaceful foreign policy, as well as its growing regional stature.

He noted that cooperation between the two nations had always been based on mutual trust and respect, consistent with international law and the interests of both sides. Shoigu also highlighted ongoing progress in defence and security collaboration, capacity building and joint efforts to address non-traditional security threats.

The Russian official proposed further strengthening the partnership by expanding strategic dialogue mechanisms and developing new initiatives tailored to the needs and capabilities of both sides. He reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to deepen cooperation and share experience with Việt Nam.

Both sides agreed to advance cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, machinery manufacturing and high technology. They also encouraged stronger linkages between localities, businesses and economic associations of both countries.

The meeting further underscored areas for scientific cooperation, technology transfer, joint research and educational exchanges aimed at enhancing the long-standing friendship between the two nations. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were also highlighted as key to reinforcing mutual understanding.

On the occasion of Shoigu’s visit, General Secretary Tô Lâm conveyed his greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders.