Hanoi (VNA) - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is a great leader of the Party and people of Vietnam and a great friend of Russia, who has played a crucial role in strengthening and enhancing the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam G.S. Bezdetko has affirmed.

In a statement to the press following the passing of the Party chief, the diplomat expressed profound sorrow and extended sincere condolences to his family as well as to the leaders and people of Vietnam.

Bezdetko remarked that the late leader was an outstanding statesman who unconditionally dedicated his life to serving his country. The ambassador expressed confidence that future generations would remember him with gratitude for his contributions to Vietnam’s development as well as to raising the country's role and influence in the world.

Regarding Party General Secretary Trong’s role in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, Bezdetko stated that Russians will remember the late leader first of all as a great friend who deeply understood Russia’s long-standing history and culture. In various positions in the Party and State, he consistently supported the enhancement of the partnership and accomplished much to bolster the sides’ multifaceted cooperation within bilateral, regional, and international frameworks.

The ambassador also highlighted that the Party General Secretary had led high-level delegations to visit Russia for multiple times, resulting in important agreements that continue to shape the two nations’ practical cooperation in such key areas as energy-fuel, trade and investment, defence and security, education and human resources development, science and technology, culture, and tourism.

Mentioning President Putin's recent visit to Vietnam, the diplomat said, "We highly valued the results of the talks between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi on June 20, 2024. The talks reaffirmed the common spirit of both sides to further expand cooperation under the new geopolitical conditions. The two sides underlined the sustainability of the traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between the two countries and people.”

Commenting on the Party leader’s contributions to Vietnam's foreign policy, Bezdetko said “As a seasoned politician, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has selected the right priorities and seen what is essential.”

According to the diplomat, the General Secretary consistently strived to develop Vietnam into a modern and autonomous centre of power, not only in the region but also on the global stage. The Party leader’s “bamboo diplomacy” policy has garnered international recognition and respect.

Bezdetko stressed that as the world is undergoing profound changes and established cooperation mechanisms are losing their effectiveness, such a diplomatic policy is particularly necessary, based on the development and prosperity interests of all members of the international community, as well as the ideals of peace, friendship, good neighbourliness, and mutual understanding.

𒐪 He expressed his belief that comrade Nguyen Phu Trong’s political legacy will still be topical decades after his passing./.