Russia and Vietnam: a special unique relationship

The relationship between Russia and Vietnam is a vivid example of the friendliest development of interstate ties over many decades. The unique character of partnership, friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance has always been and remains the key principle of the development of ties between Russia and Vietnam. Frequent and fruitful meetings between the leaders of the two countries actively contribute to the development of relations between our countries in all areas of partnership.

On June, 2024 President of Russia Vladimir Putin made a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This visit was a serious historical milestone in the further development of deep friendship and the friendliest relations between Russia and Vietnam. The visit included negotiations at the highest level with the participation of respective official delegations. During the state visit, several bilateral documents were approved and signed.

The Russian Federation and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam adopted a joint statement on further developing their comprehensive strategic partnership within the framework of the 30th anniversary of the implementation of the Treaty on Foundations of Friendly Relations between Russia and Vietnam.

The signed documents cover various areas of cooperation, including higher education and science, the development of laboratory infrastructure to combat epidemics, tax policy and tax administration, the fight against customs offences, the construction of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam, the development of Block 11–2 of Vietnam's continental shelf, cooperation between Russia’s Novatek and the Petrovietnam Oil and Gas Corporation, and between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the BVIM Fund.

A ceremony for the exchange of signed documents was held in the presence of the heads of state. Both leaders made statements to the media.

The state visit programme also included separate meetings between the Russian President and senior officials of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man.

Following these meetings, Vladimir Putin met with graduates of Soviet and Russian universities at the Hanoi Opera House. Following the event, the leaders listened to a concert, followed by a gala reception the President of Vietnam hosted in honour of the President of Russia. The Russian President also took part in wreath-laying ceremonies at the Memorial to the Fallen Heroes and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

A recent example of constructive and promising communication at the highest level between Russia and Vietnam was the fruitful meeting in Kazan on the margins of the BRICS summit.

On October, 2024 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the President of Russia met with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh.

Opening meeting President of Russia Vladimir Putin said: ‘Comrade Pham Minh Chinh, friends! Welcome to Kazan. Once again, allow me to warmly welcome you to Russia.

I have warm memories from my recent visit to Vietnam and the conversation we had. It was a rewarding event for our entire delegation. We received a very warm welcome, and from the start, we felt that we were in a friendly country, in a welcoming atmosphere, among friends.

Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our political dialogue is intensive and substantive, along with ongoing interaction at the level of parliaments, ministries, government agencies, political parties and public associations.

Trade is on the rise. In 2023, we saw an 8.3 percent increase in mutual trade, reaching $5 billion, and in January-August 2024, it grew by as much as 25 percent.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is working smoothly, and the agreements reached at the highest and intergovernmental levels are being consistently implemented. Russia and Vietnam are cooperating in the energy sector, industrial production, agriculture, and education. This year, we have allocated an additional quota of 1,000 state-funded places for Vietnamese students at Russian universities.

Friends, we are grateful to each of you for participating in the Kazan Summit. Thank you for your informative remarks at today’s meeting. We strongly support Vietnam’s interest in participating in the BRICS group’s multifaceted activities.

Please convey my warmest greetings to the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Comrade To Lam. I would like to repeat that we are looking forward to his visit to Russia.

I know that the National Assembly of Vietnam has recently made important personnel decisions, electing a new head of state, comrade Luong Cuong. In this regard, I would like to ask you to extend my congratulations to him on my behalf on his appointment to this high office.’

Prime Minister of Vietnam Phạm Minh Chinh said: Comrade Vladimir Putin. Russian colleagues. I extend my sincere gratitude for your warm words and sentiments towards Vietnam.

Comrade President Vladimir Putin, on the occasion of your birthday, on October 7, I previously conveyed my best wishes to you. Today, allow me to reiterate those greetings. I have brought you a gift as well – two dragons, one small and one large. In Vietnam and across Asia, the dragon is regarded as the supreme symbol of power. The small dragon signifies the power within Russia, while the large dragon represents your influence outside Russia, across the globe. Within our Asian horoscope, there are 12 animals, with the dragon symbolising the most significant power. I am aware that you were born under the sign of the dragon.

Allow me to extend my congratulations to Russia. Despite encountering numerous challenges, you continue to demonstrate remarkable economic growth, surpassing the average development rate worldwide. This attests to the internal capacity and self-sufficiency of your economy, and the development opportunities within your country. Each day, you are enhancing your role, position, and reputation on the global stage.

This reflects the Russian character, Russian nature, Russian culture, and Russian values. It exemplifies your resilience in the face of difficulties, challenges, or any adversaries. This serves as an example for us.

I wish to express my gratitude for inviting Vietnam to participate in the BRICS Heads of State meeting in 2024. Let me also extend my congratulations to you on your success in organising this summit, which you are chairing this year.

I would also like to express my appreciation for your warm words towards our nation's leaders. Allow me to convey the sincere greetings from General Secretary Tho Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Manh, along with the leadership of the party and the state.

Our leaders have been closely monitoring the BRICS Summit and are very pleased with your achievements and Russia's accomplishments in organising this event.

Every time I visit Russia, I feel as though I am returning home to family. We will never forget the tremendous support, impartiality, sincerity, and righteous assistance that the Russian people have extended to Vietnam during the struggle for our nation's independence, the unification of our country in the past, and the ongoing efforts in building and developing our nation.

Witnessing the magnificent beauty, outstanding development, and significant accomplishments of Russia in all fields under your leadership, I am reminded of the profound meaning of the Soviet song ‘Where the Motherland Begins.’ I am aware of your fondness for this song.

For Vietnam, Russia has consistently been one of our primary, most important, and comprehensive strategic partners, and we regard you with respect and warm feelings. These sentiments will remain unchanged.’