Moscow symposium discusses momentum for traditional Vietnam – Russia relations
Despite mounting global tensions, from armed conflicts to trade disputes, Vietnam has consistently pursued a neutral foreign policy, remaining a trustworthy partner of all nations, including Russia.
Moscow (VNA) – A scientific symposium on the future of Vietnam – Russia relations in a new era was held at the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow on April 22.
More than ten speeches were delivered at the event, analysing both challenges and opportunities in the bilateral relationship amid an increasingly turbulent global landscape. Participants also explored potential new drivers to strengthen ties in the coming period.
Scholars affirmed that the time-honoured friendship between Russia and Vietnam has continued to deepen, as demonstrated by the regular high-level visits, including President Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam in June 2024, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's trip to Russia in September the same year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attendance at the BRICS Summit in Kazan one month later, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mitshustin's tour of Vietnam in January 2025.
They said despite mounting global tensions, from armed conflicts to trade disputes, Vietnam has consistently pursued a neutral foreign policy, remaining a trustworthy partner of all nations, including Russia.
In the economic and trade sphere, participants noted that while there remains significant room for growth, bilateral trade has yet to meet the expectations set by the two countries' leaders. Key obstacles include limitations in the cooperation structure and the Western sanctions on Russia. However, some scholars expressed their hope that if ongoing Russia – US negotiations yield positive outcomes soon, a more favourable environment will be created for expanding cooperation between Moscow and Hanoi.
Professor Dmitry Mosyakov, Director of the Centre for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences – chairs the symposium. (Photo: VNA)
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the symposium, Professor and Doctor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre for Vietnamese and ASEAN Studies under the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia, highlighted areas of potential collaboration, beginning with the traditional energy partnership that involves the Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom. In transport infrastructure, Russia’s state railway company, with its wealth of experience and international competitive edge, could take part in bidding for Vietnam’s planned North – South high-speed railway.
🎶 The expert also pointed out growing opportunities for bilateral cooperation in globally emerging sectors such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and cybersecurity./.
Vietnam always values its comprehensive strategic partnership and traditional friendship with Russia, rooted in its historic ties with the former Soviet Union.
Since 1982, when the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) became the official representative of Vietnam at JINR, the training of scientific personnel has been systematised, laying the foundation for the development of a high-quality scientific and technological workforce, playing a significant role in the country's renewal process.
Russia aims to facilitate entry for group travelers from Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam has extended its visa exemption for travelers from 12 countries, including Russia, until March 14, 2028.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
