How would you assess the key achievements in Vietnam-Russia relations in 2024? Could you share any milestones or significant projects during your tenure as Ambassador?

Ambassador Bezdetko: This year marks the 75th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations, a significant milestone in our strong cooperation.

In 2024, our bilateral relationship saw continued growth, with deeper and broader mutually beneficial collaboration.

High-level political dialogue played a crucial role. The state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Vietnam (June 19-20, 2024) was a major boost to our bilateral ties. Additionally, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Russia last year.

Another noteworthy event was the 25th session of the Vietnam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, co-chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister D.N. Chernyshenko and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in Moscow on September 11, 2024.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin recently visited Vietnam. What were the key takeaways from his trip?

Ambassador Bezdetko: The visit in January 2025 further strengthened Vietnam-Russia cooperation. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and also held discussions with General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

Significantly, this visit occurred just before the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It was also the first official visit to Vietnam by a foreign delegation in 2025.

A joint declaration was issued, and several key agreements were signed, including the Comprehensive Cooperation Plan between Vietnam and Russia until 2030. This plan consists of 13 sectoral "roadmaps" with specific tasks to enhance medium-term collaboration.

Key priorities include boosting trade through the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In the first 11 months of 2024, bilateral trade grew by 27.4%, surpassing $4.1 billion.

Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone, particularly in oil and gas. Joint projects are ongoing in both Russia and Vietnam’s continental shelf, involving major corporations such as Zarubezhneft, Gazprom, and PetroVietnam.

During the visit, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Vietnam's long-term energy supply, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other petroleum products. Russia is also ready to participate in the construction and modernization of power plants, as well as collaborate on renewable energy and nuclear energy projects.

What are the key areas of bilateral cooperation expected in 2025?

Ambassador Bezdetko: In 2025, we anticipate continued strengthening of Vietnam-Russia relations, particularly in trade, supported by the EAEU-Vietnam FTA.

Energy cooperation remains a top priority, with several joint oil and gas projects underway. Russia is prepared to provide Vietnam with a stable energy supply, invest in power plant development, and support renewable and nuclear energy initiatives.

Beyond traditional sectors, Russian-Vietnamese cooperation is expanding. A Russian automotive joint venture in Vietnam has achieved significant success. Moving forward, we expect new initiatives to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

Vietnam and Russia also place great emphasis on humanitarian cooperation. We are closely working together through the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center. Additionally, medical cooperation is being explored, including the potential supply of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

Education is another key area. Thousands of Vietnamese students pursue degrees in Russia annually, with the Russian government granting 1,000 scholarships per year. Efforts are underway to strengthen Russian language education in Vietnam, with plans to establish a "Russian School" in Hanoi and upgrade the Hanoi branch of the Pushkin Institute into a regional research center.

Tourism between the two nations is also flourishing. From January to November 2024, over 203,000 Russian tourists visited Vietnam - an 82.4% increase compared to the previous year. We believe that fully restoring direct flights will further boost tourism exchanges.

Interregional cooperation remains an area with untapped potential. A lack of mutual understanding between localities has been a key barrier. Strengthening delegation exchanges between ministries, sectors, and businesses will help address this issue.

In 2024, delegations from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ulyanovsk, Yaroslavl, Yakutia, and Yamalo-Nenets visited Vietnam. Meanwhile, leaders from Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Can Tho, Quang Tri, Thai Binh, and Hai Phong traveled to Russia.

Looking ahead, both countries have critical tasks in 2025, including implementing agreements reached during high-level visits.

Besides celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties, Vietnam and Russia will commemorate:

50 years since the liberation of South Vietnam and national reunification (April 30, 1975).

80 years since the victory in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945).

Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945).

10 years since the signing of the EAEU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (May 29, 2015).

How do you view Vietnam’s economic and social development, as well as its growing international role?

Ambassador Bezdetko: Vietnam has achieved remarkable economic and social progress in recent years. In 2024, GDP growth reached a record 7%, making Vietnam one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

Annual international trade volume stood at $780 billion, a 15.4% increase from the previous year. Vietnam has swiftly recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and is effectively navigating global geopolitical challenges.

Vietnam is now a key growth hub in the region, thanks to its consistent foreign investment policies and strong legal framework. We acknowledge Vietnam’s efforts in adopting new technologies and innovative economic strategies.

On the international stage, Vietnam has strengthened its reputation through active participation in multilateral organizations and forums. We are confident that Vietnam-Russia cooperation will continue to thrive.

As someone who has spent many years in Vietnam, what message would you like to share for the Lunar New Year?

Ambassador Bezdetko: This is not my first time celebrating Tet in Vietnam, but each year brings unique emotions. Tet is a time of renewal, welcoming the spring with hope, aspirations, and new goals.

During my time in Vietnam, Tet has become my second New Year celebration, one that I enjoy with my Vietnamese friends. The rich traditions, festive atmosphere, and family reunions make it truly special.

Tet is about togetherness. Families reunite, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the future with optimism.

On this occasion, I extend my best wishes to the people of Vietnam. May the Year of the Snake bring you health, happiness, prosperity, and success!

Pham Vu Thieu Quang