On December 26, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko chaired a press conference on the results of developing the Vietnam - Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
Russia awaits Vietnam's decision on cooperation in nuclear power development
Speaking at the press conference, Russian Ambassador Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko emphasized that Russia's nuclear industry is one of the most advanced and highly regarded in the world, leading the world in the number of nuclear facilities. With a modern scientific and technical foundation and advanced technology, Russia is always ready to cooperate with Vietnam in developing nuclear power.
He affirmed: "Russia has all necessary and sufficient conditions to meet all cooperation requirements and is ready to accept the invitation from Vietnam. We are waiting for Vietnam's decision."
Ambassador Bezdetko also expressed satisfaction with the expansion of bilateral relations at various levels, including the highest level, over the past year. The highlight event was the State visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Vietnam in June 2024, creating a clear impetus for cooperation between agencies of the two countries.
Economic and trade cooperation is constantly developing.
Despite sanctions against Russia, economic and trade cooperation has continued to grow. Mr. Kharinov Vyacheslav Nikolaevich - Chief Trade Representative of Russia in Vietnam - said that Russian businesses are actively developing markets in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.
In the 11 months of 2024, trade turnover between Russia and Vietnam reached 4.15 billion USD, of which exports from Russia to Vietnam were 2.03 billion USD and imports were 2.12 billion USD.
Cooperation in the oil and gas sector is progressing. In June this year, the Vietsovpetro joint venture produced its 250 millionth ton of oil.
The Vietnam - Russia Industrial Park in Hai Phong can be seen as the basis for forming a center for Russian enterprises and joint ventures.
A typical example of Russian production localization in Vietnam with the participation of the two governments is the GAZ Thanh Dat automobile assembly plant, established in 2019. Currently, Russia's leading automobile manufacturer, AvtoVAZ Group, is researching access to the Vietnamese market.
Information about Vietnam possibly hosting the meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump
Responding to a question asking for comment on information from a Russian expert that Vietnam would become one of the countries hosting the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump, Ambassador Bezdetko said that the Russian Embassy in Vietnam had no such information. The prospect of a meeting, if any, could only take place after Mr. Trump takes office. It is too early to discuss this issue, the Ambassador emphasized.
Russian Prime Minister plans to visit Vietnam in 2025
Ambassador Bezdetko informed that in 2025, Vietnam and Russia will have many activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The two sides can exchange visits. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is expected to visit Vietnam next year to discuss many issues, including trade and economy.
Military campaign in Ukraine
Ambassador Bezdetko said that President Putin has repeatedly stated in various forums and events that the special military campaign will certainly end when Russia achieves its set goals.
One of the goals set by Russia is to minimize the loss of life of Russian servicemen and Ukrainian civilians. The progress of this special military operation is not as fast as expected, but all the goals set for the Russian armed forces are gradually being achieved.
