Putin Arrives in Vietnam for State Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Vietnam for a state visit, marking the final stop on his two-nation tour of Asia after signing a mutual defense pact with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Putin’s aircraft touched down at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where he was greeted with a red carpet welcome by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and top party diplomat Le Hoai Trung.
Putin’s visit to Vietnam underscores the deep historical ties between the two nations, dating back to the 1950s when Moscow was Hanoi’s leading arms supplier. This visit, Putin’s first to Vietnam since 2017, aims to strengthen these ties further. The Russian president is scheduled to meet with key Vietnamese leaders, including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, President To Lam, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Russian officials have stated that the visit will focus on economic, education, and energy issues. Trade between the two countries was valued at $3.5 billion in 2022, a modest figure compared to Vietnam’s trade with China and the United States. However, discussions are expected to delve into broader topics, including defense cooperation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Vietnam has maintained a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, abstaining from condemning the attack. In an opinion piece published in Vietnam’s Communist Party newspaper Nhan Dan, Putin praised Vietnam for its “pragmatic way to solve the crisis” in Ukraine. This neutral foreign policy, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” allows Vietnam to balance its relationships with major powers, including the United States, China, and Russia.
The visit has drawn criticism from the United States, Vietnam’s top trade partner. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Hanoi condemned the trip, stating, “No country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.” This sentiment reflects broader Western concerns about Russia’s increasing isolation and its efforts to garner support from friendly nations.
Vietnam’s ability to host leaders from rival major powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, highlights its strategic diplomatic balancing act. This visit comes after significant diplomatic activities, including US President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi last September and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit three months later.
Vietnam’s careful diplomacy aims to maintain its foreign policy of diversification and pursue a strategy of autonomy. This approach enables Vietnam to strengthen ties with various global powers while ensuring its national interests are safeguarded.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Putin’s visit to Vietnam follows a high-profile meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, where the two leaders signed a mutual defense pact. This agreement has raised concerns in the West about potential Russian support for North Korea’s missile or nuclear programs. In Vietnam, Putin’s visit is expected to result in a joint statement and numerous agreements on cooperation in sectors including trade, economic, scientific, technological, and humanitarian areas.
Vietnam’s Ambassador to Russia, Dang Minh Khoi, emphasized the importance of the visit in strengthening Hanoi-Moscow ties. He noted that it provides an opportunity for leaders to discuss and propose concrete measures to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Energy and Defense Talks
Energy cooperation remains a strategically important area for both countries. The Vietsovpetro joint venture, which has been exploring oil deposits on Vietnam’s continental shelf for over four decades, exemplifies successful collaboration. Additionally, projects involving gas extraction and potential LNG initiatives are on the agenda.
Defense cooperation is also likely to feature in discussions, given Russia’s historical role as Vietnam’s major arms supplier. However, potential arms sales may be complicated by the threat of US sanctions.
Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam signifies a deepening of bilateral relations amid a complex geopolitical landscape. While the visit has attracted criticism from the West, it underscores the enduring partnership between Russia and Vietnam. As both nations navigate their positions on the global stage, their cooperation in economic, energy, and defense sectors will continue to shape their strategic alliance.
The implications of Putin’s visit will be closely watched by the international community, particularly regarding its impact on regional stability and the broader geopolitical dynamics involving major global powers.
