sustainable against all challenges of the times

On the morning of December 26 in Hanoi, the Russian Embassy and the Russian Trade Representative in Vietnam held a press conference on the results of developing the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.

Attending the event were Mr. Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Vietnam, Russian Trade Representative in Vietnam Viacheslav Kharinov, and Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Murashkin - Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi.

From left to right: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko, Trade Representative of Russia in Vietnam Viacheslav Kharinov, Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi Vladimir Murashkin. Photo: Viet Anh

At the closing ceremony, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has continued to affirm its enduring vitality in 2024. "Our relationship was nurtured during the difficult period of the Vietnamese people's struggle for freedom and independence, has stood the test of time and is not influenced by any temporary circumstances," said Mr. Bezdetko.

An important highlight in the Vietnam-Russia relationship in 2024 is the state visit to Vietnam by Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries' leaders signed a total of 15 documents to further promote cooperation in the fields of economy, education and training, science and culture.

Following that, high-level visits to Russia by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the BRICS/BRICS plus conferences in Kazan (Russia), and many visits by other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Russia... contributed to strengthening the strong relationship between the two countries.

On the economic front, Ambassador Bezdetko said that bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has achieved many remarkable achievements. The Vietsovpetro joint venture has reached the milestone of 250 million tons of oil, while agricultural trade between the two countries is expected to exceed the threshold of 1 billion USD. New investment projects such as TH True Milk's dairy factory in Russia and the GAZ car assembly plant in Da Nang are developing well. In particular, the tourism industry is recovering strongly thanks to the resumption of direct flights.

Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: Viet Anh

Looking to the future, the two countries are actively developing a Comprehensive Plan until 2030, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, technology and education. Ambassador Bezdetko affirmed: "Russia is ready to expand practical cooperation with Vietnam in many areas and hopes that our traditional cooperation will be strengthened on the basis of agreements at the highest and high levels."

Vietnam-Russia trade stands firm in the face of challenges

Assessing the Vietnam-Russia trade relationship in 2024, Russian Trade Representative in Vietnam Viacheslav Kharinov affirmed: "Despite the complicated international situation, we still see a positive pace in trade turnover growth for traditional goods, as well as new product lines."

Based on the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam, along with 16 agreements simplifying customs procedures, the two countries have created favorable conditions for bilateral trade flows. In addition, the "International Cooperation and Export" project is contributing to promoting Russian enterprises to shift their investment to potential markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, including Vietnam.

According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the total trade turnover between the two countries in the first 11 months of 2024 reached 4.15 billion USD, with a fairly balanced trade balance. Russia mainly exports coal, fertilizers and seafood to Vietnam, while importing items such as textiles, coffee and machinery and equipment. Notably, many product groups recorded impressive growth of over 30% compared to the previous year.

Russian Trade Representative in Vietnam Viacheslav Kharinov speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: Viet Anh

The prospects for industrial cooperation between the two countries are wide open with many potential projects. Typical examples include the successful operation of the GAZ automobile assembly plant in Vietnam, the development of the Vietnam-Russia Industrial Park in Hai Phong, and opportunities in the fields of information technology and pharmaceuticals. In particular, the development of bilateral payment solutions is being actively promoted by both sides through the Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank (VRB).

With the strategic orientation from President Putin's decree on development until 2030 and 2036, Mr. Kharinov expressed his belief that Vietnam-Russia economic cooperation will continue to develop strongly, especially in the fields of high technology and e-commerce. The Russian Trade Representative in Vietnam also pledged to provide maximum support to businesses of the two countries in taking advantage of new cooperation opportunities.

Vietnamese-Russian culture is connected in every step of development

Also at the summary meeting, Mr. Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi, said that last year had many important events, becoming milestones in the development of Vietnam-Russia human relations. These include joint celebrations of important events in the history of the two countries such as the Victory Day over Fascism on May 9, the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day on April 30, and the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

“Historical emotions, memories and gratitude towards our ancestors, especially those who lived through these profound days, unite our peoples even more closely,” the Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi emphasized.

According to Mr. Murashkin, “Russian House” in Vietnam has become a destination for Vietnam-Russia cultural exchange with many attractive programs such as exhibitions, film screenings, seminars and courses. In addition, Russian language continues to develop strongly with more than 5,000 students and 200 lecturers in Vietnam.

Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi Vladimir Murashkin speaks at the event. Photo: Viet Anh

2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. On this occasion, Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko revealed that both sides are planning to organize many events for this important moment.

Highlights include high-level visits such as the visit to Vietnam by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Meetings to celebrate important milestones in bilateral relations, press conferences, expert roundtables, exhibitions and tours by art troupes from Russia and Vietnam, etc. will also be held during the year.

“We intend that on this occasion, the two countries will organize commemorative events to exchange and discuss many issues in diverse fields, and implement projects based on the consensus between the two sides, thereby further deepening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Ambassador Bezdetko emphasized.

 

Russia is ready to support Vietnam in developing nuclear power.

Responding to a reporter's question about the prospect of restarting the nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan province, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko affirmed: "Russia's nuclear industry is one of the most developed and highly appreciated fields in the world. Russia is always ready to cooperate with Vietnam in this important field."

According to the ambassador, in recent years, Russia has trained about 300 specialists in the field of nuclear power for Vietnam. “If Vietnam calls for and creates conditions for cooperation, we are ready to accept that offer,” Mr. Bezdetko affirmed.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/quan-he-huu-nghi-viet-nam-nga-ben-vung-truoc-moi-thach-thuc-thoi-dai.html