HANOI: General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, – Vietnam’s most powerful politician- affirmed Vietnam’s support for Russia’s “Pivot to the East” policy and emphasized the significance of the traditional relationship with Moscow during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Trong, who also served as president of the southeast Asian country, highlighted Vietnam’s appreciation for the Soviet Union’s past support and Russia’s ongoing assistance in the struggle for independence, national unity, and nation-building.
Vietnam considers its traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia a top priority in its external relations. Trong expressed Vietnam’s support for Russia’s contributions to international community efforts and the “Pivot to the East” policy, which aims to strengthen Russia’s relations with Asian partners.
Trong noted the rapid shift toward a multilateral world, necessitating peaceful, equal, and non-confrontational policies in line with the UN Charter and international law. He emphasized the need for the international community to enhance dialogue and cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with the UN playing a central role in addressing socio-economic development and security challenges.
Vietnam hopes for Russia’s continued support for peace, stability, security, maritime freedom, and Vietnam’s legitimate rights in the South China Sea.
Trong advocated for resolving South China Sea conflicts through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He also urged the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the pursuit of a Code of Conduct (COC).
Regarding the Ukraine situation, Trong expressed Vietnam’s hope for dialogue, an end to conflicts, and the resumption of negotiations to achieve peaceful solutions based on international law, ensuring the legitimate interests of all parties involved. Vietnam is willing to contribute positively to promoting dialogue and negotiations.
Putin reaffirmed that developing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam is a priority in Russia’s Asia-Pacific foreign policy. He stated that his visit aims to drive new momentum in the bilateral relationship.
Putin said that resolving international and regional issues should be based on international law and the UN Charter, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution, including in the South China Sea.
In the energy and petroleum sectors, both leaders agreed to facilitate business opportunities for effective project implementation and expansion, involving national petroleum companies from both countries.
The leaders also committed to enhancing cooperation in agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and exchanges. They acknowledged the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia, serving as a vital link between the two nations.
Trong requested continued support for the Vietnamese community in Russia to live and work long-term, further strengthening the friendly relations between the two peoples.
Putin’s state visit to Vietnam marks a symbolic event as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the agreement on the fundamental principles of their friendly relationship. They also issued a Joint Declaration to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
