Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son is currently in Russia to prepare for Party General Secretary To Lam's upcoming May visit to Russia and participation in a Victory Day military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War.

Deputy PM Son had talks with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Wednesday to discuss multiple topics, including the arrangement for the upcoming visit of Party chief Lam to Moscow at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the Vietnamese foreign ministry.

During their talks, Deputy PM Son emphasized Vietnam’s unwavering stance on Russia as one of the most important, strategic, and reliable partners in its foreign policy. 

In response, Foreign Minister Lavrov underscored Vietnam’s status as a priority partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that the cooperation would continue to expand across all sectors. 

The two ministers also discussed efforts to overcome obstacles in bilateral cooperation, including the gradual restoration of direct flights, which would serve as a strong impetus for fostering more effective collaborations.

Besides, the two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges at all levels, particularly at high-level diplomatic meetings, and deepen partnership in key sectors, including green and renewable energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, science and technology, agriculture, biomedical science, culture, tourism, and education.

The ministers emphasized the importance of further leveraging the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, to which Russia is party, with a focus on implementing key projects and launching new initiatives that would elevate economic, trade, and investment relations to new heights.

Son also proposed that Russia consider granting visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports, as a measure to boost tourism between the two nations.

Apart from these discussions, the two ministers exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. 

Vietnam highly valued Russia's contributions to multilateral organizations and agreed to enhance coordination in key international forums, including the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and BRICS as well as in response to non-traditional security challenges.

Following the talks, the two ministers held a press briefing to announce the outcomes.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Son is visiting Russia until Friday. 

As part of his visit, he laid flowers at the statue of late President Ho Chi Minh, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community on Wednesday.

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