On April 3 in Moscow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council (the upper house of the Russian Parliament).

Matvienko emphasized that Vietnam is Russia’s most important and trustworthy partner in Southeast Asia. She praised the growing ties across various sectors between the two countries and noted that increasing exchanges at all levels and through multiple channels presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship and implement existing cooperation agreements.

The Russian Senate leader expressed her hope to meet with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on the sidelines of the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Uzbekistan.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son extended warm regards from Vietnam’s leaders and expressed hope that Matvienko would soon return to Vietnam for an official visit.

Parliamentary cooperation plays a vital role in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia. The Vietnamese National Assembly has closely and effectively collaborated with the Federation Council of Russia in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Bui Thanh Son proposed that the Federation Council continue to serve as a bridge to help Vietnamese provinces and cities establish cooperative relations with Russian localities. He also called for more concrete and practical results based on signed agreements.

Chairwoman Matvienko remarked that while the Federation Council comprises representatives from various regions and political parties, all parties in the Russian Parliament share a deep affection for Vietnam and support strengthening ties with the country.

She confirmed that Russian agencies, including the Federation Council, are cooperating closely among themselves and with Vietnam to ensure optimal arrangements for General Secretary To Lam’s upcoming visit and participation in the 80th anniversary celebration of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, scheduled for May.

Also on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son held talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk.

Overchuk affirmed Russia’s readiness to work closely with Vietnam to ensure the success of General Secretary To Lam’s visit and participation in the historic celebration.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed that increased dialogue and information exchange between the two nations offer opportunities to enhance coordination and promote cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The two deputy prime ministers focused their discussion on bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, economics, and investment.

While economic and trade relations have achieved notable progress, both sides acknowledged existing obstacles that require joint effort to overcome. They agreed that addressing these challenges demands coordinated decisions aligned with the spirit of mutual trust and the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Bui Thanh Son requested that Russia, given its key role in the Eurasian Economic Union, advocate for the removal of safeguard measures on Vietnamese exports, raise the rice export quota for Vietnam, explore new investment opportunities, and create more favorable conditions for businesses from both countries.

Tran Thuong