President Putin's visit to Vietnam is a highlight of foreign policy in 2024.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Putin at their meeting on June 20 – Photo: VNA

"This visit is of great significance and can be considered a highlight of Vietnam's foreign policy in 2024," Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told the press on June 21.

Why is it a standout feature?

It's considered a highlight because, first and foremost, President Putin's visit reaffirms Vietnam's consistency in independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification of its foreign relations.

According to Mr. Bui Thanh Son, by welcoming President Putin, Vietnam affirms that it always considers Russia one of its top important partners. At the same time, Vietnam hopes to work with Russia to strengthen the long-standing traditional friendship and deepen the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The second reason is the timing, as the visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and Russia, and looks forward to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

This is an opportunity for both sides to assess the results achieved and set directions to further develop the Vietnam-Russia cooperation and partnership in a more comprehensive, effective, and substantive manner in the future.

In addition, the visit demonstrates the importance Russia places on Vietnam in implementing its eastward-oriented foreign policy, according to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister.

President Putin at a meeting with the Friendship Association and generations of Vietnamese alumni who studied in Russia – Photo: NGUYEN KHANH

In over two decades of leading Russia, this is President Putin's fifth visit to Vietnam. It is also one of his first foreign trips after being re-elected for a fifth term in March 2024.

President Putin's trips have left a strong mark and contributed to laying important foundations for the development of bilateral relations. This includes initiating and supporting the establishment of the Vietnam-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2001 and upgrading it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012.

During this visit, the two sides issued a joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to Mr. Bui Thanh Son, this demonstrates the determination of the leaders and people of both countries to make bilateral cooperation increasingly effective and substantive in all fields, befitting the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

President Putin's visit was a great success.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son – Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that President Putin's visit was "a great success," with Vietnam receiving him with "extreme respect, warmth, and thoughtfulness."

"In keeping with the tradition of remembering the source of the water we drink, the Vietnamese people will never forget the immense and heartfelt support and assistance that the Russian people have given to Vietnam in the struggle for national independence and reunification in the past, as well as in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland today," the Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

Key results of the visit

When asked about the outstanding results of President Putin's visit, Minister Bui Thanh Son stated that the trip had created new momentum for multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Russia.

Through a joint statement, the signing of 11 cooperation documents, and meetings and exchanges between high-level leaders of the two countries, both sides agreed on major directions to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

President To Lam meets with President Putin – Photo: NAM TRAN

Firstly, strengthen dialogue and contact at high levels and across all channels, and effectively implement cooperation mechanisms to promote cooperation in all fields.

Both sides also continue to cooperate closely in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, APEC, and the ASEAN-Russia cooperation mechanisms, and support ASEAN's central role in the regional structure.

Russia affirmed its support for Vietnam's bid to host APEC 2027 and expressed its readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in successfully organizing this important event.

Secondly, both sides affirmed that economic cooperation continues to be the cornerstone and focus of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides will work together to overcome difficulties and agree on solutions to improve the effectiveness of cooperation and enhance the operational efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Both sides will also cooperate to maximize the advantages of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, and continue to remove trade barriers. Russia will expand access to Vietnam's consumer goods and agricultural and aquatic products markets, while promoting investment cooperation, especially in infrastructure and energy.

Third, expand defense and security cooperation to address non-traditional security challenges. Fourth, strengthen cooperation in the fields of education and training, science and technology, tourism, labor, culture, local cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, youth education, etc.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with President Putin – Photo: NAM TRAN

Open and frank discussion on international issues.

Another notable outcome, according to Minister Bui Thanh Son, was that high-level leaders from both sides had "frankly and trustingly exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern."

Accordingly, the two countries affirmed their support for a fair international relations system based on international law and the United Nations Charter, especially the peaceful resolution of disputes, the avoidance of the threat and use of force, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, both sides support ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight. They agree on refraining from the use of force or the threat of force, and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.

Earlier, during his meeting with President Putin on June 20, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that the world situation is rapidly and complexly changing towards a multipolar, multi-centered world.

According to the General Secretary, this requires countries to pursue policies of peace, equality, non-confrontation, cooperative development, and adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that Vietnam hopes for an early dialogue, an end to hostilities, and a resumption of negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution based on international law, ensuring the legitimate interests of all parties involved. Vietnam is ready to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and negotiations in that direction.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man meets with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin – Photo: VNA

According to the Central Committee's Foreign Affairs Department, President Putin shared the views of the General Secretary and emphasized that resolving international and regional issues should be based on international law, the UN Charter, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, President Putin supports a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute based on international law. He also mentioned Russia's position on the conflict in Ukraine.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tong-thong-putin-tham-viet-nam-la-diem-nhan-noi-bat-cua-doi-ngoai-nam-2024-20240622020143578.htm