Vietnamese Party Chief Tô Lâm Holds Talks with Russian President Putin

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Tô Lâm held high-level talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on Saturday (local time), as part of his official visit to the Russian Federation. The visit coincided with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, during which General Secretary Lâm and his delegation attended the Victory Day military parade on Red Square.

President Putin extended his gratitude to General Secretary Lâm, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation for their presence at the historic ceremony. He also thanked the Việt Nam People’s Army for contributing forces to participate in the parade, underscoring the deep-rooted bilateral friendship.

President Putin emphasized that the Vietnam–Russia relationship has stood the test of time for more than 75 years, rooted in solidarity both during times of conflict and in the current era of peace. He described General Secretary Lâm’s visit as highly significant, especially as both nations mark major milestones including the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam, and the upcoming 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

General Secretary Lâm congratulated Russia on the successful organization of the Victory Day celebrations, affirming that the event represents a milestone of global historical significance. He reiterated Vietnam’s enduring gratitude for the Soviet Union’s and Russia’s support during its struggles for independence and its ongoing national development.

Describing President Putin as a “great friend and close comrade of Vietnam,” General Secretary Lâm conveyed greetings and best wishes from State President Lương Cường and other senior Vietnamese leaders. He briefed the Russian President on Vietnam’s stable political landscape, sustained economic growth, and long-term vision to become a high-income country by 2045.

The two leaders affirmed the enduring friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, which they agreed must be nurtured for the mutual benefit of both peoples and for global peace and development.

They expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral cooperation across key sectors including economy, trade, energy, education, science and technology, and innovation. Both sides acknowledged the positive outcomes of high-level agreements and appreciated the role of the Vietnam–Russia Intergovernmental Committee in promoting cooperation in various fields.

General Secretary Lâm proposed greater exchanges of delegations at all levels, enhanced cooperation in e-commerce, transport, and labour, and deeper collaboration in scientific research—particularly in nuclear physics, biology, and pharmaceuticals. He suggested joint efforts in vaccine research, especially in cancer treatment, and called for the establishment of a vaccine research and testing facility in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese leader also called on Russia to support Russian language education in Vietnam, enhance Vietnamese language training in Russia, and promote cultural exchanges. He recommended a visa exemption mechanism for Vietnamese citizens on short-term business travel and an expansion of electronic visa issuance.

President Putin agreed on the importance of launching new, impactful projects that symbolize Vietnam–Russia friendship in the modern era. The two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation in energy, oil and gas, and other strategic sectors, in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in science, atomic energy, digital infrastructure, biotechnology, semiconductors, and military technology. They affirmed the importance of joint scientific research and pledged to work closely on non-traditional security issues, including cybercrime and high-tech threats.

President Putin also praised the Vietnamese community in Russia for their growing contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. General Secretary Lâm called for continued support for Vietnamese nationals living, working, and studying in Russia.

On regional and international matters, both leaders emphasized the importance of respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

A Joint Statement was issued to outline key directions for advancing the Vietnam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reaffirming shared principles and identifying future cooperation priorities for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

In addition, multiple agreements and cooperation documents were signed across sectors such as diplomacy, defence, energy, science, education, healthcare, justice, aviation, and culture, further reinforcing the legal framework for deepening bilateral ties.

Concluding the talks, General Secretary Tô Lâm extended a formal invitation to President Vladimir Putin to visit Vietnam in the near future, which the Russian leader warmly accepted.