Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the historic bond between Russia and Vietnam ahead of General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Moscow.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the Vietnam-Russia relationship with a poetic phrase: “Nothing can hinder our enduring friendship, which flows endlessly like the Mekong River.”
General Secretary To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Minh Nhat
General Secretary To Lam and his spouse are set to pay an official visit to the Russian Federation and attend the 80th anniversary celebration of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Ahead of the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offered remarks on the bilateral relationship and the significance of the occasion.
Deputy Prime Minister Son emphasized that Vietnam deeply respects and honors the tremendous contributions and sacrifices of the former Soviet Union and the present-day Russian Federation in their historic victory against fascism and in their role in safeguarding global peace.
He expressed Vietnam's desire to further deepen political trust between the two countries and outline new directions to elevate the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
A friendship forged in history
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Seventy-five years ago, Vietnam and the Soviet Union officially established diplomatic relations, laying a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation across all fields and in international forums.
Vietnam has always held in high regard the profound and invaluable support provided by the Soviet Union throughout the country’s struggle for independence and national development. This longstanding assistance significantly contributed to Vietnam’s success in national liberation, unification, and the building and protection of the homeland.
Deputy Prime Minister Son noted that the Vietnam-Russia relationship today continues the tradition of solidarity and close cooperation fostered with the Soviet Union. Since 2012, the two nations have been bound by a comprehensive strategic partnership.
This year marks 75 years of joint efforts in building this cooperative relationship - a priceless legacy for the people of both nations and a model of traditional friendship and mutually beneficial collaboration.
In 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 4.58 billion. Russia currently has 199 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of USD 990 million. Conversely, Vietnam has 16 projects in Russia worth a combined USD 1.6 billion.
Education, science, and community ties
Statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Saint Petersburg. Photo: HCMC Party Committee
Memorial to Vietnamese international volunteer soldiers in Moscow. Photo: Thu Trang
Historically, the Soviet Union trained nearly 40,000 skilled Vietnamese officials and experts across various disciplines. Today, Russia continues to support Vietnam’s human resource development, with over 5,000 Vietnamese students studying in the country.
Scientific and technological cooperation remains active, with both nations jointly conducting research and technology transfer projects. Notably, they are implementing a project to establish a Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center.
Local partnerships have also flourished, with about 20 sister-city relationships established between Vietnamese and Russian regions, particularly among Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Moscow, and Saint Petersburg.
The Vietnamese community in Russia - about 80,000 strong - has made meaningful contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
An unbreakable bond
Foreign Minister Lavrov referenced a Vietnamese saying - “Nothing can hinder our enduring friendship, which flows endlessly like the Mekong River” - to describe the relationship between the Russian and Vietnamese peoples.
“This bond has been tested over time and forged during Vietnam’s years of heroic struggle,” he said.
More than 20 foreign leaders are expected to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, and Lavrov noted that Russia is honored to welcome General Secretary To Lam for the event.
He also recalled the 2023 inauguration of a statue of President Ho Chi Minh - “a great friend of Russia” - in Saint Petersburg, marking the 100th anniversary of his visit to the city.
Last year also saw the unveiling of a memorial to Vietnamese international volunteer soldiers who participated in the Battle of Moscow (1941–1942) at Patriot Park.
People-to-people diplomacy and a shared future
Lavrov praised recent high-level exchanges between the two countries and highlighted the importance of people-to-people diplomacy in promoting humanitarian ties. “Vietnam is known for its warm hospitality. Every time I visit, I feel like I’m among close friends,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lavrov stressed that both countries face new challenges and opportunities. “We are fully confident and optimistic about the future. Together with our Vietnamese friends, we will continue working to fully unlock the potential of our comprehensive strategic partnership,” he affirmed.
Vietnamnet.vn
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