General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong holds discussion with Russian President Putin

On behalf of the Party, the State, and the people of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcomed President Putin, acknowledging his enduring support for the Vietnamese people and the Vietnam-Russia relationship. General Secretary Trong also highlighted Putin's direct involvement in establishing the Strategic Partnership and subsequently the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, significantly contributing to the development of the traditional bilateral relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

The General Secretary holds President Vladimir Putin's fifth visit to Vietnam in high regard, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Basic Principles of Friendly Relationship between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1994-2024). Additionally, both countries will celebrate their 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1950-2025).

General Secretary Trong congratulated President Vladimir Putin on his re-election with an overwhelming number of votes, which reflected the Russian people's confidence in his leadership and ability to maintain political and social stability, sustain economic development, and implement foreign policy.

The General Secretary emphasized that the 13th National Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has affirmed the country's current unprecedented potential, position, and international prestige. He provided insights into Vietnam's comprehensive and outstanding achievements over nearly 40 years of renovation, which include nearly 15 years of implementing the Platform (supplemented and developed in 2011) for national development during the transition to socialism and inheriting the long-standing achievements of the struggle of the Vietnamese people.

Moving forward, Vietnam will continue to build on its achievements and address challenges to realize the development goals set by the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress. Namely, Vietnam aims to  become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030 (coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party); and a developed, high-income country by 2045 (coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country).

General Secretary Trong expressed gratitude for the invaluable support from the Soviet Union, including former Russia and present-day Russian Federation, in Vietnam's struggle for independence, the resistance wars, national reunification, and the subsequent nation-building and defense efforts.

He emphasized that valuing the traditional bilateral relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia is a priority in Vietnam's foreign policy. Accordingly, Vietnam supports Russia's active contributions to the international community, its "Look East" policy; and firmly believes that a peaceful, independent and strong Vietnam with increasing international prestige will support Russia's long-term interests in Asia-Pacific and globally.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong noted the rapidly progressing and complex global development towards a multipolar, multi-centered landscape, which require nations to pursue peaceful, unbiased, non-confrontational, and cooperative development policies that comply with the United Nations Charter and international law.

The international community is responsible for enhancing bilateral, multilateral dialogue and cooperation, with the United Nations as a key factor, to jointly develop socio-economically, and address traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Vietnam hopes that President Putin and the Russian Federation will continue to support the maintenance of peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, as well as Vietnam's legitimate rights and interests. Furthermore, Vietnam aims to resolve disputes within the East Sea through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982); implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and rapidly develop an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized Vietnam's hope for a dialogue, cessation of hostilities, and resumption of negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution in accordance with international law, focusing on protecting the legitimate interests of the parties involved. Additionally, Vietnam is ready to actively contribute to promoting dialogue and negotiations towards this direction.

General Secretary Trong and President Putin discussed the implementation of an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, thereby diversifying and multilateralizing foreign relations. This approach includes strengthening relations with neighboring countries; enhancing and deepening bilateral cooperation with strategic partners, comprehensive partners, and other key partners. Vietnam consistently adheres to its "4 no's" defense policy.

President Putin expressed his pleasure in re-visiting Vietnam and meeting General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He emphasized that Vietnam is a friend and trusted partner of the Russian Federation. He remarked that the bilateral relations between both countries have stood the test of time; and the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam is a priority in Russia's foreign policy within the Asia-Pacific region. He expressed confidence that the visit would foster momentum in the bilateral relations.

President Putin commended Vietnam's significant achievements over nearly 40 years of renovation led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Notably, the country has continuously enhanced the prestige and position of the Party and the State on the international stage. President Putin and General Secretary Trong also discussed key aspects of the state in the Russian Federation and its foreign policy.

Echoing the opinions of General Secretary Trong, President Putin emphasized that the resolution of international and regional challenges must be conducted in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, prioritizing peaceful settlement. Regarding the issues within the East Sea region, President Putin supports a peaceful resolution based on international law. President Putin also provided insights into Russia’s position on the conflict in Ukraine.

The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the positive development of Vietnam-Russia relations over the years, as reflected in the excellent political-diplomatic relations, sustained economic and trade cooperation, strengthened defense and security collaboration, enhanced cooperation across various fields, and increasingly effective relationships between social organizations and people-to-people exchanges.

Building on these achievements, both leaders had an in-depth exchange of views and agreed on major directions and measures to create momentum for promoting bilateral cooperation across various fields, with a focus on comprehensiveness, substantiveness, and effectiveness for the peoples of both countries, and for peace and stability in the region and the world.

President Putin agreed on the cooperation directions proposed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Both parties agreed to continue enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and promoting visits and exchanges at all levels through the Party, State, and Parliamentary channels. They also agreed to actively develop economic-trade, investment, scientific, and technical cooperation; strengthen defense and security cooperation; jointly address and resolve challenges in accordance with international law and regional conditions.

In the energy and oil and gas sectors, Vietnam and Russia agreed to facilitate effective implementation of existing projects for businesses from both countries; and expand investment projects involving national oil and gas companies from both countries. The leaders also agreed to promote cooperation in other key sectors such as agriculture, education and training, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and local cooperation.

General Secretary Trong and President Putin acknowledged the important contributions made by the Vietnamese community in Russia as a vital bridge for bilateral relations. General Secretary Trong requested requested continued support for the Vietnamese community to live and work stably in Russia, thereby strengthening the traditional bilateral relations between the peoples of the two countries.

On this occasion, Vietnam and the Russian Federation issued a Joint Statement on reinforcing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Statement was established to celebrate 30 years of implementing the Treaty on the basic principles of the friendly relationship between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation. Furthermore, the Statement acknowledged the significant achievements in bilateral relations; reaffirmed the principles and outlined directions to promote and enhance cooperation; and develop the traditional bilateral relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia; thereby promoting long-term benefits for the peoples of both countries, and for peace and stability in the region and the world.