President Putin's press secretary: Russia has a great affection for Vietnam.

“We love Vietnam. Russia cherishes Vietnam very much. We preserve the deep historical tradition of friendship between our two peoples. Vietnam is our closest and most reliable partner in Asia.”

This was the statement made by Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov in an interview with a correspondent from Nhan Dan Newspaper based in Russia, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (January 30, 1950 - January 30, 2025).

Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov. (Photo: Xuan Hung)

Contrary to what I had imagined about Dmitry Peskov from the media—a tall man with a serious face—when I met and interacted with him, I was extremely surprised by his genuine concern and sincerity.

Right at the beginning of the conversation, Dmitry Peskov cheerfully and kindly asked us: "How long have you been in Moscow? Perhaps you've had some very interesting experiences in Russia, with a lot of work to do?"

Just one or two questions like that from him dispelled the tension between us, which I had felt just before would make it difficult to start a conversation with a man who usually makes strong, tough statements to the press on behalf of the head of the Russian state regarding current issues related to Russian national interests.

Continuing the conversation, Mr. Peskov emphasized that Moscow values ​​its relationship with Vietnam. Since 2012, the relationship between the two countries has been elevated to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and in reality, this speaks volumes. First and foremost, it reflects the atmosphere of trust between the two countries, a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation.

A correspondent from Nhan Dan Newspaper based in Russia interviewed Mr. Dmitry Peskov on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. (Photo: Nguyen Hoang)

According to Peskov, regarding political dialogue and coordination on the international stage, despite external pressures, both countries consistently demonstrate that they are sovereign and independent nations, which is necessary to confidently continue developing cooperation.

President Putin's press secretary affirmed that this is what both sides are and will continue to promote. And indeed, that is true. At both the working, senior, and highest levels, dialogue between the two countries is constantly developing. This is the key to the dynamic, positive, and high-level development of bilateral relations.

Here, it's worth mentioning President Putin's state visit to Vietnam last summer. Also in 2024, the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly , Tran Thanh Man, paid an official visit to Russia. This visit yielded many practical results and was highly appreciated by Russia. In Kazan, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, President Putin held talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. And most recently, there was the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Mishustin to Vietnam.

During talks and meetings, leaders of the two countries discussed and worked together to resolve existing issues and obstacles in a constructive spirit, seeking common solutions. This is a very effective method to promote bilateral relations, and the political will to develop dialogue has always been affirmed by both sides.

Currently, Moscow is looking forward to the visit of General Secretary To Lam to Russia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Vietnam has always shared with Russia the memory and significance of this victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the Russian people are always grateful for this.

The Kremlin spokesperson said that Vietnam has made great strides in socio-economic development. GDP per capita has increased tenfold since 1991.

This is an extraordinary leap forward. Vietnam has truly built entire sectors of its national economy from scratch. Vietnam has become a completely self-sufficient agricultural nation, but it has also become an exporting nation.

Vietnam is developing advanced technology industries. Russia is pleased to cooperate with Vietnam in implementing the project to build a Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center. This is a large-scale project aimed at developing an important, high-tech industry such as peaceful nuclear energy and nuclear research.

This project could become a significant driving force to take Vietnam to a new level of development. Russia highly appreciates Vietnam's successes and expects to remain an important partner of Vietnam in economic and trade cooperation.

Although the conversation with the Kremlin spokesperson was brief, the issues he conveyed were always met with expectations, including how to promote more substantive and effective relations between the two countries.

On the occasion of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Mr. Peskov wished all Vietnamese people a peaceful, happy, and prosperous new year.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/thu-ky-bao-chi-cua-tong-thong-putin-nga-rat-yeu-quy-viet-nam-209851.html