President Tran Dai Quang met Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Russia in June, 2017 (Photo: Viet Cuong/ VOV)

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov said the Russian October Revolution inspired many countries, including Vietnam, to fight for national independence and carry out their reforms: “It’s no exaggeration to say that the 1917 Revolution paved the way for the Vietnamese people’s struggle for freedom and independence. During the war, the Soviet Union helped the Vietnamese people wrest back independence. After the war, thousands of Russian experts came to help Vietnam develop its economy.”

The Vietnam-Russia relationship has flourished since the two countries established diplomatic ties 67 years ago. Russia is Vietnam’s first strategic partner. Bilateral cooperation in politics, economics, science, technology and defense has been strengthened. Russia considers Vietnam a priority partner in the Asia Pacific region. Ambassador Konstantin Vnukov said: “Russia is determined to promote its “Turn to the East” policy. It considers Vietnam one of its most reliable partners in ASEAN and the Asia Pacific region. This policy was reflected in Russia’s basic external relations theory approved by President Vladimir Putin last November. The theory’s views are relevant to the fundamental national interests of both Vietnam and Russia and meet the two people’s aspirations.”

Vietnam and Russia have maintained regular exchanges. President Tran Dai Quang visited Russia this year. President Putin will attend APEC Summit 2017 in Vietnam. The Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement has produced positive results.