On 8/9, General Secretary and President To Lam met with Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President and Chairman of Russia's Maritime Board, proposing extensive maritime cooperation between Vietnam and Russia. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, To Lam emphasized the need for both nations to proactively create new potential areas, aligning with each side's strengths and needs, with maritime cooperation offering significant prospects.

Highlighting Vietnam's identity as a coastal nation with a long coastline and strategic geopolitical position, To Lam underscored the sea's special significance for the country's development and defense. Vietnam aims for strong, sustainable marine economic development, integrating economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring national defense and security, and improving people's lives.

Recognizing Russia's extensive experience, scientific-technological capabilities, and industrial base in shipbuilding, To Lam proposed that both sides explore cooperation in new shipbuilding, repair, maintenance of vessels, and technology transfer, tailored to Vietnam's specific needs and conditions. He welcomed the identification of maritime cooperation orientations for the 2026-2030 period and urged relevant agencies to translate these into highly feasible programs and projects.

General Secretary and President To Lam meets with Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, on 8/9. Photo: VNA

Further enhancing maritime connectivity, To Lam proposed developing efficient sea transport routes and strengthening ties between seaports, transport, and logistics businesses in both countries. This initiative aims to reduce costs and facilitate the seamless flow of goods between Vietnam and Russia.

Both sides lauded the cooperation between Vietnamese and Russian scientists, particularly through the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center. To Lam suggested improving the center's operational effectiveness and expanding its research scope. Key areas for expansion include: marine science, oceanography, biodiversity, marine environmental protection, climate change response, new materials, and technologies essential for sustainable marine economic development.

In matters of security, both nations agreed to enhance experience sharing, exchange expertise, and coordinate among functional agencies. This collaboration focuses on ensuring maritime security and safety, preventing crime, and addressing non-traditional security risks at sea, all based on national laws and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On the same day, General Secretary and President To Lam also met with Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council. To Lam proposed that the two parties continue their leading role in shaping bilateral relations, maintain exchanges at all levels, and effectively implement their cooperation agreement. Both leaders agreed to enhance theoretical exchanges and share experiences in: building a ruling party, political systems, national governance, socio-economic development, digital transformation, cadre training, and anti-corruption.

General Secretary and President To Lam with Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, on 8/9. Photo: VNA

Expanding beyond party-level cooperation, the Vietnamese leader also proposed strengthening strategic exchanges and promoting cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors. These include: energy, oil and gas, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, education and training, logistics, transport, and people-to-people exchanges. The parties are encouraged to explore long-term strategic cooperation directions to create new momentum for the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During a meeting with Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, General Secretary and President To Lam called for enhanced collaboration between the legislative bodies of both countries. He proposed continuing delegation exchanges, sharing legislative experience, overseeing, and deciding on important issues. Furthermore, he emphasized perfecting the legal framework and supervising the implementation of high-level and government agreements between the two nations.

General Secretary and President To Lam and Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council, view an exhibition on Vietnam-Russia friendship in Moscow. Photo: VNA

Both leaders agreed to promote local cooperation, aiming to form new local partnerships and encourage localities and businesses to identify specific projects in various sectors: trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They also concurred on enhancing coordination at regional and international parliamentary forums, including consulting, coordinating, and supporting each other in multilateral parliamentary mechanisms.

The two sides further agreed to continue coordination at multilateral forums and inter-party cooperation mechanisms. This collective effort aims to promote multilateralism, uphold the role of the United Nations Charter and international law, thereby contributing to building an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and development.