President Putin’s visit adds fresh impetus to Vietnam-Russia ties
VOV.VN - During his 5th visit to Vietnam on June 19 and 20, President Vladimir Putin and a high-ranking delegation of Russia are set to have talks and a host of meetings with Vietnamese senior leaders and some other activities, as part of efforts to further strengthen both countries' relations.
The state visit, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, takes place at a time amid both countries celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia this year and on the threshold of the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025.
The two countries set up a strategic partnership in 2001 and elevated it to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012.
Over the past years, the bilateral relations have seen positive developments, with the mutual understanding and political trust having been strengthened through high-level visits and exchanges.
The CPV's cooperation with major political parties of Russia, including United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, and A Just Russia - For Truth, has also been growing strongly. Cooperation between the two governments and legislative bodies has also been reinforced.
Vietnam was the first country to sign a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Russia is a member. It is the largest trading partner of Russia in Southeast Asia, while Russia is one of Vietnam's top five trading partners in Europe.
Both sides are also carrying out investment projects in each other's markets, including in the areas where Russia has strengths such as energy, science -technology, and education - training.
They have also conducted various forms of cooperation in defence and security.
Collaboration in the fields of education - training and science - technology continues to be maintained. There are currently about 5,000 Vietnamese students in Russia. Cultural, sport and tourism ties have also been actively strengthened with annual culture days held rotationally.
Concerning locality-to-locality connections, 20 pairs of Vietnamese and Russian localities have established twinned relationships. The 60,000-strong Vietnamese community in Russia are contributing much to the time-honoured friendship.
During the visit, senior leaders of Vietnam, President Putin, and the high-ranking delegation of Russia will compare notes on the situation in each country and international issues of shared concern such as maintaining peace, cooperation and development, settling disputes, and implementing important frameworks such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). They will also outline orientations to foster all-round partnerships in the time ahead.
The visit reflects Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, and diversification and multilateralisation of external relations.
The trip, which takes place shortly after President Putin begins his new term, demonstrates Russia and the leader's high evaluation of Vietnam's potential, position and prestige after 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal). It also shows the visiting leader's respect for the CPV's leadership and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who has made remarkable contributions to the bilateral ties.
With the two countries' traditional friendship, their people's strong support and the achievements recorded so far, President Putin's visit is an opportune occasion for propelling the bilateral relations forwards, thereby contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world as a whole.
