This visit marks Putin's first to Vietnam since his re-election as President of the Russian Federation for the 2024-2030 term in March 2024.

During a phone call on March 26, 2024, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized Vietnam's commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia as a top priority in its foreign policy.

President Putin reaffirmed that Vietnam remains a reliable friend and partner, expressing satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral relations across various sectors.

The leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in security, defense, economy, trade, culture, and tourism. This visit comes as the two nations celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1994-2024).

President Putin has visited Vietnam four times during his presidency. His visits in March 2001, November 2006, November 2013, and November 2017 have all contributed to strengthening the bilateral relationship. The upcoming visit highlights the enduring friendship and cooperation that have been nurtured over decades.

Vietnam and Russia established diplomatic relations in January 1950. The friendship between the Vietnamese people and the people of the former Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, has a long history, strengthened by the efforts of many generations of leaders and citizens. Over the past 75 years, the relationship has deepened, with significant achievements in economy, trade, investment, education, health, security, and defense.

The 24th meeting of the Russia-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation in 2023 discussed the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam, aiming to boost bilateral trade turnover to 10 billion USD by 2030. Potential areas for cooperation include the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, health, and information technology.

In education, Russia continues to support Vietnam by training human resources. This year marks 70 years since the first Vietnamese students studied in the Soviet Union in 1954. Since 2019, Russia has granted 1,000 scholarships to Vietnamese students.

The Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center stands as a major hub for scientific and technological research, conducting various studies to benefit both nations.

Tran Thuong