(VOVworld) – 65 years ago the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (now the Russian Federation) was one of the first countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. The milestone laid a firm foundation for the time-honored friendly relationship and multilateral cooperation between the two nations.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai attended a banquet held by the Russian Embassy in Hanoi to mark the 65th anniversary of Vietnam - Russia diplomatic ties (photo: VNA)

Vietnam and the Soviet Union established diplomatic ties on January 30, 1950. The relationship has been upheld by the Russian Federation. Russia has become Vietnam’s first strategic partner in politics, economics, science, technology, and national defense. The two countries have worked closely in the international arena under their comprehensive strategic partnership.

A faithful friend and reliable partner

During a decade of strategic partnership and 3 years of comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam and Russia have obtained remarkable cooperative results. The two countries respect their cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit. Vietnam-Russia political relations have been built on mutual trust and multifaceted cooperation. Dao Trong Thi, President of the Vietnamese-Russian Friendship Association, said: “Since establishing the Strategic partnership in 2001 and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012, the Vietnam-Russia relationship has flourished in all sectors, including politics, economics, trade, investment, energy, petroleum, nuclear power, security, national defense, and education. The two countries have shared common views on regional and international issues and increased friendly exchanges for the interests of their people.”  

Economic cooperation has been broadened in trade, investment, petroleum, and electricity. Two-way trade revenue rose from 500 million USD in 2001 to 3 billion USD in 2014. Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus signed a joint statement concluding negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement last December. Cooperation in petroleum has been expanded from traditional exploitation and exploration activities to oil refining, producing fuel for combustion engines, and providing a long-term supply of crude oil to Vietnam. Anton Novoselov runs a business in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province: “My business in Vietnam has grown over the past 8 years. Vietnamese laws haven’t posed many obstacles to foreign enterprises. Russia and Vietnam have honored their integration commitments. I believe that with the Vietnamese government’s support my business will continue to grow.”

Vietnamese-Russian cooperation in security, national defense, and military science has contributed to maintaining a peaceful, stable environment for economic development in both countries.

People-to-people exchanges have been enhanced and thousands of Russian and Vietnamese tourists, and nearly 10,000 Vietnamese people living and working in Russia, have connected the two nations and fostered the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, said: “We will do everything we can to promote our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and improve the relationship between our two peoples. The Vietnamese-Russian Friendship Association will contribute to fostering bilateral ties.”

Bringing into full play the results of cooperation

The Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to develop toward trustful political relations via annual high-level delegation exchanges and will support each other at international forums. Continuing to promote the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhancing mutual support and trust are the aspiration of both nations, contributing to global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.