Vietnam, Russia deepen comprehensive strategic partnership

THE HANOI TIMES — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level talks in Moscow on May 9, reaching consensus on bolstering the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across multiple fields in a new phase of cooperation.

The two leaders agreed to expand collaboration in science and technology, energy, oil and gas, nuclear energy, biotechnology, semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and information technology.

They emphasized the importance of creating joint scientific research projects and called for symbolic initiatives that reflect the enduring Vietnam–Russia friendship in the new era.

Both sides supported stronger cooperation between Vietnamese and Russian energy enterprises, including investment and operations in each other’s territories, in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Defense and security cooperation will also be enhanced, with both countries committing to deeper ties in military-technical collaboration and efforts to address non-traditional security challenges such as cyber threats and high-tech crime.

The two leaders shared their commitment in promoting peace and stability in the region and around the world.

Vietnam and Russia also issued a joint statement outlining the key directions for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new stage.

The statement reaffirmed the foundations of the long-standing bilateral relationship and set ambitious goals for future cooperation, including mutual benefits for both peoples and a shared contribution to peace and sustainable development globally.

A number of cooperation agreements were signed between the two countries to strengthen their ties and collaboration. The agreement spans diplomacy, defense, oil and gas exploration, peaceful nuclear energy, science and technology, justice, healthcare, education, biomedicine, culture, and aviation.

During the meeting, General Secretary To Lam called for increased exchanges at all levels and through various channels, along with expanded economic, trade, and investment cooperation. He proposed strengthening joint efforts in transportation, e-commerce, and labor.

Lam also asked Russia to support Vietnamese researchers in nuclear science and fundamental physics and proposed joint research and development in pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

He specifically urged for the establishment of a cancer vaccine research and testing center in Vietnam, aimed at transferring technology and producing medicine and vaccines domestically.

Highlighting cultural and educational ties, the Vietnamese leader pledged support for the teaching of Vietnamese and Russian languages in both countries.

He also proposed the establishment of a Vietnamese cultural center in Russia, and called on Moscow to consider visa waivers or simplified visa procedures, particularly for short-term visits and electronic visas.

General Secretary To Lam also suggested that Russia continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens living, working, and studying in the country, affirming that they are an important bridge between the two nations.

President Putin expressed his appreciation for To Lam, his spouse, and the high-level Vietnamese delegation attending the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. He also thanked the Vietnamese People's Army for joining the military parade on Red Square.

Putin emphasized the time-tested relationship between Russia and Vietnam, built over 75 years of diplomatic relations and strengthened through both wartime and peace.

He described To Lam’s visit as particularly meaningful, coinciding with several historic milestones for both nations, including Vietnam’s reunification and National Day, and the Victory Day commemorations in Russia.

General Secretary To Lam congratulated Russia on successfully organizing the Victory Day celebrations, calling the event a powerful moment in global history.

He expressed deep gratitude for the support provided by the former Soviet Union and now Russia in Vietnam’s fight for independence and national development.

Lam described President Putin as a close comrade and valued friend of Vietnam, and congratulated him on Russia’s recent socio-economic achievements.

He briefed Putin on Vietnam’s current development, noting its political stability, economic growth, and commitment to becoming a high-income country by 2045.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their time-tested relationship, expressing satisfaction with the positive developments in Vietnam-Russia cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, education, science and technology, and innovation.

They praised the performance of the Vietnam-Russia Intergovernmental Commission in coordinating bilateral activities across all sectors, and supported the strengthening of partnerships between local governments in both countries.

At the end of the meeting, General Secretary To Lam extended a formal invitation for President Putin to visit Vietnam. President Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure.