Vietnam-Russia relations thrive in 2018

Russian experts have said 2018 was a fruitful year for the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. 

Professor Vladimir Kolotov, Director of Ho Chi Minh Institute under St. Petersburg State University, said the thriving relationship was boosted by the visit to Russia by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong in September, as well as Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Vietnam in November.

The Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement lifted trade and economic ties between Vietnam and Russia, he said, noting that the two countries have made significant steps in efforts to raise bilateral trade revenue. 

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2018. (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong held talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August 2018. (Photo: VNA)

Businesspeople from Russian cities came to Vietnam to introduce their products. Meanwhile, delegations of Vietnamese enterprises visited Russia to seek cooperation and investment opportunities. 

The partnership in military technology between the two countries has also made progress, with notable events like the June visit to the south central province of Khanh Hoa by a Russian Pacific Fleet detachment. 

During the fourth defence strategy dialogue in Moscow in December, Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh stressed Russia has been, and will always be Vietnam’s trustworthy ally and partner. 

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu also highlighted the special relationship between the two countries. 

In education, four Russian universities have been awarded with Vietnam’s Friendship Order, namely Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow State Linguistic University, RANEPA Institute of Public Administration and Civil Service and National Research Nuclear University MEPhI. 

Although Vietnam cancelled a project to build a nuclear power plant, the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI is still helping the country train experts in the nuclear field.

In 2018, Vietnamese in Moscow and Russian friends held a festival to commemorate the death anniversary of the Hung Kings for the first time, which is expected be observed annually not only in the Russian capital but on a larger scale in the future. 

The first Russia-Vietnam Youth Forum took place in St. Petersburg earlier this month, along with activities marking the 95th year since President Ho Chi Minh (then Nguyen Ai Quoc) set foot in Russia for the first time (June 30-1923-2018).

Prof. Kolotov and other Russian experts believe the bilateral relationship will be enhanced in 2019.

VNA

Other News

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

The NA's Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs has moved fast to reshuffle its organisation after the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th NA, updating its work agenda to match new directives set out in the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress and the first Congress of the NA Party Organisation for the 2025–2030 term.

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam and Croatia should strive to double bilateral trade turnover from the current level of 161 million USD; study the establishment of a Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation to create a long-term, stable, and effective framework for collaboration, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Faria expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s indomitable struggle for national independence. He described President Ho Chi Minh as an immortal symbol of 20th-century national liberation movements, whose legacy continues to inspire leftist parties, progressive movements, and peoples across Latin America, including Venezuela.

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared Vietnam’s approach to building an independent and self-reliant economy linked to deep international integration, while proposing several key areas for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and partner countries at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened on May 14 in India.

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

PSNews - The spokesperson stated that the dispatch of personnel by relevant parties to features belonging to Truong Sa without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law. She stressed that such actions run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as ongoing efforts by countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

PSNews - Vietnam’s proposals placed the highest priority on ensuring a peaceful and stable environment conducive for continued sustainable development and improving the well-being and happiness of the ASEAN people. They were praised by member states and incorporated into the core contents of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the response to the Middle East crisis.

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam highly values the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in strengthening national capacity in crime prevention and criminal justice, drug control, and addressing emerging challenges, particularly cybercrime, said Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang.

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Consolidating the central steering committees for institutional and legal reform and for judicial reform is necessary in order to streamline organisational structures without reducing responsibilities, while ensuring clear accountability, measurable outputs and concrete results. Following the restructuring, the body will be renamed the central steering committee for institutional improvement and law enforcement, with the Party General Secretary and State President serving as its head.

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

At the meeting this week, Ambassador Viet briefed the UNGA President on developments during the first two weeks of the conference. He stressed that the current international geopolitical landscape poses numerous complex challenges, while reaffirming Vietnam’s determination, together with other member states, to promote substantive and balanced outcomes at the conference.

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

The host leader stressed that cooperation between localities, particularly between the capitals of Hanoi and Vientiane, plays an especially important role as a pioneering force in effectively implementing the foreign polices of the two Parties and States, while also serving as a bridge between politics and development, as well as between strategy and concrete action.