On the afternoon of May 11, a handover ceremony for the scientific research vessel Professor Gagarinsky, donated by the Government of the Russian Federation, was held in Vladivostok. The vessel was officially transferred to the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.

The Professor Gagarinsky is designed for oceanographic research, with capabilities to operate in deep-sea and offshore environments.

It is expected to open a new chapter in marine research, allowing scientists from both countries to explore previously uncharted waters, enhance understanding of marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and resources, and propose appropriate conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization strategies.

The vessel will support the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center in modernizing and significantly boosting its research capacity and operational efficiency.

It enables full autonomy in designing research programs and organizing field surveys at sea. With Professor Gagarinsky, Vietnam's offshore marine research capabilities will be considerably enhanced.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, emphasized the symbolic and strategic significance of this handover.

Taking place shortly after the official visit to Russia by General Secretary To Lam, the event is seen as a practical step to realize the shared vision of both nations’ leaders in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

It also reaffirms Russia’s continued support for the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center.

Senior Lieutenant General Chien expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian Government and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for entrusting Vietnam with the Professor Gagarinsky.

He described the vessel as a new symbol of Vietnam - Russia cooperation and a shared maritime platform for scientific collaboration.

This gift not only reflects the deep friendship between the two countries but also serves as motivation for scientists to contribute further to the mutual benefit of both nations.

The Tropical Center pledged to maintain close coordination with the Navy to ensure the vessel remains in top technical condition.

It also vowed to work with Russian partners to develop interdisciplinary research programs to study Vietnam's maritime regions and make optimal use of the vessel, honoring the trust and expectations of both sides.

During his visit to the ship and its crew, Senior Lieutenant General Chien wished them smooth sailing on their journey to Vietnam and encouraged them to preserve the vessel well, use it sustainably, and maximize its research potential.

The Professor Gagarinsky is scheduled to depart Vladivostok on May 12 and is expected to arrive at Haiphong Port on May 25.

Previously, on May 10, General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Andrey Removich Belousov, Minister of Defense of Russia, signed a strategic partnership plan in the field of defense for the 2026-2030 period. This agreement outlines the direction of bilateral defense cooperation over the next five years.

Tran Thuong