Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will attend the ASEAN - Russia 35th Anniversary Summit on 17-18/6 in Kazan, Russia. This marks the Prime Minister's first working trip in his new capacity to Russia, a country with which Vietnam shares a traditional, close friendship and a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang stated that the trip holds special significance, serving as a crucial preparatory step for Vietnam to contribute more deeply to shaping ASEAN - Russia cooperation in the coming years, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The overarching goal of the trip is to leverage Vietnam's "bridging" role, foster consensus, and offer practical guidance, thereby generating new impetus for ASEAN - Russia relations. This is particularly significant as Vietnam will assume the role of coordinating country for ASEAN - Russia relations during the 2027-2030 period.

In this spirit, Vietnam will focus on several major priorities, including working with other nations to promote a substantive, balanced, and results-oriented approach to ASEAN - Russia cooperation.

The focus will be on unlocking areas with significant potential that have not yet been fully exploited, such as trade, science, technology, digital transformation, non-traditional security, education, training, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and especially energy. Vietnam will also promote highly feasible initiatives that align with ASEAN's needs, Russia's strengths, and the demands of the current situation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Vietnam aims to contribute to expanding cooperation between ASEAN and the Eurasian region. Having signed the Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement in 2015, Vietnam is a leading ASEAN nation with practical experience in promoting trade, investment, logistics, supply chains, and business connectivity in cooperation with the EAEU.

This direction of cooperation holds practical significance, ensuring that ASEAN - Russia relations extend beyond political dialogue to create concrete benefits for businesses, localities, and citizens on both sides.

Vietnam will engage with other countries in discussions on regional and international situations, particularly issues directly impacting peace, stability, energy security, supply chains, and development.

Upholding the spirit of dialogue, constructive engagement, and respect for international law, Vietnam seeks to enhance understanding, narrow differences, and strengthen trust between ASEAN and Russia, as well as among regional partners.

During the trip, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold discussions with the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan. These meetings aim to discuss major breakthrough orientations, key cooperation areas, and measures to resolve obstacles for the effective implementation of high-level agreements.

Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that the ASEAN - Russia 35th Anniversary Summit demonstrates the highest political commitment to the strategic partnership between the two sides. It also serves as evidence that dialogue and cooperation remain the most effective methods for fostering an environment of peace, security, and stability conducive to development.

The summit will propose new directions, key areas, and breakthrough measures to enhance substantive, mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, especially energy security. It will also explore opportunities to strengthen linkages and integration, creating new development spaces between the Eurasian regions.

These discussions will help ASEAN and Russian leaders enhance understanding, strengthen strategic trust, and collectively address common challenges based on international law. The summit is expected to adopt pivotal documents that will guide ASEAN - Russia cooperation in the upcoming period.

According to Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's working trip will further affirm Vietnam's image as a proactive and responsible nation, a trusted bridge within ASEAN, and a loyal, sincere partner of Russia.

Huyen Le