The visit marks the first high-level trip by a Vietnamese leader to Russia in 2026 and is expected to open a series of important diplomatic engagements. It aims to further strengthen the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries while expanding opportunities for cooperation to support Vietnam’s development.

Taking place shortly after Vietnam’s successful 14th National Party Congress and the election of the 16th National Assembly, the visit underscores the country’s determination to accelerate economic growth and deepen international integration, while seeking continued support from key partners such as Russia.

In recent years, Vietnam–Russia relations have seen steady progress, with high political trust reinforced through regular high-level exchanges and close coordination at multilateral forums.

Economic and trade cooperation has shown positive momentum, with bilateral trade reaching US$4.77 billion in 2025. Energy cooperation, particularly in oil and gas, continues to be a cornerstone, with joint ventures such as Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro being expanded and extended. Russia remains a key strategic partner for Vietnam in ensuring energy security.

Beyond energy, both sides are stepping up cooperation in science and technology, education and training, defence and security, as well as cultural and tourism exchanges. Russia continues to provide around 1,000 scholarships annually to Vietnamese students, while tourism has rebounded strongly, with Russian arrivals to Vietnam reaching 690,000 in 2025.

Amid global energy uncertainties, the visit is expected to generate new directions for cooperation, particularly in energy, investment, and high technology. Several important agreements are anticipated to be signed, further deepening bilateral ties and reinforcing Russia’s role as a strategic partner in Vietnam’s long-term development.

Russian Ambassador highlights priority areas to deepen Vietnam–Russia cooperation

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko has expressed his confidence that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's upcoming official visit to Russia will further consolidate bilateral cooperation in priority areas while granting an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter ahead of the trip.