Putin Says Russia-Vietnam Special Strategic Relations Set to Deepen

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that new agreements and cooperation initiatives between Russia and Vietnam will provide a strong foundation for the further development of their special strategic relations.

Speaking at the opening of talks with To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, in Moscow on Wednesday, Putin welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and highlighted the historic friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Putin noted that the Vietnamese people had recently celebrated Independence Day on September 2, saying that the special bonds of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Russian and Vietnamese peoples were forged during Vietnam’s struggle for sovereignty.

He praised Vietnam’s achievements since gaining independence and full sovereignty, saying the country had made impressive progress under the leadership of its Party and national leadership. According to Putin, the sacrifices made by those who fought for Vietnam’s independence were not in vain, and the Vietnamese people continue to build on the sovereignty they secured through that struggle.

The Russian President also highlighted the continuing expansion of bilateral trade. He said Russia-Vietnam trade increased by nearly 6 percent in 2025, while the pace of trade growth in the first half of 2026 virtually doubled.

Putin said cooperation was developing not only in trade but also across a wide range of other areas, including culture, education and security. The two countries, he said, have both long-established projects that have stood the test of time and new initiatives with significant potential.

He also described President To Lam’s high-level meetings and discussions during his Moscow visit as important for identifying new areas of bilateral cooperation and further strengthening relations between the two countries.

Addressing To Lam as “Comrade General Secretary” and “Comrade President,” Putin said he was pleased to welcome him to Moscow and expressed confidence that the talks and the signing of relevant documents would create a solid foundation for the continued development of Russia-Vietnam special strategic relations.

Russia and Vietnam have historically maintained close cooperation in political, economic, defence, education, energy and cultural fields. In recent years, the two countries have sought to preserve their traditional partnership while expanding cooperation in trade, energy, technology and security.