Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s attendance at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of dialogue relations has reaffirmed Vietnam’s role as a key bridge between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while opening a new chapter in the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The PM concluded his successful trip to Kazan, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, after attending the summit and conducting a series of bilateral activities from June 17-18.
As an active and responsible ASEAN member and one of Russia’s most trusted comprehensive strategic partners in the region, Vietnam made substantive contributions to the summit’s outcomes.
PM Hung engaged in nearly 20 activities, including meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, and executives of major Russian corporations and investment institutions. He attended and delivered speeches at the plenary session of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum and a Vietnam-Russia investment and business connection programme. PM Hung, together with other ASEAN leaders, also attended a working lunch with the theme “Eurasian Integration” chaired by President Putin.
Speaking at the plenary session and forums, PM Hung shared Vietnam’s assessments of regional and global developments and proposed measures to strengthen ASEAN-Russia cooperation in addressing common challenges.
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, the PM’s message underscored Vietnam’s consistent support for dialogue, cooperation, confidence-building, the peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law. These principles, he stressed, should serve as common norms governing relations among nations.
On this occasion, the PM also announced that Vietnam will host the ASEAN-Russia Young Diplomats Summit in 2027, demonstrating the country’s commitment to nurturing future generations and strengthening trust and connectivity between the two regions.
Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that Vietnam is one of ASEAN’s most active members and an increasingly important player in shaping the regional economic agenda. He noted that Vietnam serves as a vital gateway for Russian businesses seeking access to the ASEAN market of more than 680 million people.
Reshetnikov also highlighted the significance of the Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Vietnam, which, he said, has encouraged similar arrangements with other regional partners.
Meanwhile, Ekaterina Koldunova, Director of the ASEAN Centre at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), praised the PM Hung’s proposals on sustainable value chains and enhanced trade and logistics connectivity. She noted that Vietnam has become a model for cooperation with Russia in areas such as energy, including nuclear energy, while lauding Vietnam's role in ASEAN-Russia relations over the past 35 years.
Regarding the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan, VCCI President Ho Sy Hung affirmed that this is a step to formalise the long-standing cooperation between businesses on both sides, saying it helps the business communities of Vietnam and Russia to find common interests.
A key highlight of the trip was PM Hung’s meeting with President Putin on June 18. The Russian leader welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and thanked Vietnam for its active contribution to the success of the commemorative summit.
President Putin affirmed that Vietnam remains one of Russia’s most important partners and a close friend in the Asia-Pacific region, playing a significant role in connecting Russia with ASEAN countries and advancing Russia's cooperation initiatives in the region.
For his part, PM Hung conveyed regards from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders to President Putin, while congratulating Russia on the successful organisation of the summit.
The PM said that the Vietnamese Government, in its new term, wishes to work with the Russian Government to continue promoting the implementation of agreements reached between General Secretary and President Lam and President Putin, in order to comprehensively elevate bilateral cooperation across all fields.
Recognising the vast potential for deeper cooperation, both sides agreed to accelerate negotiations on the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant project. They reaffirmed that energy cooperation, including oil and gas and nuclear power, remains a key pillar of Vietnam-Russia relations and should be advanced in line with agreed roadmaps.
On this occasion, PM Hung also met representatives of the Vietnamese community in Russia, praising their solidarity, resilience and contributions to preserving national identity while integrating into local society.
The successful trip not only strengthened ASEAN-Russia cooperation but also demonstrated Vietnam’s active role in promoting ASEAN centrality, expanding high-level exchanges and contributing to peace, friendship and development in the region and beyond./.
