This is Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s first visit to Russia in his new position. The trip conveys a strong message about Viet Nam’s commitment to the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership as well as the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia.
Viet Nam has always supported strengthening the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership as well as promoting dialogue and effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. With a proactive, active, and responsible approach, Viet Nam will serve as the country coordinator for ASEAN–Russia relations for the 2027–2030 period. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s participation in the 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit demonstrates Viet Nam’s responsibility as a bridge between the two sides, helping ASEAN–Russia relations develop in a more substantive manner and in line with their potential. It is also an important step for Viet Nam to make active contributions to the process of shaping ASEAN–Russia cooperation in the coming years.
Promoting Russia–ASEAN cooperation will also help expand connectivity between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Viet Nam is one of the ASEAN members that enjoys effective cooperation with the EAEU, of which Russia is a member. Viet Nam and the EAEU officially signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in 2015.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s visit will also contribute to strengthening ties with Russia — a trusted friend and important partner of Viet Nam in Europe. More than 75 years of cooperation and companionship between the two countries testify to the enduring bonds they share. The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam always cherish the steadfast friendship and valuable support provided by the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia during Viet Nam’s struggle for national independence, national reunification, and its current stage of rapid development. The strong and enduring bond between Vietnam and Russia is further strengthened by the shared spirit of the people of both countries. Russia, with its warm and hospitable people and its rich literary and artistic heritage, has always held a special place in the hearts of many generations of Vietnamese people.
The Viet Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has recorded positive developments in recent years. The two sides have maintained regular exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels and through various channels, while coordinating and supporting each other on international issues. These efforts have helped to preserve and strengthen the traditional friendship and elevate the Viet Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new qualitative level.
The Viet Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has recorded positive developments in recent years. The two sides have maintained regular exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels and through various channels, while coordinating and supporting each other on international issues. These efforts have helped to preserve and strengthen the traditional friendship and elevate the Viet Nam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new qualitative level. In economic and trade cooperation, bilateral trade revenue has regained positive growth momentum, reaching 4.77 billion USD in 2025. During the first four months of 2026, two-way trade amounted to 1.72 billion USD, up 9.22% compared with the same period in 2025. Cooperation in defence and security; energy, oil, and gas; science and technology; education and training; and humanities are strategically important sectors and has achieved notable results.
Viet Nam is a proactive, reliable, and responsible ASEAN member that makes positive and effective contributions to the bloc, while also being a loyal, sincere friend and comprehensive strategic partner of Russia. These factors are favourable conditions for Viet Nam to further strengthen its role as a bridge between ASEAN and Russia, enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening trust between the two sides.
We wish Prime Minister Le Minh Hung a successful visit to attend the 35th ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit and conduct bilateral activities in Kazan, Russian Federation. The visit is expected to help promote ASEAN–Russia cooperation while effectively promoting the image of Viet Nam as a country committed to contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation around the world.
