Enhancing relations and promoting comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus

On the occasion of General Secretary To Lam and his wife's State visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus and an official visit to the Russian Federation, and attending the Victory Day celebration in the Great Patriotic War, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang gave an interview to the press before the General Secretary's working trip.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang answers questions from the press. Photo: VNA

Could you please tell us the significance of the State visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the celebration of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War and the official visit to the Russian Federation, and the State visit to the Republic of Belarus by General Secretary To Lam and his wife from May 5 to 12, 2025?

At the invitation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia and Belarus, from May 5 to 12, 2025, General Secretary To Lam and his wife, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, will pay a State visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, a State visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, attend the Victory Day celebration in the Great Patriotic War, and pay an official visit to the Russian Federation and a State visit to the Republic of Belarus.

This working trip of General Secretary To Lam is of special significance, taking place in the context of our country solemnly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Vietnam is entering a new era, an era of development, prosperity and national growth.

General Secretary To Lam's visit to four countries continues to be an important highlight in the practical implementation of the 13th National Party Congress's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, proactiveness and activeness in comprehensive, deep and effective international integration.

This is also a visit to Russia and friendly countries of the former Soviet Union, especially the Central Asian and Caucasus countries that have traditionally had good relations with Vietnam, have supported and helped us in the past struggle to defend the Fatherland and in the current national construction and protection; it is an opportunity for us to affirm our sincere and loyal feelings and our desire to promote long-term, effective, substantive and mutually beneficial cooperation. Specifically:

For Russia, this is the first official visit to the Russian Federation since Comrade To Lam was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The visit takes place in a very meaningful context when the two countries are together celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. At the same time, each country also celebrates important historical milestones when Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War, Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, National Reunification, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. The visit aims to strengthen political trust, identify new directions to bring the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia to new heights as well as consolidate the cooperative relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and major political parties in Russia. Along with that, General Secretary To Lam's official visit to the Russian Federation and attendance at the Victory Day Celebration in the Great Patriotic War also demonstrates Vietnam's respect and honor for the enormous contributions and sacrifices of the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation today in the great victory against fascism, firmly protecting world peace.

For Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus, this is the first State visit of General Secretary To Lam to these countries and is of great significance. The visit not only consolidates and enhances political trust between Vietnam and traditional friendly countries, but also conveys Vietnam's message and determination to continuously strengthen the friendly and traditional relations with the countries of the former Soviet Union. The General Secretary's visit will also contribute to promoting cooperation on the Party channel between the Communist Party of Vietnam and major political parties in the three countries mentioned above.

Along with that, this working trip of General Secretary To Lam and his wife along with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation also contributes to promoting people-to-people exchange, affirming the consistent sentiments of our people towards the people of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, traditional friends, elevating relations and promoting comprehensive cooperation in all fields in the new situation.

Could you please tell us about the expectations from this working trip of General Secretary To Lam and his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation?

This working trip of the General Secretary and his wife and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation aims to continue to promote and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Belarus, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

It should be emphasized that these are partner countries with very good traditional friendship relations with Vietnam, friends who have stood shoulder to shoulder, supported and helped Vietnam in the cause of fighting and defending the Fatherland in the past as well as in building and developing the country in the current period. 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.

In the coming days, General Secretary To Lam will have important meetings with senior leaders of countries to shape relations in the coming time, creating new impetus for cooperation in many fields, especially new fields with great potential such as economics, trade, investment, basic science, energy, high technology, AI, etc.

With the foundation of friendship that has been tested over time and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of Vietnam, the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus, I believe that this working trip of General Secretary To Lam will be a great success, leaving memorable impressions in the hearts of friends from Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus and the international community, continuing to spread and enhance the image of a loyal and affectionate Vietnam towards traditional friends, and full of responsibility towards the international community; creating more important driving forces to bring the country into a new era, realizing the set development goals, thereby actively contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region as well as in the world.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War. Can the Deputy Minister tell us what the Soviet Union's victory means to Vietnam's August Revolution and the revolutionary and national liberation movement in the world?

The Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War in 1945 had great historical significance not only for the Soviet people but also for the revolutionary and national liberation movements around the world, including Vietnam. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, we are more deeply imbued with the historical values, indomitable fighting spirit and aspiration for peace that the victory brought.

The great victory of the Soviet people crushed fascism, seriously weakened the colonial system of European empires; strongly encouraged the movement for national independence, democracy and social progress around the world, creating the foundation for today's world multilateralism, creating a strong shift in the world political situation, most notably the birth of the United Nations with principles of international relations such as respect for equality and self-determination among nations; resolving disputes by peaceful means..., contributing significantly to shaping a new world order after the war.

For Vietnam, the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War was a great source of encouragement and motivation, and also an important premise for the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, to rise up and carry out a general uprising and successfully seize power. The August Revolution in 1945 broke out in the context of "ripe opportunity", the fascist system collapsed, especially Japan's surrender to the Soviet Union and the Allies, and the end of the war in Europe. And on September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, before compatriots and people around the world, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, opening an era of freedom, national independence and socialism in Vietnam. The victory of the Vietnamese people also contributed significantly to the people of the world in the struggle against fascism for peace, democracy and social progress. Moreover, in the fight against fascism, there were Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who directly participated in the battle to protect Moscow in 1941. Many Vietnamese soldiers heroically sacrificed their lives, leaving their blood and bones on the heroic Soviet land.

The victory of the Soviet Red Army and the progressive peace-loving forces around the world created a shining heroic monument to humanity that will be forever honored, because it is the solid foundation that creates a well-developed and sustainable world like today.

Thank you very much, Deputy Minister!

VNA/News and People Newspaper

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/nang-tam-quan-he-va-thuc-day-hop-tac-toan-dien-giua-viet-nam-voi-nga-kazakhstan-azerbaijan-belarus-20250504140349675.htm