President Putin's visit to Vietnam in Russian media spotlight

Russia's Tass news agency released an article quoting Le Hoai Trung, secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of its External Relations Commission, as saying that President Putin's two-day state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong affirms the nation’s foreign policy. Indeed, this policy is focused on aspects such as independence, peace, friendship, co-operation, development, diversification, and multilateralization of international relations.

According to Interfax news agency, during his visit the Russian President will have meetings with Vietnamese leaders to work on further developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations in commercial, economic, scientific, and technological and humanitarian fields, as well as the exchange of views on international and regional issues.

Ria Novosti newspaper quoted Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi as saying the trip gives both sides the opportunity to sign and implement new collaboration agreements, providing added impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

These agreements not only bring with them economic benefits, but also serve to strengthen the political and strategic relationship that exists between the two countries. In particular, amid the complicated international situation, close ties between Vietnam and Russia becomes more important than ever.

Long-term goals and specific action plans will be determined in a bid to ensure the sustainable and effective development of bilateral relations in the future. President Putin's visit to Vietnam is also a strong signal of mutual respect between the two countries.

This is a clear expression of friendship and solidarity which will contribute to consolidating the position of both sides in the international arena for the common benefit of their peoples and for the sake of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the wider world as a whole.

Meanwhile, the Independent, a reputable political and current affairs analysis site in Russia, has run a story entitled “Vietnam – a special destination of President Vladimir Putin”, commenting that the visit will help to reinforce motivations aimed at deepening the joint comprehensive strategic partnership. This is meaningful amid both countries heading towards the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (1950-2025).

Speaking to Vietnamese media, Associate Professor Anna Kireeva, an expert on Oriental studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), stated that the visit is of great significance to mutual relations as it offers the chance for both sides to reinforce their comprehensive strategic partnership at a high level. The occasion will therefore contribute to reaffirming their commitments to comply with the principles of developing relations of both countries.

The visit indicates that for Russia, the Vietnamese side is also an important partner in Southeast Asia in particular and the globe in general, he added.
Asso. Prof. Dr Maxim Syunnerberg from the Institute of Asian and African Studies at the Lomonosov Moscow State University described Vietnam as being a crucial partner of Russia in Southeast Asia and a strategic one in Asia. He recalled President Putin's 2001 visit to Vietnam as an important move that created a strong foundation and driving force to grow bilateral ties.

Economists commented that Vietnam is a developing country and a growing economy that is fully capable of bringing huge opportunities to Russia in terms of investment, production, agriculture, logistics connection, and tourism. On the other side Russia is restructuring its foreign economic relations. Therefore, this visit carries even greater practical economic significance.