Speaking to the press on May 4, Hang described To Lam’s working trip from May 5 to 12, which includes his stopovers in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Belarus, as a major highlight of Vietnam’s foreign policy, carrying special strategic significance.

The visit serves as an opportunity for Vietnam to reaffirm its loyal friendship and express its desire to promote long-term, effective, and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia and other traditional partners from the former Soviet Union – the nations that have supported Vietnam in both the past and present, said the diplomat.

The visit to Russia, made at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, aims to enhance political trust and define new pathways for deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, she noted.

This is To Lam’s first official visit to Russia as General Secretary and comes at a historic moment, as both countries are celebrating significant milestones - the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Russia’s 80th Victory Day commemorating its triumph in the Great Patriotic War, and Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification, alongside Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Notably, the Party General Secretary will attend the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Russia, demonstrating Vietnam’s deep respect and recognition of the Soviet Union’s immense sacrifices and contributions in defeating fascism and defending global peace.

She emphasised that the Soviet victory inspired and fueled Vietnam’s own revolutionary struggle. Vietnamese volunteer fighters even took part in defending Moscow in 1941.

Bilateral ties continue to be strengthened and elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012. Security and defence cooperation remains a key pillar, while two-way trade reached nearly US$4.6 billion in 2024, up more than 26% year on year.

Energy, especially oil - gas cooperation, remains a cornerstone of the relationship. The two countries are negotiating new agreements in geological exploration and oil extraction. They also share a common interest in reviving nuclear energy cooperation, including potential nuclear power development in Vietnam.

For Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, this marks To Lam’s first state visit to these countries, underscoring efforts to strengthen political trust and convey a clear message of Vietnam’s commitment to deepening traditional friendships and enhancing Party-to-Party cooperation, said Hang.

This working trip also contributes to promoting people-to-people exchanges and reaffirms the enduring affection of the Vietnamese people for the peoples of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus that are traditional friends of Vietnam.

The trip, she said, reflects a commitment to advancing bilateral relations guided by the “Four More” principle: more sustainable, more effective, more substantive, and more mutually beneficial commensurate with the potential for cooperation, political trust, and the shared aspirations of the Vietnamese people and their partners.

During the trip, the Vietnamese leader is scheduled to hold high-level talks and meetings with leaders of the host countries to shape future bilateral relations and create new momentum for cooperation in a wide range of fields, particularly in economy, trade, investment, fundamental sciences, energy, high technology, and artificial intelligence.

Hang expressed confidence that the Party leader’s working trip will be a success, leaving a lasting impression and further elevating Vietnam’s image as a loyal and responsible partner. It is also expected to provide important impetus for national development and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Party General Secretary To Lam to visit Russia in May

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam will pay an official visit to Russia and attend the 80th anniversary celebration of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.