Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son’s visit to Russia: Afferming Vietnam's consistent foreign policy, promoting multifaceted cooperation
WVR - On the occasion of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son's official visit to the Russian Federation from April 2-4, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi spoke with the World and Vietnam Report, highlighting the significance of the visit and the dynamic atmosphere in both countries as they commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks at the ceremony marking 75th anniversary of Vietanm-Russia diplomatic ties. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Regarding the key priorities of the visit, Ambassador Khoi said that it is a significant diplomatic activity, reaffirming Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and the diversification and multilateralization of foreign relations. It highlights Vietnam's proactive and active international integration, its role as a trusted partner, and a responsible member of the international community.
The visit not only enhances the multifaceted, high-trust cooperation between the two sides but also reinforces Vietnam’s independent and balanced diplomatic stance in response to the evolving international landscape, especially as the world witnesses significant geopolitical shifts, he noted.
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will engage with Russian leaders at various levels to advance the implementation of key agreements from recent high-level exchanges. The agenda includes reviewing and enhancing collaboration in priority areas such as trade, investment, energy, oil and gas, science and technology, education, and culture. Additionally, discussions will pave the way for an upcoming visit by Vietnam’s senior leadership to Russia.
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| Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son’s visit to Russia: Afferming Vietnam's consistent foreign policy, promoting multifaceted cooperation: Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn welcomes Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on his visit to Vietnam in July 2022. (Photo: Quang Hòa) |
An important aspect of the visit is bolstering cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries, particularly through consultation and dialogue mechanisms such as Political Consultations at different levels and the Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy – Defense – Security. These mechanisms facilitate in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern and align strategic approaches to emerging global challenges.
Additionally, the visit aims to strengthen Vietnam-Russia cooperation within international and regional forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, CICA, and BRICS, with the goal of amplifying the shared voice of both countries at international platforms. This is especially important in promoting a new multipolar order, enhancing the role of smaller nations, and making positive contributions to maintaining peace, stability, and development globally and in the Asia-Pacific region.
The visit also serves as an opportunity for both sides to coordinate and finalize activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia this year.
As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia (1950–2025), the Ambassador noted, it represents an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations. Reflecting on these 75 years, the two sides cannot help but feel proud of the remarkable achievements in the friendship and cooperation that both countries have built and nurtured together. Above all, it is the enduring goodwill and mutual affection between the peoples of Vietnam and Russia, which has persisted despite the challenges of history, that stands as the most cherished aspect of this relationship.
The preparations for this event are being carried out with great enthusiasm, involving ministries, sectors, associations, and both central and local levels of government from both countries. These efforts strongly reflect the profound friendship and deep connection between our two peoples, built on a foundation of political trust and comprehensive, mutually beneficial cooperation.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Đặng Minh Khôi. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Russia) |
The high-ranking leaders of both countries have closely directed the planning of various commemorative activities, ranging from political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, and educational exchanges to people-to-people interactions. These activities are seen not only as an opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing friendship between our two countries and peoples but also as a chance to reinforce the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevating it to a higher level of substance and effectiveness, in line with the aspirations and interests of the leaders and peoples of both nations.
As someone directly involved in overseeing and coordinating the preparations for these activities, Ambassador Khoi emphasized sense the enthusiasm and determination of both sides to make 2025 a “golden year” for Vietnam-Russia relations. It will serve as a stepping stone for both countries to nurture their future, unlock untapped cooperation potential, and affirm each other's position in a fair, cooperative, and developing multipolar world.
I believe that this will mark a milestone for Vietnam-Russia relations to continue to grow, towards a sustainable and prosperous shared future, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.
Regaring the key driving forces that will further strengthen the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as Vietnam enters a new era, Ambassador Khoi underscored that the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is expected to continue to grow stronger.
In the current complex international context, with increasingly intense geopolitical competition, both countries are motivated to strengthen their cooperation even further. The high level of political trust and the traditional friendship between the two countries continue to serve as a solid foundation and a major driving force for the development of their bilateral relations.
Both Vietnam and Russia consider each other as top priorities in their foreign policies and have agreed on the need to maintain regular high-level exchanges, as well as interactions through various channels, including Party, State, Government, National Assembly, ministries, localities, and social organizations. They will continue to support each other and closely coordinate their positions on international forums.
Another major driving force is defense and security cooperation, which plays a key role and is one of the main pillars of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Russia is a trusted partner of Vietnam in enhancing its defense capacity, transferring modern technology, and training high-quality human resources.
Cooperation in this area not only strengthens Vietnam's national security but also contributes to maintaining strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region, in line with Vietnam's multilateral and multipolar diplomatic orientation.
Maintaining regular dialogue and close coordination at regional and international forums will also help the two countries jointly address non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics.
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| The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the occasion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos in October 2024. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Economic and trade cooperation is expected to experience a breakthrough, creating new momentum for the economic development of both nations, driven by Vietnam's infrastructure, energy, and technology development needs.
Russia has strengths in areas such as oil and gas, nuclear energy, and heavy industry, while Vietnam is accelerating industrialization, digital transformation, and deepening integration. Collaborative projects in the energy, infrastructure sectors, particularly the potential development of nuclear power, will serve as the backbone of bilateral economic cooperation.
Furthermore, the successful signing and implementation of the Vietnam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement (of which Russia is a member) are opening up greater opportunities for increasing the exchange of goods, services, and investment between the two sides.
Cooperation in education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges also plays a crucial role as a bridge and driving force to enhance multifaceted relations between the two countries. Vietnam is focusing on training high-quality human resources, while Russia boasts a leading education and science system, particularly in space research, biotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
The implementation of joint venture projects in advanced technologies will enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of both nations. Meanwhile, expanding cooperation in higher education, postgraduate training, expert development, as well as academic, cultural, and artistic exchanges will further deepen the friendship between the two countries, meeting Vietnam's sustainable development needs while opening up opportunities for the younger generations of both nations to contribute positively to future development.
These drivers not only reflect tangible benefits but also affirm the spirit of long-term cooperation, mutual respect, and shared benefits between Vietnam and Russia.
Ambassador Khoi expressed his confidence that with a solid foundation of relations, shared multidimensional interests, flexible foreign policies of both countries, and a common vision for peace and development, the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia will continue to grow stronger, both in breadth and depth, bringing practical benefits to the people of both nations while contributing to peace and cooperation in the region and the world.
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