Vietnam supports Russia's eastern pivot policy: Party Secretary

At the dialogue, Trong said Vietnam always values the support of the Soviet Union (in the past) and Russia in the fight for independence and national unity, as well as building and protecting the country.

Vietnam considers the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as a foremost priority in its external relations policies. Vietnam supports Russia contributing to common tasks of the international community, as well as Russia's eastern pivot policy, according to a press release by the Central Committee for External Affairs.

The "Pivot to the East" policy by Russia, which came into being over a decade ago, aims to bolster relations between Russia and its Asian partners.

Trong said the world is shifting quickly into a multilateral position, demanding countries to conduct their policies in a peaceful, equal and non-confrontational way, in accordance with the U.N. Charter and international law.

The international community needs to bolster dialogue, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with the U.N. being a central piece for socio-economic development, responding to both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Vietnam hopes that Putin and Russia would continue to support peace, stability, security, safety, maritime freedom and Vietnam’s legitimate rights and interests, as well as resolving conflicts at the South China Sea, known as the East Sea in Vietnam, through peaceful methods in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), carrying out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), as well as reaching for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Trong stressed that Vietnam hopes that there would be dialogues, an end to conflicts and a resumption of negotiations to reach peaceful solutions on the basis of international law, ensuring the rightful interests of relevant sides. Vietnam is willing to positively contribute to boosting dialogues and negotiations towards such a direction.

President Vladimir Putin holds dialogues with Party Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, June 20, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Putin said the development of its comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam is a priority in Russia’s foreign policies in the Asia-Pacific region. Putin said the visit would foster a new drive in the relations between the two countries.

Putin said the resolution of international and regional issues needs to be based on international law and the U.N. Charter, and conflicts should be resolved peacefully. Putin also supports peacefully resolving issues at the South China Sea based on international law.

Regarding the energy and petroleum sectors, the two sides agree to create favorable opportunities for businesses of both countries to effectively conduct existing projects, as well as expanding investment projects, with the participation of national petroleum companies in both countries.

The two leaders also agreed to boost cooperation in other important sectors, such as agriculture, education-training, culture, tourism and exchanges. They also highly regarded the important contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia, being an important bridge for relationships between the two countries.

Trong also requested that Russia continues to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia to work and live for the long-term, contributing to the traditional and friendly relations between the people of the two countries.

Putin’s state visit to Vietnam on Thursday is considered to be a symbolic event, as the two countries commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the signing of the agreement on the fundamental principles of the friendly relationship between Vietnam and Russia. The two countries have also issued a Joint Declaration to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.