Vietnam and Russia to further enhance comprehensive strategic partnership

Ambassador Bezdetko, speaking in an interview recently granted to VTCNews, noted that both sides have frequently maintained visits and meetings at all levels in a bid to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

In 2023, Vietnam welcomed visits by a number of Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, speaker of the State Duma (Lower House), and Andrey Yatskin, first deputy speaker of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly (Upper House).

Minister of Internal Affairs Kolokoltsev Vladimir Alexandrovich and Minister of Emergency Situations Kurenkov Aleksandr Vyacheslavovich also paid working visits to Vietnam last year.

The two countries held the second session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the State Duma of the Russian Federation, along with the 24th session of the Russia-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee for economic-trade and scientific-technical co-operation, in Hanoi.

The two sides discussed measures to further increase political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, such as economics, trade, culture, public security, crime prevention, civil defence, and search and rescue work.

According to the diplomat, both countries have acquired much experience in economic and trade cooperation over the years. However, the recent COVID-19 pandemic and changes taking place in the global geopolitical landscape has negatively impacted bilateral ties to some extent, thereby disrupting the supply chain and direct commercial flights.

“I believe that, with joint efforts, both sides will surmount difficulties and ensure the continued strong increase of bilateral cooperation moving forward,” stressed the diplomat.

He said that Russia pins high hopes on the implementation of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, aiming to boost trade exchanges between the two countries. It’s noteworthy that Vietnam was the first country to sign the trade pact with the EAEU .

With regard to investment cooperation, the two sides are promoting important joint initiatives in various sectors, including energy, industrial production, agriculture, and tourism.    

Moreover, the two sides are taking strong steps towards expanding ties between their ministries, agencies, and localities. Governor of Russia’s Kaluga oblast Vladislav Valerievich Shapsha visited Hanoi last November in an effort to boost linkages with the Vietnamese capital and other localities.

“Such cooperation will be enhanced in the coming time,” said the Ambassador.

He noted that Vietnam and Russia have treasured the long-standing relationship and comprehensive strategic cooperation that exists in many fields, including oil and gas, energy, industry, agriculture, science, education, and human resource training. The mutual interest in further deepening these ties constitutes the fundamental basis for a firm belief in strengthening cooperation and moving forward.

“I am confident that the complete restoration of direct flights between our two countries will promote trade exchanges and tourism cooperation, including the return of Russian tourists to Vietnam. In the context of rapidly changing international markets and modernization, we pay even greater attention to cooperation in the fields of high technology, the use of renewable energy, the application of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, as well as information security,” stated Ambassador Bezdetko.

Also in the interview, the Russian Ambassador shared his thoughts and feelings about the Vietnamese land, people, and culture. He wished Vietnam luck in recording greater achievements in national development and international integration, as well as in mutual relations.