Viet Nam plays a special role in Russia–ASEAN relations

Viet Nam is a trusted friend and partner

Speaking to the Nhan Dan Newspaper correspondent in Russia, Grigory Trofimchuk, an expert from the Foundation for the Support of Scientific Research "Workshop of Eurasian Ideas," said the upcoming summit, to be held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, is expected to see Russia and ASEAN countries propose new orientations, priority areas, and breakthrough measures to strengthen substantive cooperation.

At present, ASEAN is a model of direct connectivity on a global scale, with practical cooperation covering a wide range of fields. ASEAN member countries have demonstrated to the world through concrete actions that the bloc has become a hub of strategic initiatives and technologies and an indispensable part of the global economy.

According to Grigory Trofimchuk, Viet Nam is emerging as one of the leading countries in the region. With its extensive experience, Viet Nam has maintained stable development even in difficult circumstances, while most other countries are still struggling to overcome the consequences of the prolonged crisis related to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as political issues affecting the entire industrial, logistics, and trade infrastructure.

Speaking about Viet Nam’s role and contributions, Trofimchuk emphasised that the Viet Nam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership serves as a bridge for the development of Russia–ASEAN relations. Thanks to Ha Noi’s sincere support and contributions, Russia–ASEAN relations have achieved many successes, he said. Viet Nam is a time-tested, trusted friend and partner of the Russian Federation.

The Russian expert expressed his hope that the summit will feature productive discussions that yield concrete outcomes and direct answers to the most urgent issues in Russia–ASEAN relations today.

A subtle approach to international politics

Highly valuing the significance of the upcoming Russia–ASEAN Summit, Russian political scientist Alexey Yaroshenko, Director of the Centre for Expert Support of Political Processes in Moscow, said this is not merely a diplomatic meeting but an important international event aimed at setting out practical orientations and creating new momentum for the development of Russia–ASEAN relations.

According to Yaroshenko, amid the ongoing transformation of the global order, Russia is pursuing a consistent strategy of turning towards Asia, while ASEAN countries seek to maintain strategic autonomy and avoid being drawn into confrontation among major powers. The Russia–ASEAN Summit in Kazan will send an important signal that dialogue between Russia and Southeast Asia continues to develop despite the complex international situation.

Viet Nam has long played a special role in relations between Russia and ASEAN. For decades, Viet Nam has been one of Russia’s most reliable and consistent partners in the region. Through Ha Noi, Moscow has maintained its political presence and deepened its comprehension of the specific characteristics of Southeast Asia.

Today, Viet Nam is not merely a bilateral partner of Russia but also a reliable bridge between Russia and ASEAN. Viet Nam acts entirely on the basis of its national interests, and its position is always respected and highly valued by Russia and other countries in the region. Viet Nam demonstrates a subtle approach to international politics, avoiding extremes and striving to maintain balanced relations with all major centres of power.

For Russia, relations with Viet Nam are of strategic importance. This is not only a matter of historical memory or traditionally warm political ties. The Russia–Viet Nam comprehensive strategic partnership is broad-based and, covering cooperation in energy, industry, defence, education, and logistics. In the context of an emerging new structure of international relations, the importance of the long-standing and trusted Russia–Viet Nam partnership is increasingly appreciated and has become a model.

Yaroshenko expressed his expectation that Viet Nam will make significant contributions to strengthening dialogue between Russia and ASEAN at the upcoming summit marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN–Russia relations. For Moscow, Viet Nam remains a key partner in the region. For ASEAN, Viet Nam is a country capable of helping maintain constructive cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.

Political scientist Alexey Yaroshenko emphasised that the main goal of this summit is not only to discuss specific projects. The focus is on developing a system of sustainable cooperation in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region based on the principles of sovereignty, mutual benefit, and respect for national interests. This is where the interests of Russia, Viet Nam, and most ASEAN countries largely coincide.