Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War in May, and the Vietnamese Party leader will pay a working visit and attend the anniversary at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

During the talks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, who was in Moscow for an official visit from April 2-4, emphasised that Vietnam consistently regards Russia as one of its most important and trusted strategic partners in its foreign policy.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner in Russia’s foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lavrov welcomed Son’s visit which he said takes place at a time as both countries are commemorating significant milestones, including the 75th anniversary of Vietnam – Russia diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and national reunification of Vietnam, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, and the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of Russia.

The two ministers highly valued the dynamic development of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all fields. Political relations continue to be strengthened with a high level of mutual trust, and regular exchanges of delegations at all levels. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has returned to a positive growth trajectory.

Both sides expressed satisfaction of the impressive achievements in cooperation across various fields, including defence, security, education and training, science and technology, culture, tourism, humanities, and local-level exchanges, despite challenges posed by the global geopolitical situation. The joint efforts to overcome difficulties and gradually restore direct flights have served as a strong impetus to enhance effective cooperation in all areas.

To further strengthen the traditional friendship and Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new context, especially as Vietnam enters a new era and Russia transitions into a new phase of development, both sides agreed to continue high-level delegation exchanges across Party, State, and Parliamentary channels, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Both parties concurred on expanding and deepening cooperation in key areas such as energy, particularly green and renewable energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, science and technology, agriculture, biomedical sciences, culture, tourism, and education and training.

They emphasised the need to maximise the benefits of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (EAEU), implement key projects, and develop new initiatives to make economic, trade, and investment cooperation a central pillar of the Vietnam-Russia partnership.

Son requested that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities continue to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriates to live, study and work stably in their host country. He also proposed that Russia consider extending visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports to boost tourism to Russia.

The two chief diplomats also agreed to enhance cooperation between their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, leveraging their coordinating role to contribute positively and effectively to bilateral relations.

During the talks, both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

The Vietnamese side highly appreciated Russia’s role and contributions to multilateral organizations and agreed to strengthen coordination in key international forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN, and BRICS, as well as in addressing non-traditional security challenges.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding and complying with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the regions.

At the conclusion of the talks, the two diplomats held a press conference to announce the outcomes of their discussions and answered questions from journalists.

Vietnam considers Russia one of top priority partners in foreign policy

VOV.VN - Vietnam attaches importance to relations with Russia, considering it one of the top priority partners in foreign policy, Party General Secretary To Lam told Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko during a reception in Hanoi on April 2.