Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week, as reported by Russian media and Vietnamese sources. This confirms previous reports of his first visit to the country since 2017.
According to Russia’s Vedomosti newspaper, Putin’s visit, planned alongside a trip to North Korea, is in active preparation. Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora mentioned that Putin will be in Vietnam on June 19-20.
A Vietnamese official confirmed to Reuters that Putin’s visit is set for June 19-20, although it has not been officially announced yet. The agenda is still under discussion, focusing on energy, military cooperation, payment settlement, and an education agreement.
The invitation for Putin’s visit was extended during a call between Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Putin in late March. The visit was confirmed by a Vietnamese reporter from Tuoi Tre, who also mentioned Vietnamese hesitance due to the proximity to Putin’s North Korea trip.
Despite initial concerns, Vietnam is preparing to host Putin and discuss banking cooperation, trade promotion, and textile exports to Russia. This visit comes amidst growing international tensions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
For Russia, the visit showcases its continued engagement with major powers despite Western disapproval. Vietnam, known for balancing relationships with global players, values its historically close ties with Russia.
Vietnam’s stance on remaining neutral in major power disputes is evident in its decision not to attend the Global Peace Summit on Ukraine. The country sees productive relations with Russia as essential to its national interests.
Putin’s visit to Vietnam symbolizes a significant diplomatic interaction for the country, aligning with its engagement with other strategic partners in recent years. Despite Western criticism, Vietnam sees the visit as a continuation of its diplomatic efforts with key global leaders.
It is evident that Putin’s visit to Vietnam was inevitable given the country’s diplomatic engagements with major powers, highlighting the nuanced approach Vietnam takes in its international relations.