General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Putin at the meeting on June 20 – Photo: VNA
"This is a visit with many important meanings, and can be considered a highlight of Vietnam's foreign relations in 2024," Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told the press on June 21.
Why is it a highlight?
It is said to be a highlight because, first of all, President Putin's visit affirms Vietnam's consistency in independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of foreign relations.
According to Mr. Bui Thanh Son, by welcoming President Putin, Vietnam affirms that it always considers Russia one of its top important partners. At the same time, Vietnam wishes to strengthen the long-standing traditional friendship with Russia and deepen the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The second reason is timing, as the visit takes place on the occasion of the two countries celebrating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the basic principles of Vietnam-Russia friendship, towards the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations in 2025.
This is an opportunity for the two sides to evaluate the results achieved and set out orientations to develop the Vietnam-Russia cooperation and partnership in the coming time to be more comprehensive, effective and substantive.
Besides, the visit shows the importance given to Vietnam in implementing Russia's Eastward foreign policy, according to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister.
President Putin at a meeting with the Friendship Association and generations of former Vietnamese students who studied in Russia – Photo: NGUYEN KHANH
In more than two decades of leading Russia, this is the fifth time President Putin has visited Vietnam. It is also one of his first foreign trips after being re-elected as president for a fifth term in March 2024.
President Putin’s trips left a strong impression and contributed to creating important foundations for the development of bilateral relations. These included initiating and supporting the establishment of the Vietnam-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2001 and upgrading it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012.
During this visit, the two sides issued a joint statement on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to Mr. Bui Thanh Son, that demonstrates the determination of the leaders and people of the two countries in making bilateral cooperation increasingly effective and substantive in all fields, worthy of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
President Putin's visit was a great success
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son - Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that President Putin's visit was a "great success", with a "very respectful, friendly and thoughtful" reception from Vietnam.
“With the tradition of remembering the source of water, the Vietnamese people will never forget the great and wholehearted support and assistance that the Russian people have given to Vietnam in the past struggle for national independence and reunification as well as in the cause of national construction and defense today,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.
Highlights of the visit
When asked about the outstanding results of President Putin's visit, Minister Bui Thanh Son commented that the trip created new momentum for multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Russia.
Through the joint statement, 11 signed cooperation documents and meetings and exchanges between high-ranking leaders of the two countries, the two sides agreed on major orientations to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
President To Lam meets President Putin – Photo: NAM TRAN
First, strengthen dialogue and contacts at high and all levels and through all channels, effectively deploy cooperation mechanisms to promote cooperation in all fields.
The two sides also continue to coordinate closely at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, APEC, ASEAN-Russia cooperation mechanisms and support ASEAN's central role in the regional structure.
Russia affirmed its support for Vietnam to host APEC Year 2027 and is ready to coordinate with Vietnam to successfully organize this important event.
Second, the two sides affirmed that economic cooperation continues to be the pillar and focus of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides will work together to remove difficulties and agree on solutions to improve cooperation efficiency and enhance the operational efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
The two sides will also work together to maximize the advantages of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, continuing to remove trade barriers. Russia will expand access to Vietnam's consumer goods and agricultural and aquatic products markets, while promoting investment cooperation, especially in infrastructure and energy.
Third, expand defense and security cooperation to respond to non-traditional security challenges. Fourth, promote cooperation in the fields of education and training, science and technology, tourism, labor, culture, local cooperation, people-to-people exchange, youth education, etc.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets President Putin – Photo: NAM TRAN
Frank discussion on international issues
Another outstanding result, according to Minister Bui Thanh Son, is that the two sides' senior leaders "frankly and confidently exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern."
Accordingly, the two countries affirmed their support for a fair international relations system based on international law and the United Nations Charter, especially peaceful settlement of disputes, non-threat and non-use of force, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides support the assurance of security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation. Not to use force or threaten to use force, and to peacefully resolve disputes in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
Previously, during a meeting with President Putin on June 20, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that the world situation is rapidly and complicatedly changing to a multipolar, multi-centered situation.
That, according to the General Secretary, requires countries to implement a policy of peace, equality, non-confrontation, development cooperation, and compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that Vietnam wishes to soon have dialogue, end the war, resume negotiations to reach a peaceful solution on the basis of international law, ensuring the legitimate interests of the parties involved. Vietnam is ready to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and negotiations in that direction.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin – Photo: VNA
According to the Central Foreign Affairs Committee, President Putin shared the opinions of the General Secretary and emphasized that resolving international and regional issues must be based on international law, the United Nations Charter, and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Regarding the East Sea issue, President Putin supports the peaceful resolution of the East Sea issue based on international law. He also mentioned Russia's stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
Comment (0)