Vietnam-Russia relations firmly on the open road

Russian President Vladimir Putin has paid three state visits to Vietnam as President (2001, 2006, 2013) and once to Da Nang to attend the APEC Summit (2017). He has always expressed his respect for Vietnam.

On the occasion of President Putin's state visit to Vietnam on June 19 and 20, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi shared with the press about the friendly relations between the two countries.

"A clear manifestation of friendship"

-Ambassador, please tell us about the importance and significance of this visit to Vietnam by Russian President Vladimir Putin?

AmbassadorDang Minh Khoi:The visit is of great significance, further deepening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all fields, especially in the context of the two countries' efforts to realize the Joint Statement on the Vision of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030.

During the visit, the two countries’ leaders will discuss and orient the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership until 2030, and more clearly define key areas of cooperation, from economics, trade, national defense and security, energy, science and technology to education, culture and people-to-people diplomacy. Long-term goals and specific action plans will be set out to ensure the sustainable and effective development of bilateral relations in the future.

In addition, this visit is also an opportunity for both sides to sign and implement new cooperation agreements, creating momentum to promote bilateral relations. These agreements not only bring economic benefits but also strengthen the political and strategic ties between the two countries. In particular, in the context of many fluctuations in the international situation, close cooperation between Vietnam and Russia becomes more important than ever.

President Putin’s visit to Vietnam also sends a strong message of mutual respect between the two countries. This is a clear manifestation of friendship and solidarity, thereby contributing to enhancing the position of both countries in the international arena, for the common interests of both peoples and for peace and stability in the region and the world.

I believe that this visit by President Putin will be an important milestone, marking the strong and sustainable development of the special relationship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, bringing bilateral relations firmly on an open path, towards a bright future of loyal friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.

-2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Fundamental Principles of Vietnam-Russia Friendship Relations and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries, Ambassadorcan mention someHighlights in bilateral relations in recent times?

AmbassadorDang Minh Khoi:Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 30, 1950, the relationship between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union and Russia has always been stable over the years and has increasingly developed in depth in all fields. Despite changes in political regimes, the two countries have always considered each other as important and leading partners and friends.

Looking back over the past 30 years, we can be proud of the achievements as the bilateral relationship has developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth. Vietnam and Russia have gradually raised their bilateral relations to different levels, from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and we can be proud of the achievements as the bilateral relationship has developed comprehensively, both in breadth and depth.

Political relations have a high level of trust, through various forms and mechanisms of political cooperation such as regular exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations, helping the leaders of the two countries exchange information and promptly direct the development of bilateral relations. The two sides have established and effectively implemented many mechanisms such as the Intergovernmental Committee meeting, Strategic Dialogue, and Annual Political Consultation, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding and trust, creating a foundation for promoting all-round cooperation between the two countries.

Bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and technology, culture, education, tourism, locality... is increasingly expanded, in which cooperation in science and technology and education and training between the two countries is promoted and raised to a strategic level.

"Keeping the fire" of Vietnam-Russia friendship alive

-According to the Ambassador,cooperation and exchangeWhat does culture mean to you?relationshipVietnam friendshipMale-Russia?

AmbassadorDang Minh Khoi:Cultural factors play an extremely important role in building, consolidating and strengthening the friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Culture not only reflects the values, traditions and identities of each nation but also serves as a bridge to enhance understanding, share common values ​​and respect differences.

Throughout the history of cooperation, cultural exchange activities have contributed significantly to the creation of a strong and close relationship between the people of the two countries. Culture helps us better understand each other's customs, habits and lifestyles. Through activities such as cultural festivals, exhibitions and art and music activities, the people of the two countries have the opportunity to approach, explore and appreciate each other's precious cultural heritages. This not only deepens the friendship between the two peoples but also contributes to building a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia.

Over the years, cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Russia has been strongly promoted. Many cultural exchange programs have been held regularly, creating conditions for artists, researchers and people of the two countries to meet, exchange and learn from each other. The Russian cultural weeks in Vietnam and Vietnam in Russia have become annual events, attracting a lot of public attention and participation.

In addition, cooperation in the field of education and training also contributes significantly to promoting cultural exchange. Students and lecturers of the two countries are not only cultural ambassadors, bringing the cultural values ​​of their countries to international friends, but also important bridges in maintaining and developing friendship between the two peoples.

In addition, tourism is also a potential area of ​​cultural cooperation. More and more Russian tourists come to Vietnam and vice versa, not only to explore the natural beauty but also to experience and better understand the culture and people of each country. Cultural and historical tours are increasingly popular, contributing significantly to enhancing understanding and connection between the two peoples.

-Over the generations,CorePeople always have special, rare feelings for each other.According to the Ambassador, the gHow should people-to-people exchanges be promoted to "keep the fire" of Vietnam-China friendship alive?Male-Russia?

AmbassadorDang Minh Khoi:The friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the former Soviet Union and Russia today have always been consolidated and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries. Over many generations, we have shared not only challenges and difficulties but also glorious and happy moments, imbued with deep affection between the people of the two countries. The Vietnamese people always remember and are grateful for the valuable and wholehearted help of the people of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during both the resistance war and the subsequent national construction.

To “keep the fire” of Vietnam-Russia friendship alive, promoting people-to-people exchanges is extremely necessary. People-to-people exchange activities not only help maintain and develop friendly relations but also create new opportunities for the people of the two countries to understand and bond more closely with each other.

To “keep the fire” of Vietnam-Russia friendship alive, promoting people-to-people exchanges is extremely necessary. People-to-people exchange activities not only help maintain and develop friendly relations but also create new opportunities for the people of the two countries to understand and bond more closely with each other.

First of all, it is necessary to promote cultural exchange and communication programs. Exchange activities between generations, especially the young generation of the two countries, need to be organized more frequently and on a larger scale, creating space for generations of people of the two countries to meet, exchange, learn and understand each other, raising awareness of the importance of the Vietnam-Russia friendship, contributing to consolidating and deepening the friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Regarding education and training cooperation, the Soviet Union previously helped Vietnam train nearly 40,000 excellent cadres and experts in many different fields. Currently, Russia continues to support Vietnam in training human resources. Since 2019, Russia has increased the number of scholarships for Vietnam to about 1,000 per year. Currently, there are about more than 5,000 Vietnamese students studying in Russia.

In addition, organizing people-to-people exchange activities through seminars, forums, and social cooperation programs is also very necessary. These activities will create space for people of the two countries to meet, exchange ideas, and cooperate in various fields, thereby deepening the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

In addition, I believe that technology and social media can also be used to promote people-to-people exchanges. Developing online platforms for people from both countries to connect, share and learn from each other will open up new opportunities for exchanges and cooperation.

We need to continue to nurture and develop this special friendship with all our heart and effort. With the attention and solidarity of all levels and sectors of the two countries, I believe that the friendship between the Vietnamese and Russian people will become increasingly strong and develop strongly, becoming a solid foundation for developing the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Russia to a new height.

Thank you very much, Ambassador.