Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son visits Russia: Affirming consistent foreign policy, promoting multifaceted cooperation

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomes Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to visit Vietnam in July 2022. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Could you please tell us the significance and key contents of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son's visit to the Russian Federation this time?

At the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation from April 1-4.

This working trip of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son is an important foreign affairs activity, affirming Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification of foreign relations, proactive and active international integration, being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Russia)

The trip not only promotes multifaceted cooperation with high trust between the two sides but also contributes to affirming Vietnam's independent and balanced diplomatic stance in the face of fluctuations in the international situation, especially in the context of the world witnessing many major changes in geopolitics.

This is also an opportunity for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son to meet and contact leaders at all levels of the country to promote the implementation of the results of the visits of the two countries' senior leaders in recent times, and also to review cooperation directions and key projects in the fields of economics, trade, energy, oil and gas, science and technology, education, culture, and prepare for the visit to Russia by senior Vietnamese leaders in the coming time.

Another focus of this visit is to promote and strengthen cooperation between the two countries' Foreign Ministries on the basis of continuing to maintain and effectively promote consultation and contact mechanisms such as Political Consultations at all levels, Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy - Defense - Security to exchange information, share experiences, discuss key issues on regional politics and security and common approaches to global challenges.

In addition, the visit also aims to strengthen Vietnam-Russia cooperation within the framework of international and regional forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, CICA, BRICS with the aim of enhancing the common voice of the two countries at international forums, especially in promoting a new multipolar order, enhancing the role of small countries, contributing positively to maintaining peace, stability and development in the world as well as in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, the visit is also an opportunity for the two sides to review and promote coordination in organizing activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations this year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the occasion of attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos in October 2024. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

2025 is a year of great significance as Vietnam and the Russian Federation celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How does the Ambassador feel about the vibrant atmosphere at all levels to celebrate this important milestone?

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1950–2025), a major milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. Looking back on the 75-year journey, we cannot help but be proud of the great achievements of the good friendship and cooperation that the two sides have built and nurtured together, in which the most valuable is still the good feelings that the people of our two countries have had and always have for each other despite the challenges of history.

The atmosphere of preparation for this event is taking place in a very exciting atmosphere, from ministries, branches, associations, from central to local levels of the two countries, bearing the mark of friendship and deep connection between the two peoples, based on the foundation of political trust and multifaceted, comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The two countries' senior leaders have closely directed the planning of commemorative activities, from politics, diplomacy, economics, culture, education, people-to-people exchange, etc., considering this not only an opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two countries and peoples, but also an opportunity to consolidate the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing this relationship to a higher level, becoming increasingly substantive and effective, meeting the aspirations and interests of the leaders and people of the two countries.

As the person directly leading and participating in the preparation and coordination of these activities, I feel the enthusiasm and determination of both sides in turning 2025 into a “golden” year for Vietnam-Russia relations, a stepping stone for the two countries to build the future, promote untapped cooperation potential and affirm each other's position in a fair, cooperative and developing multipolar world.

I believe that this will be a milestone for the Vietnam-Russia relationship to continue to grow, towards a sustainable and prosperous common future, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

How does the Ambassador assess the major driving forces promoting the Vietnam - Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to develop more strongly in the coming time, when Vietnam enters a new era?

In the context of Vietnam entering a new development stage, oriented by high economic, social and international integration goals, the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is forecast to continue to develop strongly.

In the current complex international context, with the trend of increasingly fierce geopolitical competition, the two countries will be urged to strengthen cooperation more and more closely. In particular, the high level of political trust and traditional friendship between the two countries continue to be a solid foundation, as well as a great driving force to promote the relationship between the two countries.

Vietnam and Russia both consider each other a top priority in their foreign policies, agreeing on the need to maintain annual exchanges of high-ranking delegations, exchange delegations through the channels of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, Ministries, sectors, localities, and mass and social organizations, continue to support each other and closely coordinate stances at international forums.

Another major driving force is defense and security cooperation, a key area and one of the main pillars of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Russia is a reliable partner of Vietnam in enhancing defense capabilities, transferring modern technology and training high-quality human resources.

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Cooperation in this field not only strengthens Vietnam's national security but also contributes to maintaining strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region, in line with Vietnam's multilateral and multipolar diplomatic orientation.

Maintaining regular dialogue and close coordination at regional and international forums will also help the two countries jointly respond to non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters and epidemics.

Economic and trade cooperation is expected to make a breakthrough and create new momentum for economic development of both countries, thanks to Vietnam's need for infrastructure, energy and technology development.

Russia has strengths in areas such as oil and gas, nuclear energy and heavy industry, while Vietnam is promoting industrialization, digital transformation and deep integration. Cooperation projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure, especially the potential for nuclear power development, will become the backbone of economic cooperation between the two countries.

In addition, the two sides have signed and are effectively implementing the Vietnam - EAEU Free Trade Agreement (of which Russia is a member), which is opening up greater opportunities for increased exchange of goods, services and investment between the two sides.

Cooperation in education, culture and people-to-people exchanges continues to be an important bridge and driving force to promote multifaceted relations between the two countries. Vietnam is focusing on training high-quality human resources, while Russia has a leading education system and science and technology such as space research, biotechnology, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

The implementation of joint venture projects in the field of advanced technology will help enhance the competitiveness and innovation of both countries. Meanwhile, expanding cooperation in higher and postgraduate education, training of experts, or academic, cultural and artistic exchanges will deepen the friendship, not only meeting the sustainable development needs of Vietnam but also opening up opportunities for the young generation of both countries to actively contribute to future development.

The above motivations not only reflect practical interests but also affirm the spirit of long-term cooperation, mutual respect and mutual benefit between Vietnam and Russia.

I believe that with the solid foundation of the relationship, multi-dimensional common interests, flexible foreign policies of both countries as well as a common vision of peace and development, the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia will continue to develop increasingly strongly, both in breadth and depth, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries, while contributing to peace and cooperation in the region and the world.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/deputy-prime-minister-bui-thanh-son-tham-nga-khang-dinh-chinh-sach-doi-ngoai-nhat-quan-thuc-day-hop-tac-nhieu-mat-309552.html