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Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov (R) speaks at the opening of the exhibition marking the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Russia in Moscow on February 11. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-Russia friendship overcomes test of time: Russian FM

The friendship and sympathy between the Vietnamese and Russian people have overcome the test of time and political circumstances, said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov in his opening speech at an exhibition marking the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in Moscow on February 11.

Russia is proud to have supported heroic Vietnam during the years of fighting for freedom and independence as well as during the period of peace building, he said.

Lavrov noted that the two countries already established a Comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in dynamic and meaningful dialogue and unwavering political trust at the highest level.

The state visit to Vietnam in June by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the official visit to Russia by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in September last year created strong momentum for multilateral cooperation, he noted.

President Putin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also had an effective discussion on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, Lavrov said, adding that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's official visit to Vietnam earlier this year also created more favorable conditions for the two nations to step up practical cooperation.

The bilateral ties have been growing over the past 75 years, spanning multiple levels and sectors, from economy, trade, to oil and gas, science, education, culture, and international cooperation, particularly within the United Nations where Russia and Vietnam share close views on global and regional issues, cited VNA.

Reflecting on the 75-year relationship, the minister expressed his confidence that both sides could look to the future with pride and optimism, continuing to strengthen the bilateral ties for the benefit of their people and for the sake of stability and security in the Asia-Pacific and the world as well.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi said the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950 paved the way for a trustworthy comradeship and a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia.

The diplomat expressed deep gratitude for the Soviet Union’s and Russia’s wholehearted and effective support for Vietnam during its past struggle for independence and freedom as well as the ongoing national development efforts. He recalled how the Soviet Union trained generations of Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists, many of whom became pillars of the country’s scientific community and contributed to its achievements in space exploration and global arts.

Khoi said since upgrading their relations to a Strategic partnership in 2001 and a Comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, the two countries have continuously strengthened multifaceted cooperation. Politically, they have regularly held high-level mutual visits, coordinated actions, and supported each other on the international stage. Their effective collaboration spans across defense, security, economy, science, education, and culture.

The ambassador expressed his confidence that the Vietnamese and Russian people will embrace new opportunities to further enhance all-round cooperation, boosting bilateral economic and trade ties to be on par with their strong political ties.

Participants in the event toasted the 75th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relations and wished the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership will continue flourishing, generating tangible benefits for both peoples and contributing to global peace and prosperity.

Vietnam deepens ties with Laos, UAE at World Governments Summit

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with leaders of Laos and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 11 in Dubai, within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS 2025).

During his meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Son briefed him on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and ongoing efforts to streamline the political system for greater efficiency. He expressed satisfaction with the growing economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries, highlighting that two-way trade reached US$2.25 billion in 2024, up 38.2% year on year.

Sonexay reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to strengthening its special relationship with Vietnam and requested further cooperation in macroeconomic stability and economic self-reliance. Both sides agreed to step up collaboration across multiple fields, including politics, security, investment, trade, and transport connectivity, while fostering economic, cultural, and scientific-technical ties. They underscored the importance of preserving and nurturing the Vietnam-Laos relationship for future generations.

In a brief meeting with UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Son reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to carrying out high-level agreements and boosting ties with the UAE. He called for active cooperation in translating leaders' commitments into concrete actions, particularly through the swift ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Priority areas include economy, trade, investment, defence, high technology, green transition, digital transformation, agriculture, and labour.

The UAE Vice President confirmed that investment agencies and funds have been directed to develop cooperation plans in these areas. He noted that the UAE Minister of Investment recently visited Vietnam to discuss specific projects, according to VOV.

At the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone.

In a separate meeting, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Vietnam’s economic growth, investment climate, and governance reforms, noting that Vietnam’s participation in WGS 2025 contributed to the event’s success. Son, in turn, acknowledged the UAE’s growing global influence in shaping governance and innovation.

Both sides welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral cooperation, marked by increased high-level exchanges and business discussions. They consented to accelerate the signing of an action plan to implement the Vietnam-UAE comprehensive partnership effectively.

Son conveyed invitations from Vietnam’s top leaders for the UAE President and Prime Minister to visit Vietnam. With a shared goal of boosting bilateral trade to US$20 billion, both sides pledged to expedite CEPA approval and launch its implementation in the first quarter of 2025. They also pledged to intensify investment collaboration, particularly in strategic sectors such as digital transformation, logistics, and renewable energy.

Son sought the UAE’s support in developing Vietnam’s international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, free trade zones in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Hai Phong, and expanding Vietnam’s Halal industry. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed these proposals, affirming that Vietnam is one of the UAE’s key partners in the region. He also suggested expanding labour cooperation to meet the UAE’s growing workforce demand.

The two ministers concurred to hold a political consultation this year to review and advance bilateral cooperation. They also explored the possibility of establishing cultural centers in each country to promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding.

Son invited Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Vietnam again at a convenient time, and the latter accepted the invitation.

Vietnamese intellectuals in UK, Ireland make substantive contributions to homeland

The Vietnamese Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS) has made substantive contributions to the Fatherland through its mentorship program as highlighted during the organization’s annual general meeting recently held in Coventry city.

According to Assoc.Prof.Dr. Dang Que Anh, VIS Vice President, under the mentorship program, VIS members have provided consultations for nearly 80 lecturers from Vietnamese universities regarding publishing international research papers, securing research grants, and developing their career.

VIS has become an increasingly important bridge for Vietnam-UK scientific cooperation, receiving numerous requests for support from government agencies, local authorities, and businesses, particularly in environmental protection, net-zero initiatives, education, and health care, Anh said.

Over the past year, it facilitated multiple Vietnamese delegations’ visits to the UK to bolster collaboration in scientific research, health care, education, digital transformation, and technology.

Prof.Dr. Nguyen Xuan Huan, VIS President, highlighted the society’s encouraging results in 2024, with a successful mentorship program, scientific seminars, and research capacity-building programs for Vietnamese organizations and researchers. The society maintained member engagement through an online discussion called Coffee Talk, where members across the UK share research activities, professional experiences, and soft skills, VNA reported.

At the recent general meeting of VIS in Coventry city (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, it consolidated and developed relationships with such partners as the British Council, and intellectual and science associations in Europe, while working to promote connectivity with the Vietnamese community in the UK, he added.

Looking ahead, Anh said VIS will enhance support for Vietnamese lecturers and scientists pursuing doctoral studies abroad, particularly in the UK. The society will continue working closely with various sectors to promote cooperation with the UK and Ireland in critical areas like climate change, net-zero initiatives, and digital transformation.

Established in 2020, VIS comprises over 160 members, including professors and doctors from more than 60 universities across the UK and Ireland. The organization aims to strengthen cooperation among Vietnamese scientists and intellectuals while enhancing the reputation of the Vietnamese community in the UK and Ireland as well as bolstering the bilateral relations, particularly in scientific research and education.

Australia praises progress in Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam held a working session with Julian Hill, Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, at the Australian Parliament House on February 10.

During the meeting, Assistant Minister Julian Hill hailed the strong momentum in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, as well as the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Australia. He proposed that both sides continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promote travel and tourism between the two nations.

He showed elation at the rapid increase in the number of Australian tourists to Vietnam and welcomed the growing number of Vietnamese travelers to Australia. He also recognized Vietnam as one of the top countries sending students to Australia for education, cited VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam.

Ambassador Pham Hung Tam briefed Assistant Minister Julian Hill on recent developments in bilateral cooperation since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Australia in March 2024.

He noted that both sides have intensified delegation exchanges and dialogues, signed and effectively implemented multiple cooperation agreements in areas such as education, science, and technology. Trade turnover has also grown positively, showing a more balanced trend.

The ambassador also discussed the situation of the Vietnamese community in Australia, requesting continued support for their living and studying conditions. Additionally, he suggested expanding Vietnamese language teaching in Australian schools and accelerating visa processing for Vietnamese students.

Deputy PM meets with Lao Prime Minister in Dubai

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son paid a courtesy visit to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on February 11.

The meeting took place on the occasion of the Vietnamese official's working visit to the UAE to attend the World Government Summit 2025 (WGS 2025).

Bui expressed his delight at the positive development of the bilateral ties across all fields, as demonstrated via the meeting between the two Politburos and the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, as well as high-level meetings between their leaders.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has witnessed significant progress, with bilateral trade reaching US$2.25 billion in 2024, a 38.2 percent increase compared to the previous year, noted Bui.

The Lao Prime Minister conveyed the regards of Lao senior leaders to the Vietnamese counterparts, reaffirming that the Party, State, and people of Laos always prioritize and place the highest importance on strengthening and enhancing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, VGP reported.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) pays a courtesy visit to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), February 11, 2025. Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for their valuable cooperation and assistance during Laos' struggle for independence in the past, and the national development at present.

Siphandone suggested Vietnam continue to share its experiences in macroeconomic stability and building an independent and self-reliant economy for Laos in the upcoming time.

Both sides vowed to continue directing ministries and sectors to implement reached agreements to foster stronger ties in all areas including politics, foreign affairs, national security and defense, investment, trade, and transport connectivity.

They emphasized the need to focus on creating new developments in economic, cultural, educational, health, and scientific cooperation, improving investment efficiency, and promoting the development of Laos' economic infrastructure.

The great relationship between Vietnam and Laos is an invaluable asset of both countries and their peoples, which needs to be continuously nurtured and preserved for future generations, they stressed.

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