Moscow (VNA) – A scientific symposium on the future of Vietnam – Russia relations in a new era was held at the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow on April 22.
More than ten speeches were delivered at the event, analysing both challenges and opportunities in the bilateral relationship amid an increasingly turbulent global landscape. Participants also explored potential new drivers to strengthen ties in the coming period.
Scholars affirmed that the time-honoured friendship between Russia and Vietnam has continued to deepen, as demonstrated by the regular high-level visits, including President Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam in June 2024, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's trip to Russia in September the same year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attendance at the BRICS Summit in Kazan one month later, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mitshustin's tour of Vietnam in January 2025.
They said despite mounting global tensions, from armed conflicts to trade disputes, Vietnam has consistently pursued a neutral foreign policy, remaining a trustworthy partner of all nations, including Russia.
In the economic and trade sphere, participants noted that while there remains significant room for growth, bilateral trade has yet to meet the expectations set by the two countries' leaders. Key obstacles include limitations in the cooperation structure and the Western sanctions on Russia. However, some scholars expressed their hope that if ongoing Russia – US negotiations yield positive outcomes soon, a more favourable environment will be created for expanding cooperation between Moscow and Hanoi.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the symposium, Professor and Doctor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre for Vietnamese and ASEAN Studies under the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia, highlighted areas of potential collaboration, beginning with the traditional energy partnership that involves the Russian multinational energy corporation Gazprom. In transport infrastructure, Russia’s state railway company, with its wealth of experience and international competitive edge, could take part in bidding for Vietnam’s planned North – South high-speed railway.
The expert also pointed out growing opportunities for bilateral cooperation in globally emerging sectors such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and cybersecurity./.
