(VOVworld)- Since Vietnam established its first strategic partnership with Russia in 2001, Vietnam has had strategic partnerships with 13 countries, of which two are comprehensive strategic partnerships. These relationship frameworks have helped Vietnam’s practical economic interests and raised Vietnam’s international prestige.
Bilateral relations between two countries can be at various levels: bilateral partnership, regional partnership and comprehensive partnership, strategic partnership or comprehensive strategic partnership. By establishing a strategic partnership or a comprehensive strategic partnership, two countries agree to provide long-term mutual support, promote expansive and comprehensive cooperation for mutual benefit, and build mutual trust at the strategic level.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong |
Vietnam has, so far, set up comprehensive strategic partnerships with Russia and China, and strategic partnerships with Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, Spain, the UK, Germany, Italy, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and France. Vietnam has set up market relationships with its 13 strategic partners who have a combined population of 3.5 billion and a total GDP of 34 trillion USD (200 times Vietnam’s GDP). Vietnam’s strategic partners, to different extents, have contributed to Vietnam’s foreign policy.
Benefiting Vietnam’s economic development
Strategic partnerships have created growth opportunities for Vietnam. Foreign Direct Investment from strategic partners is an important resource for Vietnam’s growth and sustainable development. Most of Vietnam’s key national projects are in cooperation with one of its strategic partners including the Nuclear Power Plant No 1 Project with Russia, the Nuclear Power Plant No 2 Project with Japan, the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Science and Technology Institute, and oil and gas cooperation with Russia. China is Vietnam’s largest infrastructure contractor.
Vietnam’s trade with its strategic partners makes up a great proportion of its total trade value- somewhere between 70 and 80%. It has increased as mush as 600% since the strategic partnerships were set up.
These strategic partnerships have helped Vietnam negotiate bilateral free trade agreements. In addition FTAs, Vietnam has set up a network of partners creating a solid foundation for Vietnam’s relations with the world’s leading economic powers.
Defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and increasing national prestige
Sovereignty and territorial borders are complicated problems for parties involved in any dispute and sensitive topics for uninvolved parties. Within the framework of strategic partnerships, Vietnam and other countries have worked together to find solutions to territorial disputes that comply with international law. Vietnam’s consistent stance in resolving disputes has received support from other countries including its strategic partners.
Through strategic partnership frameworks, Vietnam has elevated its status in the international arena. Strategic partners acknowledge Vietnam’s contributions to the global issues. A number of the leaders of Vietnam’s strategic partners have made Vietnam a destination on their first trips abroad after taking office. Vietnam holds an important position in the foreign policies of multiple Asia Pacific countries, as well as the UN and other inter-governmental organizations. The warmth and trust between Vietnam and its strategic partners was clearly reflected in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent reception for Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong. 13 years after Vietnam set up its first strategic partnership, it has become a friend and a reliable partner of many countries.
Anh Huyen