This trip is of great significance, as it is the Prime Minister 's first trip to the Russian Federation in his new capacity – a partner with a long-standing, close, and friendly relationship, and a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of Vietnam.
Following the 48th ASEAN Summit and the successful hosting of the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's participation in the ASEAN-Russia Summit further demonstrates the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strength, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; and the multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations.
This also sends a clear message about Vietnam's appreciation for the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership, as well as for the traditional friendship, strategic trust, and effective cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation over the past decades.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang (Head of Vietnam's ASEAN SOM) stated that the overarching goal of the trip is to leverage Vietnam's role as a "bridge," foster consensus, and contribute practical directions, creating new momentum for ASEAN-Russia relations.
This is all the more significant given that Vietnam has played a key role in building consensus within ASEAN on organizing this summit, and will also assume the role of coordinating ASEAN-Russia relations from 2027 to 2030.
This is not just about attending a high-level conference, but also an important preparatory step for Vietnam to contribute more deeply to shaping ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the coming years.
First and foremost, Vietnam will work with other countries to promote a substantive, balanced, and results-oriented approach to ASEAN-Russia cooperation. The focus will be on unlocking areas with significant but underdeveloped potential, such as trade, science, technology, digital transformation, non-traditional security, education , training, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and especially energy.
Vietnam will also promote highly feasible initiatives that are in line with ASEAN's needs, Russia's strengths, and the demands of the current situation.
Vietnam aspires to contribute to expanding the scope of cooperation between ASEAN and the Eurasian region. As a leading ASEAN country in cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) through the signing of the Vietnam-EAEU FTA in 2015, Vietnam has practical experience to share in promoting trade, investment, logistics, supply chains, and business connectivity.
Vietnam will exchange views with other countries on regional and international situations, especially issues that directly impact peace, stability, energy security, supply chains, and development.
In the spirit of dialogue, constructive engagement, and respect for international law, Vietnam hopes to contribute to enhancing understanding, narrowing differences, and strengthening trust between ASEAN and Russia, as well as among partners in the region.
According to Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang, on the occasion of attending the conference, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and work with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The meeting will be an important opportunity to convey the message of the new government regarding the continued importance placed on and promotion of Vietnam-Russia relations. The Prime Minister and Russian leaders will also exchange views on major breakthrough directions, key areas of cooperation, and measures to resolve obstacles in order to effectively implement the high-level agreements already reached...
The symbol is a testament to dialogue and cooperation.
The summit commemorating 35 years of ASEAN-Russia relations is taking place against the backdrop of unprecedented global and regional upheavals since the Cold War, manifested in "three fundamental crises."
That is, a crisis of international order, a crisis of development model, and a crisis of strategic trust,” as General Secretary and President To Lam stated in his speech at the recent Shangri-la Dialogue.
Held nearly five years after the online conference in October 2021, this summit is of special significance, transcending the scope of a typical commemorative event and possessing historical importance.
The conference demonstrated the highest level of political commitment from both sides to the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership, showing Russia's appreciation for ASEAN's central role in the Asia-Pacific regional cooperation structure, as well as ASEAN's appreciation for Russia's role and position in the region and the world.
At the same time, the conference is symbolic proof that dialogue and cooperation are always the most effective ways to contribute to creating a peaceful, secure, and stable environment for development.
The conference will adopt a comprehensive review of the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership over the past period, assessing the achievements, identifying limitations and obstacles to cooperation, and proposing new directions, key areas of focus, and breakthrough measures to strengthen cooperation. In particular, the areas of energy security and the exploitation of opportunities to enhance linkages and integration, creating new development spaces between the two regions of Asia and Europe, will be discussed.
ASEAN and Russian leaders will engage in in-depth discussions on regional and international issues of common concern to enhance understanding, strengthen strategic trust, and jointly address common challenges based on international law.
The conference is expected to adopt key documents guiding ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the coming period, better meeting the development needs of both ASEAN and Russia in the new situation.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thu-tuong-le-minh-hung-se-gap-tong-thong-nga-putin-ban-ve-dinh-huong-dot-pha-2525711.html
