Prime Minister Chinh’s March 22-25 visit to Russia marks a significant diplomatic engagement shortly after Vietnam’s recent major political milestones, including the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and local People’s Councils, according to Ambassador Khoi.
The visit underscores Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, while reaffirming Russia as one of its most important strategic partners, said the diplomat.
The trip is expected to build on high-level agreements reached during Party General Secretary To Lam’s previous visit, further strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking new drivers for cooperation.
Traditional pillars such as defence and security cooperation are anticipated to be reinforced, while energy, particularly oil and gas, could be elevated to a more strategic level, contributing to Vietnam’s long-term energy security.
At the same time, both sides are looking to expand cooperation into emerging sectors. Science and technology, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges are seen as key areas with strong potential to create new momentum in bilateral relations.
High-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and semiconductor manufacturing are also set to feature prominently during the visit, as Vietnam seeks to enhance its technological capacity and integrate more deeply into global value chains.
Nuclear energy cooperation is another notable area. With Russia’s strengths in nuclear research and plant construction, potential collaboration in projects such as the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant could help Vietnam develop its civilian nuclear sector and build a skilled workforce for the future.
Beyond economic and technological cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges continue to play a vital role in strengthening long-term ties. Despite geographical distance, Ambassador Khoi said, the two countries share common values in cultural traditions and national identity, providing a solid foundation for deeper engagement.
From a diplomatic perspective, the ambassador said, the visit sends a clear message that Vietnam is committed to maintaining strong relations with traditional partners while actively contributing to regional and global peace and stability.
As global dynamics continue to evolve, the visit highlights Vietnam’s balanced and consistent foreign policy approach - prioritising national interests while expanding international cooperation and reinforcing its position on the global stage.
