Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse pay an official visit to Russia, attend the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, and make a state visit to Belarus. (Photo: VNA)

Party General Secretary To Lam’s visits to Russia and Belarus reflect Vietnam’s determination to strengthen its long-standing friendship with countries of the former Soviet Union and create momentum for long-term, effective, substantive, and mutually beneficial cooperation with those nations.

Vietnam, Russia look to the future

This is General Secretary Lam’s first official visit to Russia as the top leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The visit comes at a moment when the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (January 30, 1950 – January 30, 2025) and the 70th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s first official visit to the Soviet Union. This year Vietnam and Russia will hold national celebrations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said: “The visit takes place at a historic and symbolic moment, holding important significance. It is a continuation of history, reaffirms the ongoing relationship between the two countries, and looks toward the future. During the visit, the leaders will discuss strategic orientations for bilateral ties for the next five to ten years and beyond.”

The current high level of political trust is a solid foundation for Vietnam and Russia to deepen their cooperation in the new context. Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko said: “We are witnessing geopolitical changes globally. In that context, the most important task is to maintain and strengthen ties with long-standing traditional partners. We look to the future with confidence and optimism. Russia is ready to work closely with Vietnam to fully realize the great but still untapped potential of our comprehensive strategic partnership.”

The two countries’ readiness and determination have created new momentum for stronger bilateral ties, especially scientific and technological cooperation, as well as cooperation in security, defense, and petroleum. Russia is a leader in nuclear technology, quantum science, artificial intelligence, new technologies, and green e

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi (photo: VOV)

Ambassador Khoi said: “Vietnam has restarted its nuclear power plant project. Cooperation in nuclear energy is a priority of Vietnam-Russia relations. I believe the two countries will go beyond constructing one or two nuclear power plants. Russia will help Vietnam build an entire nuclear technology sector. It will be a critical industry, enabling Vietnam to confidently enter a new era of national development.”

General Secretary Lam’s participation in a military parade at Red Square commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War and the first-ever participation of the Vietnamese military show that Vietnam honors the Soviet heroes who sacrificed their lives in World War II and the strong historical bond between Vietnam and the Soviet Union (now Russia).

Building a new vision for Vietnam–Belarus relations

This is General Secretary Lam’s first state visit to Belarus and the first visit by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam to Belarus in 11 years. Senior Belarusian leaders have repeatedly said they consider Vietnam a key partner in Southeast Asia and want to strengthen cooperation in traditional areas and expand into new, high-potential sectors.

Vietnam and Belarus are cooperating effectively in science, technology, education, training, culture, sports, tourism, and transportation while cooperation between their localities is growing. General Secretary Lam’s visit to Belarus will contribute to building a shared vision and advancing bilateral cooperation in all areas.