Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on April 2, during an official visit from April 2-4. The discussions centered on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Bui Thanh Son affirmed Vietnam's view of Russia as a key strategic and trusted partner, while Lavrov emphasized Vietnam's priority status in Russia's Asia-Pacific foreign policy. Both ministers acknowledged the positive development of relations across sectors, highlighting deepened political trust and increased delegation exchanges.
The parties agreed to boost collaboration across various channels, including Party, State, parliamentary, and people-to-people diplomacy. Focus areas for expanded cooperation include energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, science-technology, agriculture, biomedical science, culture, tourism, and education-training.
They also concurred on leveraging the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union to foster economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Son requested continued support for the Vietnamese community in Russia, including potential visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens.
Vietnam expressed its appreciation for Russia's role in multilateral organizations and agreed to enhance coordination in forums such as the UN, ASEAN, and BRICS, addressing non-traditional security challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to international law, including UNCLOS, to ensure regional peace, security, stability, and cooperation.
Following the talks, a press conference was held to announce the outcomes. Earlier, Son paid respects at the statue of Ho Chi Minh and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and engaged with the Vietnamese community in Moscow.