Russian PM meets Vietnam president to boost bilateral ties

Russia seeks to deepen relations with Vietnam amid growing global isolation.

Vietnam's President Luong Cuong (right) and Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin (left) shake hands during a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on January 15, 2025. Photo by Luong Thai Linh/AFP/Getty Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Amanda Zahra

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with Vietnam's President Luong Cuong on Wednesday during a high-profile visit to Hanoi, seeking to strengthen ties with one of Russia’s long-standing allies. This meeting comes as Moscow faces increasing isolation due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The two-day visit marks a continuation of efforts to bolster cooperation between the two nations, half a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Vietnam. During his visit, Vietnam's top leadership expressed a desire to enhance defense collaboration with Moscow, which has served as the country’s primary arms supplier for decades.

Russia and Vietnam have maintained a close relationship since the Cold War era, with strong ties in areas like defense, energy, and technology. This enduring alliance is particularly significant for Russia as it seeks to build strategic partnerships amidst growing sanctions and global isolation.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, Russia emphasized its readiness to assist Vietnam in developing a national nuclear power industry. The two countries also committed to pursuing joint oil and gas projects, further solidifying their partnership in energy cooperation.

On Tuesday, Russia and Vietnam signed seven agreements across various fields, including nuclear energy, digital technology, and electronics. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh revealed the country’s plans to construct a nuclear power plant within the next five years, a move that underscores its interest in diversifying energy sources with Russian support.

During his visit, Mishustin held talks with Vietnam's key leaders, including General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the National Assembly Chairman. These discussions highlighted the importance of the Russia-Vietnam relationship in fostering regional peace and stability.

While no defense deals were finalized during this visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to security cooperation. A joint statement from Putin's visit in June noted that their defense collaboration is not targeted at any third party but aims to promote "peace, stability, and sustainable development" in the region.

Despite the strong historical ties, Russia’s defense exports to Vietnam have seen a decline in recent years. Between 1995 and 2023, Russia supplied over 80% of Vietnam's arms imports. However, international sanctions imposed on Russia over its actions in Ukraine have disrupted defense deals and constrained Moscow’s ability to fulfill orders.

Moscow is now looking to expand its cooperation with Vietnam beyond defense, with a focus on energy, technology, and other strategic areas.

The strengthening of Russia-Vietnam ties comes at a time when Western nations are intensifying efforts to isolate Moscow economically and politically. Putin has faced increasing sanctions from Western powers, and his visit to Vietnam in June underscored Russia's determination to maintain and expand alliances in Asia.

During that visit, Putin highlighted the alignment between Russia and Vietnam on key international issues. "Both sides share identical or very close positions on significant global matters," he stated, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in navigating global challenges. 

As Russia continues to navigate its isolation on the global stage, its relationship with Vietnam remains a cornerstone of its Asia-Pacific strategy. The renewed focus on energy projects, technological cooperation, and regional security underscores the enduring significance of the Russia-Vietnam alliance.

The visit also highlights Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to international relations, balancing its historic ties with Russia while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

For Moscow, deepening its relationship with Vietnam serves as a strategic move to sustain influence in Southeast Asia and counterbalance the impacts of Western sanctions. For Hanoi, the partnership offers opportunities to advance its energy ambitions and maintain a diversified network of international alliances.

As both nations move forward, their cooperation will likely play a crucial role in shaping regional dynamics and fostering mutual growth amid global uncertainties.

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