On 24/2 at the Kremlin, foreign minister Le Hoai Trung, special envoy of general secretary To Lam, delivered a message from general secretary To Lam to Russian president Vladimir Putin. The message highlighted that the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam had fulfilled its historical responsibility, providing a deep review of Vietnam's revolutionary practice after 40 years of Doi Moi (Renovation).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the congress also outlined major goals, directions, and three strategic breakthroughs for the future and destiny of the Vietnamese nation in a new era of development.

President Putin (right) at the meeting. *Photo: Kremlin*

Vietnam expressed its hope and belief that Russia will remain a reliable and loyal partner. Deepening the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership serves both nations' national interests and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Mr. Le Hoai Trung detailed the 14th Congress's major directions and three strategic breakthroughs. He affirmed Vietnam's desire to enhance cooperation with Russia in nuclear energy, oil and gas, maritime cooperation, defense, military technology, science and technology, and transport.

President Putin emphasized Russia's consistent commitment to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

The Russian leader affirmed his regard for general secretary To Lam as a close friend, expressing hope to welcome him to Russia soon. President Putin also stated his readiness to maintain regular contact and exchanges on strategic issues and bilateral relations.

Foreign minister Le Hoai Trung met Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on 24/2. *Photo: Nhan Dan*

President Putin expressed his desire for both sides to further enhance the quality and efficiency of cooperation in pillar areas like energy, oil and gas, and military technology. He also sought expansion into nuclear power, science and technology, and transport.

On the afternoon of 24/2, minister Le Hoai Trung also held talks with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. During their discussion, Mr. Trung outlined Vietnam's guiding views, foreign policy lines, and important directions and tasks for its foreign affairs.

Mr. Le Hoai Trung highlighted that the 14th Congress, for the first time, affirmed the crucial and ongoing role and mission of foreign affairs and international integration.

Foreign minister Le Hoai Trung shook hands with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov before their talks. *Photo: VOV*

Foreign minister Lavrov affirmed Vietnam's status as a priority partner in Russia's foreign policy within the Asia-Pacific region. Both leaders shared views and agreed on measures to enhance the ministries' focal role in consolidating and strengthening bilateral relations, and discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern.

Vietnam and Russia established their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012. Defense and security stands as a traditional and important pillar of their bilateral relations. Economic and trade cooperation is consistently promoted through various joint mechanisms and agreements.

Energy and oil and gas symbolize the effective cooperation between the two countries, spearheaded by the Vietsovpetro Joint Venture in Vietnam and the Rusvietpetro Joint Venture in Russia. Cooperation in education and training, and science and technology is also developing dynamically, yielding positive results.

Ngoc Anh