New impetus for multifaceted Vietnam-Russia cooperation

NDO - On the occasion of Russian President Vladimir Putin's State visit to Vietnam on June 19 and 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi gave an interview to the press about the current relationship between the two countries, as well as measures to promote bilateral cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi. (Photo: THANH THE)

Reporter: Could you please tell us about the importance and significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam this time for the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as in realizing the Joint Statement on the Vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries until 2030?

Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi: At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the Russian Federation V. Putin will pay a State visit to Vietnam from June 19 to 20. The visit is of great significance, further deepening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas and elevating it to a new level in the new situation, especially in the context of the two countries' efforts to realize the Joint Statement on the Vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030. This visit is not only an important diplomatic event, but also demonstrates Russia's respect and commitment to the multifaceted cooperative relationship with Vietnam. At the same time, the visit also demonstrates Vietnam's active implementation of its foreign policy in the spirit of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralization, for the benefit of the nation and people, contributing to peace and stability in the world. This contributes to strengthening friendship and mutual trust, creating a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of bilateral relations in the future.

This visit is not only an important diplomatic event, but also demonstrates Russia's respect and commitment to the multifaceted cooperative relationship with Vietnam. At the same time, the visit also demonstrates Vietnam's active implementation of its foreign policy in the spirit of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization, for the benefit of the nation and people, contributing to peace and stability in the world.

During the visit, the two countries' leaders will discuss and orient the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership until 2030, more clearly defining key areas of cooperation, from economics, trade, national defense and security, energy, science and technology to education, culture and people-to-people diplomacy. Long-term goals and specific action plans will be set out to ensure sustainable and effective development of bilateral relations in the future. In addition, this visit is also an opportunity for both sides to sign and implement new cooperation agreements, creating momentum to promote bilateral relations. These agreements not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen the political and strategic ties between the two countries. In particular, in the context of many fluctuations in the international situation, close cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has become more important than ever. President Putin's visit to Vietnam also sends a strong message of mutual respect between the two countries. This is a clear manifestation of friendship and solidarity, thereby contributing to enhancing the position of both countries in the international arena, for the common interests of both peoples and for peace and stability in the region and the world. This is also an opportunity for the two countries to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh Monument in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo: THANH THE)

I believe that this visit by President V. Putin will be an important milestone, marking the strong and sustainable development of the special relationship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, bringing bilateral relations firmly on the open path towards a bright future of loyal friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

Reporter: 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Vietnam-Russia Friendship Relations between the two countries. Could you please assess the highlights of the relationship between the two countries over the past time? Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi: Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 30, 1950, the relationship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union (formerly) and Russia (currently) has always been stable over the years and has increasingly developed in depth in all fields. Despite changes in political regimes, the two countries have always considered each other as important and leading partners and friends. Today's Vietnam-Russia relations inherit the special friendship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union in the past. After a period of interruption due to the turmoil in the Soviet Union and Russia in the early 90s of the last century, with the determination and efforts of the leaders and people of the two countries, the Vietnam-Russia relationship has made strong progress, continuing the tradition of good relations between the two peoples. The relationship between the two countries has been built and strengthened over many decades, based on the foundation of trust, sustainable cooperation and mutual respect. In order to create a new legal framework for the relationship between Vietnam and Russia, in 1994, the two countries signed the Treaty on the basic principles of friendly relations, which affirmed that the friendly relationship between the two countries is built on the principles of respect for independence and sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit based on international law.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 30, 1950, the relationship between Vietnam and the Soviet Union (formerly) and Russia (currently) has always been stable over the years and has increasingly developed in depth in all fields. Despite changes in political regimes, the two countries have always considered each other as important and leading partners and friends.

Looking back over the past 30 years, we can be proud of the achievements as the bilateral relationship has increasingly developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. Vietnam and Russia have gradually raised their bilateral relations to levels from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We can be proud of the achievements as the bilateral relationship has increasingly developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. The political relationship has a high level of trust, through diverse forms and mechanisms of political cooperation, such as regular exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations, helping the leaders of the two countries exchange information and promptly direct the development of bilateral relations. The two sides have established and effectively implemented many mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Committee meeting, Strategic Dialogue, and Annual Political Consultation, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and trust, creating a foundation for promoting all-round cooperation between the two countries. Vietnam and Russia always support and cooperate closely in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ARF...

Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi (left) at an event in Russia. (Photo: THANH THE)

Economic and trade cooperation has developed positively. There have been periods when bilateral trade turnover increased by 10% to 15% per year, as a result of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union. Despite the impact of global and regional instability, the two countries' trade turnover in 2023 will still reach more than 3.6 billion USD.

In terms of investment, Russia has nearly 200 projects in Vietnam, with a total capital of nearly 1 billion USD. Vietnam's investment in Russia has increased sharply, from only about 100 million USD in the early 2000s to 3 billion USD in 2023. An important highlight in economic cooperation between the two countries is the strong development in the fields of energy and oil and gas. The two sides have cooperated well and effectively in oil and gas exploration not only in Vietnam's continental shelf but also in the territory of the Russian Federation with large projects. In addition to the Vietsovpetro joint venture, which is the flagship in oil and gas cooperation, the two sides have had other joint ventures operating actively in both countries. Bilateral cooperation in fields such as science and technology, culture, education, tourism, localities, etc. has been increasingly expanded, in which cooperation in science and technology and education and training between the two countries has been promoted and raised to a strategic level.

In terms of investment, Russia has nearly 200 projects in Vietnam, with a total capital of nearly 1 billion USD. Vietnam's investment in Russia has increased sharply, from only about 100 million USD in the early 2000s to 3 billion USD in 2023.

Russia has become an attractive destination for many Vietnamese students thanks to its high-quality scholarship and training programs, with thousands of students studying in Russia every year, including in key industries such as energy, oil and gas, and basic sciences. Tens of thousands of scientists, engineers, and technical workers trained in the Russian Federation have made positive and effective contributions to the Vietnamese economy and are a factor in creating a bridge of friendship between the peoples of the two countries. Cultural exchange activities are regularly organized, contributing to increasing understanding between the two peoples and creating conditions to promote cooperation in other fields. The Russian Federation has also always maintained its position as one of the leading tourist markets of Vietnam. Cooperation in the fields of defense, security and military technology between the two countries is a traditional field and is constantly developing on the basis of a trustworthy partnership, in accordance with international law, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Reporter: According to the Ambassador, what is the significance of the cultural factor to the Vietnam-Russia friendship? How has cultural cooperation been promoted in the general flow of cooperation between the two countries, Ambassador? Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi: The cultural factor plays an extremely important role in building, consolidating and strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Culture not only reflects the values, traditions and identities of each nation but also serves as a bridge to enhance understanding, share common values ​​and respect differences. Throughout the history of cooperation, cultural exchange activities have contributed significantly to building a strong and cohesive relationship between the people of the two countries. Culture helps us better understand each other's customs, practices and lifestyles. Through activities such as cultural festivals, exhibitions and art and music activities, people of the two countries have the opportunity to approach, explore and appreciate each other's precious cultural heritages. This not only deepens the friendship between the two peoples, but also contributes to building a solid foundation for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia. In recent years, cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has been strongly promoted. Many cultural exchange programs have been held regularly, creating conditions for artists, researchers and people of the two countries to meet, exchange and learn from each other.

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