ASEAN and Russia want to deepen the Dialogue Partnership they established in 1991 and the Strategic Partnership they established in 2005. The summit in Kazan will give them an opportunity to discuss cooperation priorities and strengthen ties.
Vietnam’s role in ASEAN–Russia relations
Vietnam has made significant contributions to enhancing cooperation between ASEAN and Russia. Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said Vietnam’s role as a bridge between Russia and ASEAN has taken shape since the early years of Russia’s engagement with ASEAN.
“Over the past 35 years, Vietnam has proposed numerous initiatives to promote Russia–ASEAN relations and has supported Russia’s deeper engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms. Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia provides favorable conditions for elevating Russia–ASEAN relations to a higher level. Vietnam’s growing development and increasing influence within ASEAN have strengthened its role in promoting Russia–ASEAN relations, which is greatly appreciated by both Russia and ASEAN member states,” said. Mr. Khoi.
Vietnam will assume the role of ASEAN–Russia country coordinator for the 2027–2030 period, an opportunity for Vietnam to develop new cooperation programs, promoting dialogue, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s participation at the ASEAN–Russia Summit is an important diplomatic activity with one of Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partners and an opportunity for Vietnam to show its active role in advancing ASEAN–Russia cooperation.
Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang said: “Vietnam will work with other countries to promote a practical, balanced, and results-oriented approach to ASEAN–Russia cooperation. Priority will be given to unlocking the potential of areas such as trade, science, technology, digital transformation, non-traditional security, education, training, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and especially energy. Vietnam will also promote feasible initiatives that meet ASEAN’s needs, leverage Russia’s strengths, and suit current circumstances.”
Prime Minister Hung’s visit sends a strong message about Vietnam’s commitment to the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership, as well as the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia.
Strengthening Vietnam–Russia fine relations
Vietnam and Russia have maintained regular delegation exchanges, high-level contacts, and coordination on issues of mutual concern.
Economic and trade cooperation has gained momentum, with bilateral trade reaching 4.77 billion USD last year and 1.72 billion USD in the first four months of 2026. Expanding cooperation in energy, oil and gas, defense and security, science and technology, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges, continues to receive strong attention from both sides.
Prime Minister Hung’s first visit to Russia in his new capacity is expected to create additional momentum for the two countries’ agreements.
Ambassador Khoi said: “On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will hold a number of meetings with leaders of other participating countries. During meetings with the Russian leaders, the two sides will review Vietnam–Russia relations in recent years and discuss future directions. The year 2026 is an especially dynamic year in bilateral relations. I expect the Prime Minister’s visit to yield substantive results that make an important contribution to promoting the strong, effective, and sustainable development of Vietnam–Russia relations.”
Building on the solid foundation established over the years, Vietnam continues to affirm its role as a proactive, responsible partner and a bridge to closer cooperation between ASEAN and Russia in the new period.
