General Secretary To Lam's visit has special significance.

Affirming Vietnam's loyal affection

At the invitation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia and Belarus, General Secretary To Lam and his wife will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus; an official visit to Russia and attend the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War from May 5 to 12.

General Secretary To Lam and his wife

PHOTO: VNA

In an interview with the press, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that this working trip of General Secretary To Lam has special significance, taking place in the context of our country solemnly celebrating the 50th anniversary of National Reunification Day, Vietnam is entering a new era, an era of development, prosperity and national growth.

The visit is an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its loyal sentiments and desire to promote long-term, effective and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia and traditional friends of the former Soviet Union, countries that have supported Vietnam in the past and present.

For Russia, this is the first official visit of General Secretary To Lam in his current position and the visit takes place on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Vietnam - Russia diplomatic relations.

The visit aims to enhance political trust, orientate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height, and consolidate cooperation between the two Parties. The General Secretary's attendance at the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day in Russia demonstrates Vietnam's appreciation for the Soviet Union/Russia's contributions to the defeat of fascism and the protection of world peace.

For Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, this is General Secretary To Lam's first state visit to these countries, with the significance of consolidating political trust, conveying the message of constantly cultivating traditional friendship and promoting cooperation through Party channels.

"This working trip of General Secretary To Lam also contributes to promoting people-to-people exchange, affirming the consistent sentiments of our people towards the people of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus - traditional friendly countries; elevating relations and promoting comprehensive cooperation in all fields in the new situation," Ms. Hang emphasized.

Towards "4 more" in bilateral relations with other countries

Sharing her expectations for this visit, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the working trip of the General Secretary and his wife aims to continue promoting and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Belarus, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang

PHOTO: BNG

"These are partner countries with very good traditional friendship relations with Vietnam, friends who have stood shoulder to shoulder to support and help Vietnam in the past struggle to protect the Fatherland as well as in the current period of national construction and development," Ms. Hang emphasized.

Besides, the visit will be the clearest evidence affirming the sincere and loyal sentiments of the Party, Government and people of Vietnam towards traditional friendly countries, aiming for "4 more" in bilateral relations: "more sustainable, more effective, more substantial and more mutually beneficial", commensurate with the potential for cooperation and political trust as well as the aspirations of the people of Vietnam and other countries.

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam will have important meetings with senior leaders of countries, shaping relations in the coming time and creating new momentum for cooperation in many fields, especially potential fields such as economics, trade, investment, basic science, energy, high technology, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Deputy Minister Hang believes that the working trip will be successful, leaving a memorable mark, continuing to enhance the image of Vietnam as a loyal and responsible country, while creating an important driving force for the country's development and contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

Sharing about the significance of the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the Soviet Union's victory crushed fascism, strongly encouraged the global national liberation movement, and created an important premise for the successful August Revolution in Vietnam in 1945, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

"This victory is the foundation for multilateralism and contributes to shaping a new world order after the war," Deputy Minister Hang acknowledged, recalling the sacrifices of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who fought alongside the Soviet Red Army in the battle to protect Moscow in 1941.