On May 12 in Minsk, General Secretary To Lam held meetings with Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin, Senate Chairwoman Natalya Kochanova, House of Representatives Chairman Igor Sergeyenko, and leaders of the Communist Party and Belaya Rus Party.

Prime Minister Turchin praised the visit as a meaningful step toward cementing the two countries’ political trust, signaling a new chapter in bilateral relations with the formal upgrade to a strategic partnership.

Shared strategic goals and expanding cooperation

General Secretary To Lam emphasized Vietnam’s consistent regard for its traditional friendship with Belarus, calling Belarus a vital partner in the region and expressing gratitude for its support throughout history.

He hailed the joint declaration as a turning point, unlocking significant opportunities for both countries’ enterprises to invest, expand markets, and enhance competitiveness amid a shifting global economy.

To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and the development of green and circular economies, alongside strategic infrastructure projects such as expressways and high-speed rail, aiming to fuel sustainable national growth.

The two leaders agreed that bilateral ties now face a timely opportunity and must build on their traditional foundation to strengthen practical, effective cooperation. They committed to expanding economic and trade relations, particularly in industrial sectors such as automobile and tractor production. Cooperation in science and technology, education and training, culture, tourism, and youth exchanges were also high on the agenda.

Prime Minister Turchin welcomed Vietnam’s cooperation proposals, particularly in agriculture, science and technology, and multimodal transport development.

A warm welcome from Belarusian parliament leaders

Belarusian parliamentary leaders congratulated To Lam on receiving the Order of Friendship from President Lukashenko, recognizing his contributions to Vietnam-Belarus relations.

They described the visit as historic and emphasized that the agreements signed during the trip would define a new future for bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to advance cooperation under the new strategic framework with tangible measures.

This includes enhancing high-level delegation exchanges, increasing trade turnover, and boosting collaboration in science, education, and tourism. Plans are under consideration to launch a direct flight route and foster people-to-people exchanges, particularly among younger generations, to preserve and grow the longstanding friendship.

Commitment to implementation and multilateral cooperation

Both sides stressed the importance of monitoring the implementation of signed agreements, including the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. They agreed to strengthen information sharing and cooperation in party-building, legislation, and parliamentary activities, and to deepen exchanges between specialized committees, friendship parliamentary groups, and young lawmakers.

Vietnam and Belarus also pledged mutual support in multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Turchin toured the Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ). After a briefing on the plant’s operations, To Lam noted that many of MTZ’s products are well-suited to Vietnam’s conditions and can be applied across agriculture, construction, and other sectors.

He proposed joint production of parts such as engines and tires for export, seeing this as a promising area of bilateral industrial cooperation. If successful, this could become a new symbol of Vietnam-Belarus relations.

On the evening of May 12, General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and the Vietnamese high-level delegation departed Minsk, concluding a successful official visit to Belarus.

Tran Thuong