At the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam led a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the Summit commemorating the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations and to conduct bilateral activities in Kazan, Russia, from June 16 to 18, 2026.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's visit made a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Russia, while also consolidating political trust, deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, and expanding cooperation between the two countries in many fields, including investment, energy, and oil and gas.

Overcoming the test of time, the good relationship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation continues to develop well, based on the foundation of comradeship, sharing, and selfless and sincere support between the people of the two countries in the past. 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. The Vietnamese people will never forget the selfless and sincere assistance of the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia to Vietnam's cause of national independence and national construction and development. Vietnam always values ​​the development of the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in all fields.

On the afternoon of May 18, 2026, at the Government Headquarters, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam, Gennady Bezdetko. During the meeting, Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko affirmed that the Russian Federation always values ​​the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam; considering Vietnam as one of its leading important partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

The close ties between the two countries stem not only from strong political, economic, and other cooperation, but also from a shared spirit. Many literary works by renowned Russian authors have become very familiar to Vietnamese people. Generations of Vietnamese students studying in Russia have always held a special, deep, and complete affection for Russia.

When discussing the factors that create the strong bond of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, it is impossible not to mention the Vietnamese community in the Russian Federation, an important "bridge" between the people. The Vietnamese community in Russia actively organizes and participates in activities aimed at strengthening solidarity and fostering a connection to their roots, while also contributing to a deeper understanding between the people of the two countries, such as organizing sports competitions and cultural and artistic exchange programs between Vietnam and Russia.

Over the past period, the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation have yielded positive results. Political and diplomatic relations have been strongly promoted, with numerous exchanges and contacts at all levels regularly organized by the two countries.

The Vietnam People's Army delegation participates in the parade on Red Square during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War, May 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Bilateral trade is regaining positive growth momentum, with turnover reaching US$4.77 billion in 2025 and US$1.72 billion in the first four months of 2026, an increase of 9.22% compared to the same period in 2025. Defense and security cooperation is developing positively, especially with the expansion of cooperation into the maritime sector.

Cooperation in oil and gas and energy – one of the pillars of cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation – continues to be strengthened. In March 2026, an agreement was signed between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the construction of a nuclear power plant in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, marking an important step in bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, while contributing to ensuring Vietnam's long-term energy security. This will be a long-term strategic project and a symbol of Vietnam-Russia cooperation in the new context.

Tourism cooperation has achieved impressive growth thanks to a sharp increase in the frequency of direct flights. The number of Russian tourists to Vietnam in the first five months of 2026 reached 618,000, a 194% increase compared to the same period in 2025, and is projected to exceed 1 million visitors for the whole year, far surpassing the pre-Covid-19 pandemic period. Russia is currently Vietnam's largest tourist market in Europe and the third largest in the world.

Cultural exchange activities are regularly organized, contributing to strengthening understanding and friendship between the people of Vietnam and Russia. Both sides annually and alternately organize Cultural Days in Vietnam and Russia.

Scientific and technological cooperation continues to be maintained. The two countries have implemented research and technology transfer projects. Scientific research cooperation within the framework of the Tropical Center in Vietnam has yielded many positive results. Both sides are implementing the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center project and organizing activities within the framework of the 2026 Cross-Year on scientific and educational cooperation.

Local cooperation continues to be maintained through delegation exchanges and the signing of numerous cooperation agreements. Approximately 20 pairs of relationships between localities of the two countries have been established.