Talks with Prime Minister of Vietnam Le Minh Hung

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Friends,

I am very pleased to welcome you once again, Comrade Le Minh Hung, and to thank you for your active participation in the summit marking the 35^th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations.

I believe the summit was highly productive. It provided an opportunity not only to underscore the important and constructive role of the strategic partnership between Russia and ASEAN in global affairs, but also to identify practical priorities for our future cooperation.

Vietnam is a longstanding and reliable partner of Russia - and more than that, a true ally. The comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries is built on strong traditions of friendship, trust, and mutual support.

I warmly recall my meeting with Comrade To Lam in Moscow last May. I received his greetings on the occasion of Russia Day and would be grateful if you convey to him my sincere appreciation.

This year, we have already held meetings with Vietnam's Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and, in March, with your predecessor, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. We are confident that with your appointment to the position of Prime Minister of Vietnam, the new Cabinet will continue its close and productive cooperation with Russian colleagues.

Last year, trade increased by nearly six percent - 5.7-5.8 percent, exceeding US$6 billion, and this positive trend has continued this year. The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is making an important contribution to this progress.

Energy remains one of the key pillars of our partnership. Russian companies, including Rosatom, Gazprom, and Zarubezhneft, are actively operating in Vietnam. Education and science have also held a special place in our relations since Soviet times. Over the years, Russia has trained tens of thousands of Vietnamese specialists, creating a large community of friends of Russia in Vietnam. We deeply value these people-to-people ties and are confident that they will continue to develop.

Our countries share similar approaches to many pressing international issues. We maintain constructive cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations and BRICS. Following today's successful summit with our ASEAN colleagues, we have an excellent opportunity to discuss the key areas of practical cooperation between our countries.

Once again, welcome. We are delighted to see you.

Prime Minister of Vietnam Le Minh Hung (retranslated): Your Excellency, Comrade Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation,

It is a great honour for me to meet with you for the first time and visit Russia as Prime Minister.

Thank you for your substantive and insightful remarks and your kind words regarding Vietnam.

I have been to Moscow and St Petersburg several times, but this is my first time in Kazan.

I would like to convey greetings and best wishes on behalf of the President, along with the invitation by his Excellency the President to visit Vietnam at your convenience. Vietnam is also looking forward to hosting the APEC 2027 meeting in November.

Vietnam has always praised its cooperation with Russia, as well as the fact that you have been treating Vietnam and our cooperation with so much care and attention and focusing on enhancing these ties for multiple years.

Despite the serious changes in the international environment, Russia and Vietnam remain proactive in developing their relations. Since we are holding this meeting with you today, Mr President Putin, I would like to discuss new avenues for cooperation with you so that we can elevate Russia-Vietnam relations to a strategic partnership.

During the latest visit by the General Secretary, we agreed to upgrade our relations, and after General Secretary To Lam's visit, there was an expression of readiness to take specific steps in this direction by outlining the agenda for this effort. We have agreed to deliver a progress report to our leaders every three months on our work and achievements. We also hope that we will soon be able to fulfil the agenda as set forth by our respective leaders. I would like to learn what you think about this, Mr President.

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