Vietnam, Russia to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, sign 11 cooperation documents

Vietnamese and Russian leaders have agreed on major strategies to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

"On this occasion, we have adopted a joint statement on deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries," Vietnam's President To Lam told a press conference in Hanoi on Thursday announcing the outcomes of the official talks between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The conference was co-hosted by Lam and President Putin who is on a two-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Accordingly, the leaders agreed to enhance relations based on mutual trust, equality and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law.

They pledged not to form alliances or enter into agreements with third parties that could harm each other's independence, sovereignty and fundamental interests and not to act against any third party, while supporting and contributing to regional and global peace.

On political and diplomatic fronts, both nations decided to boost political trust through increased exchanges and cooperation across various channels, including Party, state, government, parliamentary and local levels. There will be increased exchanges between generations, especially among the youth.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides agreed to effectively implement and expedite negotiations to enhance the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union.

They aim to overcome adverse global economic challenges to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, support key energy and oil projects and facilitate the two countries' business expansion of investments, in line with national laws, and international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation in new energy, clean energy, green transition and sustainable development research.

The leaders expressed a desire to enhance defence and security cooperation to address non-traditional security challenges, on the basis of international norms and laws, contributing to regional and global peace and security.

In the fields of transport, science and technology, innovation, education, vocational training and labour, both sides agreed to foster collaboration to drive economic growth.

They also underscored the need to promote cultural and artistic exchanges and people-to-people ties, especially among the younger generations.

Both nations agreed to facilitate the life, work and study of Vietnamese citizens in Russia and Russian citizens in Vietnam, helping them serve as bridges of friendship between the two countries.

On regional and international issues, Vietnam and Russia supported building a democratic, fair and transparent international relations system based on international law and the UN Charter; not using or threatening the use of force; resolving disputes peacefully; and promoting a "new, expanded, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system."

They embraced an inclusive, undivided Asia-Pacific regional structure based on international law; and promoted economic linkages via APEC, G20, Asia-Europe economic cooperation frameworks.

Vietnam also welcomed Russia’s cooperation with the Mekong sub-region for regional and global peace, stability and prosperity.

Regarding the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, both sides endorsed the maintenance of maritime and overflight security and freedom, refrainment from violence or threats of violence and resolution of disputes with peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, especially the UNCLOS 1982.

The two nations supported the full implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the negotiations towards an early, substantive and effective Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law.

At the press conference, President Putin thanked Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnamese leaders and the people for their warm reception of the high-level Russian delegation.

"I emphasise that Russia values the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and this relationship will continue to grow, steadfastly, on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual consideration of each other's interests," he said.

Reflecting on the shared history and the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, President Putin recalled the significant support from the Soviet Union in helping Vietnam overcome challenges and build economic, infrastructure and educational institutions. He highlighted the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Basic Principles of Friendly Relations, saying that the treaty serves as a foundation for the bilateral relationship.

The Russian leader praised the productive talks, noting detailed discussions on key development directions and international and regional issues, with a focus on economic and trade cooperation.

President Lam stated that the meeting with President Putin took place in an open and sincere atmosphere. He emphasised the significance of President Putin’s visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia (June 16, 1994-2024).

President Lam affirmed Vietnam's commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy, multilateralism and diversification and being a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation in the world.

He said that Russia is always a "priority" in Vietnam's foreign policies, highlighting the intention to foster a long-standing traditional friendship and cooperation with Russia, recognising the historical support from the formerly Soviet Union and Russia.

The talks between President To Lam and President Vladimir Putin were deemed highly successful, covering extensive bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest aimed at national development and regional and global peace and cooperation.

President Putin highlighted the increasing use of local currencies in bilateral transactions, with 40% of trade in 2023 and 60% in the first quarter of 2024, facilitated by the Vietnam-Russia Joint Venture Bank, which has operated for 20 years.

He also praised energy cooperation, particularly the success of the Vietsovpetro joint venture over the past 40 years.

Prior to the press conference, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of 11 cooperation documents on education, nuclear technology research, disease prevention, oil exploration and justice.