During this two-day visit, Prime Minister Mishustin will engage in meetings and discussions with Vietnam’s key leaders to strengthen bilateral relations.

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko revealed that the two prime ministers will discuss cooperation in trade, economy, culture, and humanitarian efforts.

Key topics include joint projects in energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture.

Several cooperation agreements are expected to be signed following their discussions.

A symbolic milestone in Vietnam-Russia relations

The visit holds symbolic significance as it coincides with the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia, established on January 30, 1950.

This year also marks other important milestones, including Russia’s 80th Victory Day (May 9), Vietnam’s 50th Liberation Day (April 30), its 80th National Day (September 2), and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (May 29).

According to Ambassador Bezdetko, Vietnam and Russia have built a unique history of cooperation over the past 75 years.

The relationship, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2001 and a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, spans various areas including trade, science and technology, defense, and humanitarian initiatives.

The ambassador emphasized that regular high-level political dialogues are key to the continued growth of bilateral ties.

Expanding bilateral cooperation

During Prime Minister Mishustin’s visit, both sides will explore new opportunities for cooperation in trade, science, technology, and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador Bezdetko noted significant potential in Vietnam-Russia relations, built on a solid foundation of long-standing friendship and mutual support, aimed at ensuring prosperity and happiness for their citizens.

Trade between the two countries has grown steadily, with bilateral trade increasing by 8.3% in 2023.

In the first nine months of 2024 alone, trade surged by 24%, reaching $4.4 billion.

Energy collaboration remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with the Vietnam-Russia oil and gas joint venture, Vietsovpetro, playing a pivotal role.

The partnership extends into agriculture, where total exports of food and agricultural products exceeded $1 billion in 2024.

Local and cultural exchanges deepen ties

Cooperation between Russian and Vietnamese localities has also expanded.

In 2024, delegations from Russian regions such as St. Petersburg, Moscow, Ulyanovsk, and Yaroslavl visited Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese provinces like Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Can Tho, Quang Tri, Thai Binh, and Hai Phong reciprocated with visits to Russian regions.

Educational collaboration remains a traditional pillar, with Russia providing 1,000 scholarships annually to Vietnamese students.

Joint projects between Russian and Vietnamese universities continue to grow, fostering deeper academic ties.

Cultural exchanges have flourished, aided by the resumption of direct flights between major cities such as Moscow, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.

Between January and November 2024, 204,000 Russian citizens visited Vietnam, an 82% increase compared to previous periods, with most arrivals being tourists.

Ambassador Bezdetko expressed hope that the discussions between Prime Minister Mishustin and Vietnamese leaders would provide renewed momentum for traditional and emerging areas of cooperation.

He emphasized the importance of fostering friendship, mutual understanding, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Tran Thuong