Vietnam, Kazakhstan forge strategic partnership in new era of ties

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam and Kazakhstan have officially elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their longstanding relationship. The announcement was made during the State visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam to Kazakhstan from May 5-7, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The upgrade in relations, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s historic visit to Kazakhstan and ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, reflects the two nations’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, from political dialogue and economic development to defense, education, and climate action.

In joint talks, both leaders highlighted their intent to expand strategic cooperation in key areas:

Political and Diplomatic Engagement: Vietnam and Kazakhstan will enhance high-level exchanges and consider new cooperation mechanisms across ministries, parliaments, and localities. Legislative collaboration and regular foreign policy consultations are set to intensify.

Security and Defense: The two countries agreed to explore formal defense and security cooperation, including joint training, crime prevention, and potential collaboration in UN peacekeeping missions.

Trade and Investment: Leaders pledged to expand economic ties through the Intergovernmental Commission and a proposed Joint Business Council. They also discussed signing new agreements on investment protection and joint action plans to boost trade, particularly within the Eurasian Economic Union framework.

Sectoral Cooperation: Substantive progress is anticipated in agriculture, science and technology, energy (including renewables and mining), digital transformation, and infrastructure, with both sides encouraging joint projects and legal frameworks to support collaboration.

Cultural, Educational and Tourism Exchange: Enhanced people-to-people ties were highlighted, with both nations supporting cultural events, academic mobility, sports training, and tourism promotion. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in education and labour mobility.

Environmental and Climate Action: Vietnam and Kazakhstan committed to joint initiatives on desertification, green growth, and climate change adaptation, as well as broader international environmental cooperation.

Regional and Global Coordination: Both countries reaffirmed support for peaceful resolution of international disputes and pledged closer collaboration within multilateral forums such as the UN, CICA, ASEM, and the WTO. Vietnam also expressed readiness to facilitate Kazakhstan’s stronger engagement with ASEAN.

The visit concluded with a shared vision of peace, stability, and mutual prosperity. General Secretary To Lam expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s warm hospitality and emphasized the visit as a new chapter in Vietnam-Kazakhstan relations.

The joint statement was signed in Astana on May 6, 2025, in Vietnamese, Kazakh, and English.