WNAM REPORT: Vietnam and Russia have vast potential to deepen and diversify their partnership, underpinned by a rich history of friendship and mutual support, Dr. Anatoly Sokolov, a leading Vietnam studies expert at the Oriental Research Institute under the Russian Academy of Sciences has commented.
In a recent interview granted to Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950 – 2025), Dr. Sokolov highlighted key milestones in the relationship, from the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1950 to its elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012.
He praised the role of President Ho Chi Minh, describing him as a “legendary 20th-century leader” whose vision inspired Vietnam’s 1945 revolution and global movements for freedom and independence.
Over the decades, the former Soviet Union (Russia now)’s critical support during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence has remained a defining feature of the relationship. Dr. Sokolov noted the contribution of Vietnamese volunteers who fought alongside Soviet people in the defence of Moscow during the winter of 1941-42 in the Great Patriotic War, an event set to be commemorated on May 9, 2025.
In peacetime, the relationship has flourished across trade, science, technology, defence, culture, and education. Among the highlights is Vietnam’s first foray into space, with cosmonaut Pham Tuan joining Soviet astronaut Viktor Gorbatko on a mission in 1980, symbolising bilateral progress in science and technology.
High-level political dialogue has been a cornerstone of bilateral ties, with recent visits driving cooperation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam in June 2024, his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the BRICS Summit in October, as well as Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s official visit to Russia in September 2024, and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Vietnam in January 2025.
Bilateral trade has continued to thrive, with Vietnam exporting agricultural products and textiles to Russia, while importing coal, fertilisers, and machinery. Russia serves as a gateway for Vietnamese goods to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), while Vietnam offers Russia access to Southeast Asia and ASEAN markets.
Locality-to-locality cooperation has gained momentum, with 2024 witnessing visits from Russian delegations representing St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other provinces, while Vietnamese leaders from Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Can Tho, and Hai Phong visited Russia.
Education has also remained a robust pillar of collaboration, with Russia offering 1,000 scholarships annually to Vietnamese students.
Dr Sokolov, a renowned Vietnam scholar, is also a reputable translator. His translations of “Truyen Kieu” (The Tale of Kieu) by Nguyen Du and “Nhat Ky Dang Thuy Tram” (The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram) into Russian have not only enriched cultural understanding but also highlighted Vietnam’s humanistic ideals.
