Strong message from President Putin's visit to Vietnam

TPO - Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Vietnam sends a strong message of mutual respect between the two countries, and is an opportunity for both sides to create momentum to promote bilateral relations.

That was the affirmation of Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi in a press interview before President Putin's visit. Could you please tell us about the importance and significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam this time for the Vietnam - Russian Federation 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, President of the Russian Federation VV Putin   will pay an official visit to Vietnam from June 19-20. The visit is of great significance, further deepening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas and raising 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. 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, and 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.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Photo: Tass)

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 of the region and the world. I believe that this visit by President 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. The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Vietnam-Russia Friendship Relations and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Could you please assess the highlights of the bilateral relationship over the past time? Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 30, 1950, the relationship between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union and Russia has always been strong 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. The Vietnam-Russia relationship today inherits 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, Vietnam - Russia relations have made strong progress, continuing the tradition of good relations between the two peoples. The relationship between our 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 relations between the two countries are 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. Looking back over the past 30 years, we can be proud of the achievements that have been made as the bilateral relationship has increasingly developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. Vietnam and the Russian Federation have gradually raised bilateral relations to various levels from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We can be proud of the achievements that have been made as the bilateral relationship has increasingly developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. Political relations have 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 ones, helping 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 basis 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... Economic and trade cooperation has developed positively, with periods when bilateral turnover increased by 10-15%/year, as a result of the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union. Despite the impact of the unstable situation in the world and the region, trade turnover in 2023 still reached 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 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 the continental shelf of Vietnam but also in the territory of the Russian Federation with major projects. In addition to the Vietsovpetro joint venture, which is the flagship in oil and gas cooperation, the two sides have other joint ventures that are actively operating in both countries. Bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and technology, culture, education, tourism, localities, etc. is increasingly expanding, in which cooperation in science and technology and education and training between the two countries is promoted and raised to a strategic level. Russia has become an attractive destination for many Vietnamese students thanks to high-quality scholarship and training programs with thousands of students studying in Russia each year, including 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 people of the two countries. Cultural exchange activities organized regularly also contribute to increasing understanding between the two peoples and creating conditions to promote cooperation in other fields. The Russian Federation has 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.

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

Solid foundation

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? 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, the people of the two countries have the opportunity to access, 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. The Russian cultural weeks in Vietnam and Vietnam in Russia have become annual events, attracting a lot of public attention and participation. In addition, cooperation in the field of education and training also contributes significantly to promoting cultural exchange. Many Vietnamese students have been studying in Russia, and student and lecturer exchange programs between the two countries have also been promoted. These young generations are not only cultural ambassadors, bringing the cultural values ​​of their country to international friends, but also important bridges in maintaining and developing the friendship between the two nations. Tourism is also a potential area of ​​cultural cooperation. More and more Russian tourists come to Vietnam and vice versa, not only to explore the natural beauty but also to experience and better understand the culture and people of each country. Cultural and historical tours are increasingly popular, making an important contribution to enhancing understanding and connection between the two nations. Thank you, Ambassador. Source: https://tienphong.vn/thong-diep-manh-me-tu-chuyen-tham-cua-tong-thong-putin-den-viet-nam-post1647322.tpo#1647322|home-highlight|5