The agreement was announced during a joint press briefing in Moscow on September 9, following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam earlier that day.

Vietnam-Russia ties set for higher level

President Putin underscored the long-standing and close friendship between Vietnam and Russia, describing the two countries as bound by a strong tradition of mutual support and assistance.

He highlighted the Soviet Union's contributions to Vietnam's struggle for independence and its subsequent national reconstruction and development, stressing that cooperation between Russia and Vietnam continues to advance on that foundation with new and concrete areas of collaboration.

During their talks, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern. They also identified priorities for deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as reflected in their joint statement.

General Secretary and President To Lam emphasised that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia has stood the test of time, remained resilient through changes in the international environment and become a valuable asset shared by the peoples of both countries.

The two sides assessed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is developing positively, substantively and comprehensively, underpinned by shared interests and a strong foundation of trust.

Economic and trade cooperation will serve as the leading area; defence and security will be a strategic pillar; energy and oil and gas cooperation will provide a strategic breakthrough; and science and technology and education will become key drivers for taking bilateral ties to a new level.

The two sides also agreed to continue strongly supporting each other politically and protecting each other's legitimate interests in accordance with their respective policies, international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

New momentum for economic, energy and technology cooperation

President Putin spoke highly of progress in economic and trade cooperation, noting the significant increase in bilateral trade in recent years.

According to the Russian leader, the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union has contributed to promoting bilateral investment and strengthening technology exchanges.

The two sides set a target of increasing bilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2030, while improving transport quality, diversifying transport routes and strengthening supply chain resilience.

In the energy sector, President Putin noted cooperation in oil and gas exploration, saying the two countries still have considerable potential for cooperation in hydropower, nuclear power and related fields.

Of particular significance, the two sides identified cooperation on the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant as a strategic project and a new symbol of Vietnam-Russia relations.

Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation were highlighted as another major area of cooperation.

Vietnam and Russia vowed to make these fields a pillar and a key driving force of bilateral ties, expanding joint research, technology application and technology transfer in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology, new materials, quantum technology, space technology and automation.

The two sides will also promote transport connectivity, including regular and charter direct flights, maritime routes and road and rail transport corridors, facilitating trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Strengthening defence, security and people-to-people ties

General Secretary and President To Lam said Vietnam and Russia will continue to deepen defence and security cooperation, coordinate efforts to address non-traditional security challenges, combat transnational and high-tech crime, and respond to emergencies.

The two countries will also strengthen coordination at the United Nations and in multilateral forums, promote a multipolar and equal world order, and uphold the central role of the United Nations.

Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Cooperation in education and training, healthcare, culture, tourism, labour and people-to-people exchanges will also be expanded.

President Putin called for stronger people-to-people exchanges and effective organisation of Russian Culture Days in Vietnam and Vietnamese Culture Days in Russia.

General Secretary and President To Lam thanked the Russian President and Government for their continued attention to and support for the Vietnamese community in Russia, and expressed his hope that the Russian side would continue creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese people to live, study, work and integrate into their host society.

On the occasion, General Secretary and President To Lam invited President Vladimir Putin to visit Vietnam again soon and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Phu Quoc in November 2027.

President Putin expressed his confidence that General Secretary and President To Lam's visit would further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.