Vietnam-Russia: Partnership built on traditional legacy

Viet Anh

Dec 27, 2024 / 10:12 PM

As Vietnam and Russia approach 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, both nations are planning landmark celebrations, anchored by the state visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, heralding a new chapter in their enduring partnership.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is scheduled to visit Vietnam in 2025, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia. This visit will mark a significant milestone in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

This was announced by Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko at a press conference in Hanoi on December 26, 2024. He also briefed on the planned celebrations, which will include high-level visits, expert roundtables, exhibitions and cultural performances from both countries.

Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko (center) speaks at the press conference. Photo: Viet Anh

"Our relationship was forged during the challenging period of the Vietnamese people's struggle for freedom and independence, and it has withstood the test of time, remaining resilient despite any circumstances," said Bezdetko.

The year 2024 saw significant developments in bilateral relations, most notably President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Vietnam, during which 15 cooperation agreements were signed in the economic, educational and cultural fields. High-level Vietnamese delegations, led by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, also visited Russia.

Economic cooperation showed promising growth, with bilateral trade reaching $4.15 billion in the first eleven months of 2024, according to Russian Trade Representative Viacheslav Kharinov. The Vietnam-Russia oil joint venture Vietsopetro reached the milestone of 250 million tons of oil production, and agricultural trade is expected to exceed $1 billion. New investments, such as the Vietnamese TH True Milk factory in Russia and the Russian GAZ automobile assembly plant in Danang, demonstrated strong industrial cooperation.

In the field of nuclear energy, Ambassador Bezdetko expressed Russia's willingness to support Vietnam's development of nuclear energy, noting that Russia has already trained about 300 Vietnamese specialists in this field.

Russian Trade Representative Viacheslav Kharinov speaks at the press conference. Photo: Viet Anh

Cultural ties remained strong, as evidenced by various commemorative events, including Victory Day celebrations and the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. The Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi, headed by director Vladimir Murashkin, continues to serve as a cultural bridge, offering exhibitions, film screenings, and Russian language courses taught by 200 teachers to more than 5,000 students.

The two countries are actively developing a comprehensive plan through 2030, focusing on trade, investment, technology and education, strengthening an enduring partnership that has withstood various historic challenges.

Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi, speaks at the press conference. Photo: Viet Anh

With expanding economic ties, cultural exchanges, and technological cooperation, the Vietnam-Russia partnership has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, laying a strong foundation for the next chapter of bilateral relations, according to Ambassador Bezdetko.

He also said that the 2025 milestone celebration will not only commemorate past achievements but also pave the way for new opportunities and stronger ties between Moscow and Hanoi.