Hanoi and Moscow sign new cooperation pact to deepen multifaceted city ties

THE HANOI TIMES — The authorities of Hanoi and Moscow on December 1 signed a new memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two capitals, aiming to boost comprehensive relations across multiple sectors and support sustainable development.

Under the agreement, the two cities will expand exchanges in tourism, strengthen promotion efforts, conduct market surveys and develop service infrastructure.

In culture and heritage, they will share experience in preservation, jointly organize exhibitions and seminars and maintain cultural exchange events.

Hanoi and Moscow will also increase cooperation in sports through co-hosting international tournaments and expanding athlete exchanges.

The memorandum highlights collaboration on environmental protection, ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation.

Both sides will share knowledge on urban planning, construction, redevelopment and the development of transport and landscape infrastructure.

In investment and trade, the cities pledge to support business access to markets, exchange policy information and assist joint efforts to implement economic projects.

Cooperation in healthcare and social welfare will focus on training, joint research and developing digital medical applications.

Education remains a priority, with both sides promoting student exchanges, teacher training, professional collaboration and the continued teaching of Russian in Hanoi and Vietnamese in Moscow.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen highlighted the significance of the new cooperation document.

He said the people of Hanoi deeply value the longstanding affection the Russian Federation has shown Vietnam.

Quyen noted that the two capitals should work closely to address challenges in urban transition and expand cooperation in Hanoi’s priority areas.

Vice Chairman Quyen said Hanoi will develop prompt action plans to carry out its commitments.

“The agreement will create new momentum, enabling both cities to better tap their cooperation potential in urban development, environment, healthcare, technology and education,” he said.

Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government, said his city is carrying out major programs on heritage preservation and public transport development.

He added that the city is enhancing the use of artificial intelligence in urban management and expanding social welfare services.

Cheremin affirmed that Moscow is ready to share its experience and cooperate with Hanoi to make the partnership more substantive.

The Russian official affirmed that Moscow will work closely with Hanoi to implement the agreements.

He also noted that similarities in their urban development models will help cooperation become increasingly effective.

Cooperative relations between Hanoi and Moscow date back to the late 1990s.

The partnership was strengthened through several documents, including the 1998 Agreement on Expanding Friendship and Cooperation, the 2001 Memorandum on Developing Friendly Relations and the 2004–2005 Cooperation Program signed in 2003.

Additional agreements adopted in 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2019 created a stable framework for long-term collaboration.

Cultural exchange activities have left strong impressions, including “Moscow Days in Hanoi,” Russian cultural exhibitions, art programs at the Lenin Statue and the unveiling of the Pushkin Statue at Hoa Binh Park.

In trade and investment, Hanoi has attracted US$167.5 million in Russian FDI from 1986 to 2025.

From January to October 2025, Hanoi received more than $14 million in new Russian investment in manufacturing, accommodation, food services, wholesale and construction.

During the same period, Hanoi exported $183.9 million worth of goods to Russia and imported $586.9 million.

Upcoming landmark projects such as the Hanoi Cultural and Trade Center in Moscow and the planned “Moscow House in Hanoi” reflect the depth of bilateral cooperation and position both capitals as gateways for their business communities.