Hanoi, Vietnam: Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Hanoi on Thursday morning, embarking on a state visit aimed at strengthening ties between Moscow and the Vietnamese capital. The visit follows Putin’s recent meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during which the two autocrats forged a strategic partnership driven by Moscow’s need for weapons in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite being considered a pariah by Western nations, Putin seeks to enhance economic relations with friendly countries and demonstrate that Western isolation has not impacted Russia. Vietnam, with its non-aligned foreign policy and historical connections to Moscow, serves as a natural choice for this diplomatic endeavour. Few countries can host the leaders of the United States, China, and Russia with the same level of fanfare as Vietnam.
However, Putin’s visit has already raised eyebrows in the United States. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Hanoi criticized the trip, asserting that “no country should give Putin a platform to promote his war of aggression and otherwise allow him to normalize his atrocities.”
During his two-day stay, Putin is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese leadership, including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and newly elected President To Lam. The state visit aims to strengthen Hanoi-Moscow ties and explore concrete measures to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Anticipated outcomes include a joint statement and agreements across various sectors, including trade, economics, science, technology, and humanitarian efforts. Moscow, a long-standing supplier of weapons to Vietnam since the Soviet era, may also engage in discussions related to arms and energy.
Vietnam’s foreign policy mirrors that of India, allowing the country to maintain friendly relations with major powers such as Russia, the United States, and China. Last year, Vietnam hosted both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, resulting in an upgraded “comprehensive strategic partnership” between the US and Vietnam. As a key player in countering rising Chinese influence in the region, Vietnam aligns with Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Despite their history of conflict, Vietnam and Russia continue to build a robust partnership. According to Le Hong Hiep, senior fellow of the Vietnam Studies Program, Russia remains an important partner for Vietnam’s defense and security policy.
