Vietnam - Russian Federation: Gratitude for history, writing the future

General Secretary To Lam and his wife attend the ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Red Square. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 - May 9, 2025), General Secretary To Lam paid an official visit to the Russian Federation. The fact that the General Secretary led a high-ranking delegation to pay an official visit to the Russian Federation on this occasion is not only symbolic, but also reflects Vietnam's profound, consistent and proactive approach to relations with a long-standing traditional partner.

Loyal, trustworthy

In the historical memory of many generations of Vietnamese people, the Russian Federation (one of the major countries of the former Soviet Union) - has always been a symbol of companionship in the crucial moments of the nation. The relationship between the two countries was built on the foundation of loyalty and sharing between the people of the two countries. During the years of resistance and reconstruction, the Soviet Union supported Vietnam in both military and economic aspects and in training human resources in key sectors for national construction. Until now, that spirit has been continued by the Russian Federation - with a new expression, suitable for the context and strategic interests of both countries in the 21st century.

In terms of politics and diplomacy, the visit of the General Secretary and the high-ranking delegation of our country to the Russian Federation on this occasion has a profound symbolic meaning. This shows that Vietnam highly appreciates the historical and humanistic value of this victory, and affirms its consistent viewpoint: valuing peace, cherishing common memories, and persevering with dialogue and cooperation solutions in handling international issues, contributing to deepening the regular exchange of high-level delegations, while strengthening close cooperation at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC or SCO.

It is no coincidence that in the Joint Statement of May 11, both Vietnam and Russia emphasized the central role of international law and the United Nations Charter. Russia welcomed Vietnam’s objective stance on the Ukraine conflict – a way of acknowledging that Vietnam’s voice has weight, while always upholding the principle of independence and not choosing sides.

General Secretary To Lam and President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Moscow. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Comprehensive cooperation

Economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation is not simply individual trade projects, but a concrete embodiment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

In the energy sector - a highly strategic pillar - the two main corporations, the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and Zarubezhneft Joint Stock Company (AO “Zarubezhneft”), have created symbols of cooperation across the ages. Vietsovpetro is not only an effective economic project, but also a vivid demonstration of the continuation and deepening of the traditional friendship foundation from the Soviet era.

Meanwhile, Rusvietpetro - one of Petrovietnam's most prominent overseas investment projects - reflects the depth of political trust and the level of commitment in substantive cooperation between the two countries. In the context of the world entering a period of energy transition, Vietnam and Russia are also proactively expanding cooperation into new areas such as renewable energy, civil nuclear power and green technology - demonstrating a long-term vision and strategy for national energy security.

In particular, agricultural and food cooperation not only contributes to diversifying economic cooperation but also has profound diplomatic significance. The inauguration of a large-capacity milk processing plant in Kaluga province by TH Group on May 11 - the first factory to complete a closed milk production chain of a Vietnamese enterprise in Russia - is a symbolic step. This project not only provides clean, high-quality milk products to Russian consumers, but also conveys the message of the active, responsible and long-term presence of Vietnamese enterprises in this strategic market.

Although the factory is just a physical structure, to international observers, it is a subtle political message about Vietnam's enduring and friendly presence in Russia. It is the result of policy connection, political trust and the desire for mutual development on the basis of equality and mutual benefit between the two countries - something that Vietnam and Russia are constantly cultivating in their overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and multilateralization.

If energy, agriculture and food are the economic pillars, then defense, security, science, education and culture are the strategic channels, demonstrating the depth and height of the Vietnam - Russia political relationship. Cooperation in these areas not only serves the internal development of each country, but is also a concrete expression of mutual trust in foreign policy and viewpoints.

General Secretary To Lam held a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 10. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

In the field of defense and security - which requires a special level of engagement between countries with a truly friendly relationship - the two sides signed a Cooperation Plan for the 2026 - 2030 period and committed to strengthening security coordination. This is a step affirming Russia's strategic position in Vietnam's defense policy and vice versa, demonstrating consistency in cooperation for regional peace and stability.

In addition, the fields of science, technology and health are becoming new highlights in development cooperation diplomacy. The two countries' promotion of joint research and transfer of vaccine technology, including cancer vaccines, not only has economic and technical significance but also demonstrates political commitment to social security, public health and a sustainable future.

In the field of education and training, a series of memorandums of understanding between key universities and political academies of the two countries have been signed, creating a foundation for the next generation to understand and inherit the Vietnam - Russia relationship. In particular, the establishment of the Pushkin Russian Language Center in Vietnam is not only a manifestation of academic cooperation, but also of cultural diplomacy - strengthening social awareness and a positive image of a long-term strategic partnership.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges are increasingly valued as a soft pillar in bilateral foreign policy, contributing to fostering affection, understanding, and close ties between the two peoples - which are important foundations for strengthening political trust and maintaining stability in the coming decades.

New development

The official visit to the Russian Federation by General Secretary To Lam and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation is not only a simple high-level diplomatic activity, but also an event marking a new development step in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries with a long history of close ties.

In the context of the world restructuring order, where power centers tend to be dispersed, the two countries' continued consolidation of political trust and expansion of substantive cooperation is a clear message about Vietnam's independent, autonomous, proactive and responsible foreign policy.

This is an important occasion for senior leaders of the two countries to comprehensively review all areas of cooperation, remove strategic obstacles, and expand new areas of cooperation in line with the requirements of the times - from energy security, digital transformation, to high-quality education and public health.

Besides, the attendance of General Secretary To Lam and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation at the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War further affirms the depth of historical values ​​and common political identity between the two nations in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and global justice.

General Secretary To Lam delivers an important policy speech at the Russian Presidential Academy. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

More than the signed documents, this visit carries a symbolic meaning: reaffirming the fact that the Vietnam-Russia relationship is not a temporary connection for benefits, but a process built on trust, understanding and a strategic choice with a long-term foundation. It is a relationship between two countries with flexible but consistent foreign policies, with their own interests but not separate from the common values ​​of peace, stability and cooperation for development of the region and the world.

From the perspective of a young person observing foreign policy, I believe that the General Secretary’s official visit to the Russian Federation to traditional friendly countries continues to affirm the clear message that Vietnam will continue to walk steadily amid the turbulent flow while still maintaining its identity. Specific actions in the coming period will be the clearest evidence of the political determination and steadfastness of the Vietnam - Russian Federation Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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*Institute of International Energy Policy and Diplomacy (IIEP), Moscow State University of International Relations - MGIMO, Russian Federation.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-lien-bang-nga-tri-an-lich-su-viet-tiep-tuong-lai-314111.html