Vietnam-Russia Relations Enter New Phase with President's Visit to Russia, Boosting Cooperation in Economy, Energy, and Science-Technology

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Government News Huong Giang Speaking to VGP ahead of the State visit to Russia by General Secretary and President To Lam next week, Ambassador Bezdetko said regular and substantive political dialogue at all levels has become one of the decisive factors behind the constant advancement of the bilateral ties. Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko The upcoming Russia visit by General Secretary and President To Lam is an important milestone in the history of the Comprehesive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, Bezdetko noted. During the visit, both sides are expected to engage in substantive discussions on all aspects of bilateral cooperation and chart new and long-term orientations as well as specific measures to further consolidate the bilateral ties, said the dipomat. On economic front, both sides defined priority areas for cooperation in the Joint Statement on major orientations for Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership issued on the occasion of comrade To Lam's visit to Russia in May 2025. Both sides are striving to realize the trade goal of US$15 billion in the near future. The two-way trade increased by 6 percent in 2025 and 14 percent in the first half of this year. The two countries will celebrate 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement in October 5 this year, said Bezdetko. He hailed Viet Nam as a dynamic nation that has emerged as a production and logistics hub in Southeast Asia while Russia possesses modern technologies and unique capacities in such fields like energy, industry, transport, science, and natural resources. These complimentary strengths serve as favorable conditions for both sides to advance long-term cooperation for mutual benefits. For energy – a traditional cooperation domain – both sides signed an inter-governmental agreement on expanding oil exploration and exploitation in Viet Nam's continental shelf and on Russia's territory in 2025. Both sides are also exploring the possibility of LNG supply to Viet Nam. Last March, the two countries signed an inter-governmental agreement on construction of the first nuclear power plant in Viet Nam, creating a legal foundation for the deployment of this project. Bezdetko highlighted the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in machinery manufacturing, processing, transport, shipbuilding, agriculture, aquaculture, and digital technology. He also affirmed that Russia stands ready to enhance food cooperation with Viet Nam. On tourism, Viet Nam has emerged to be among the top three destinations for Russian tourists and the number of Russian visitors to Viet Nam is approaching one million. The increase in direct flights and the expansion of air service network have contributed positively to promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. In 2025 alone, both sides launched 15 new air routes. On science, technology, and innovation, the two countries have maintained long-lasting cooperation tradition. The Joint Viet Nam-Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center, established in March 1987, is carrying out diverse research activities. This is the unique cooperation mechanism for both sides to jointly create scientific knowledge. On education, the Ambassador said both sides should maintain the fine tradition of education cooperation, affirming that Russia stands ready to help Viet Nam train experts through a program that offers 1,000 scholarships each year./.