Vietnam is the focus of Russia's 'pivot to the East' policy
The newspaper “Independence” - a Russian political analysis and international news site - recently published an article by veteran Vietnam scholar Grigory Lokshin commenting on Russia - Vietnam relations as well as the significance of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's visit to Russia from November 29 to December 2.
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Photo: VNA |
According to the article, Russia is one of the destinations on President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s first foreign trip, demonstrating the importance of the Russia-Vietnam relationship. Previously, when holding the position of Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc also visited Russia in 2019 and achieved many successes with the signing of a series of agreements to promote bilateral cooperation in many fields, including economics - trade, security, defense, etc.
According to the article, cooperation with Vietnam has long been an important orientation in Russia's "Eastward Pivot" plan and is becoming increasingly relevant in the context of the current international situation. This orientation is not intended to replace Russia's main partner in Asia but to diversify Russia's economic and trade relations in the East. Russia-Vietnam relations are based on equality and mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and mutual trust in politics and military affairs. This is a "strategic" relationship because it is built for the long-term future. That relationship is not only determined by understanding and good memories of the past but also in line with common interests. Over the years, the two countries have established a mechanism for active political contact and dialogue at all levels, creating a solid foundation for bilateral political cooperation.
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| President Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited Zarubezhneft Company and met with generations of leaders and experts in the Vietsovpetro Joint Venture on the occasion of its 40th anniversary on the afternoon of December 2, 2021 (local time), in Moscow. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA |
Regarding economic and trade cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, author Grigory Lokshin said that the scale of economic and trade relations between the two countries is currently not commensurate with the level of political relations and available potential.
Russia’s top and most senior leaders have repeatedly mentioned Vietnam’s potential as an economic and strategic partner, and Russia’s foreign policy is also developing in this direction. However, due to the great geographical distance and underdeveloped transport infrastructure, economic and trade relations between the two countries remain limited.
To create new momentum for this relationship, Mr. Lokshin said that Russia should first pay attention to developing maritime transport to connect ports in the Russian Far East with Vietnam. In addition, the two sides also need to develop direct communication channels between businesses of the two countries and channel 2 contacts through non-governmental organizations and the scientific community to contribute to further promoting cooperation between the two countries.
