Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam comes after concluding a defense pact with North Korea, enhancing his presence in Asia. Despite facing international isolation, Vietnam has carefully built alliances with the United States and the European Union, making it a key partner for Russia.
During his visit, Putin praised Vietnam for its balanced stance on the Ukraine crisis, highlighting progress in payments, energy, and trade between the two countries. The Southeast Asian nation’s neutral foreign policy has allowed it to maintain relations with world powers while abstaining from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Putin’s visit aims to demonstrate that Western attempts to isolate Russia are ineffective, and that Russia has partners in Asia. The Russian leader will meet with Vietnam’s top officials, including Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
As Putin explores potential agreements in trade, investment, technology, and education, the United States, Vietnam’s key partner, expressed opposition to the visit. However, Russia’s historical role as Vietnam’s major military supplier adds complexity to the diplomatic dynamics between the countries.
Overall, Putin’s visit signifies the deep-rooted ties between Russia and Vietnam, reflecting their shared communist history and mutual respect for each other. Despite differing perspectives on global issues, the two nations continue to strengthen their partnership for the future.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.