HANOI, June 20 — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Vietnam resulted in the signing of almost a dozen documents, signaling a deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. This historic meeting occurred amidst the 30th anniversary of the implementation of the Russian-Vietnamese Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations.
The Russian president expressed his gratitude to Vietnamese President To Lam for the warm welcome and extended an invitation to him to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in Moscow next year.
In their talks, both leaders emphasized the significance of joint ventures within the oil and gas sphere. They acknowledged the fruitful activity of Vietsovpetro on the Vietnamese continental shelf and Rusvietpetro in Russia’s Nenets Autonomous District. Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness to establish “long-term direct supplies” of hydrocarbons, including LNG, to Vietnam.
Zarubezhneft obtained a license to develop Block 11.2 on Vietnam’s continental shelf, while Novatek signed a memorandum on cooperation with Petrovietnam. The RusHydro hydroelectric power generation company intends to help expand the capacity of hydroelectric power stations on Vietnamese rivers.
Additionally, Russia and Vietnam signed a document on cooperation in the sphere of higher education and agreements between Russian and Vietnamese universities. One such agreement is between Russia’s Higher School of Economics (HSE) and Vietnam National University.
Cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy was identified as another promising area for bilateral collaboration, with memorandums signed regarding the schedule of construction of a Center of Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam, involving Russia’s state-run nuclear energy corporation Rosatom. Furthermore, an agreement on cooperation in developing infrastructure in labs to fight epidemics was reached.
Both countries agreed to establish collaboration between their justice ministries as well as tax and customs agencies. The Russian president highlighted a “positive trend” in bilateral economic cooperation, noting that trade between Russia and Vietnam increased by one-third from the first three months of last year. He also pointed out the need for transitioning to national currencies in bilateral trade.
Both sides also emphasized their joint efforts to increase cultural cooperation, with Vietnam becoming a popular destination among Russian tourists. The two nations have also been working together more actively in agriculture as they expand food supplies.
Regarding international issues, both presidents expressed their support for building a “reliable and adequate security architecture based on the principles of the non-use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes.” They agreed to work together to overcome global challenges and ensure peace and stability in the region. The Russian president described Vietnam as one of Russia’s most reliable partners, with longstanding relations that have endured the test of time.
In turn, To Lam said that Russia and Vietnam decided to refrain from signing any agreements that could damage the two countries’ independence and sovereignty with third nations. Both leaders committed to boosting bilateral cooperation in defense and security and jointly fighting challenges, new and old. The two sides stand for ensuring peace in the South China Sea, providing for maritime safety, and resolving conflicts peacefully.