Putin of Russia demands more “strategic partnership” in Vietnam

At a formal visit to Vietnam on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that bolstering strategic relationships is “one of his priorities” as he proceeded with a tour of Asia interpreted as a show of defiance.

Putin stated that Moscow and Hanoi intended to create what he called a dependable security architecture in the Asia-Pacific area, one day after signing a mutual defense agreement with North Korea. He added that Russia was eager to increase its energy investment in Vietnam.

Although Vietnam’s deal with the United States and China is similar to the “comprehensive strategic partnership” Putin mentioned, Hanoi’s Western allies have objected to his visit, arguing that he shouldn’t be given a platform to support Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

At a military event on Thursday in Hanoi, one of the top leaders of the Communist-run nation hailed Putin as he was greeted with a 21-gun salute.

The event, which is only for the most powerful heads of state, was also held during the visit to Vietnam by Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden last year.

As the two met in Hanoi, President To Lam congratulated Putin on his reelection and highlighted Russia’s accomplishments, including “domestic political stability”.

“Once again, congratulations to our comrade for receiving overwhelming support during the recent presidential election, underlining the confidence of the Russian people,” Lam stated.

Eleven memorandums of understanding and agreements were signed by the two presidents, covering topics such as nuclear science, education, and the oil and gas industry.

In addition, Putin stated that he valued discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional organization in which Vietnam was an active participant.
Putin, who landed early on Thursday, is making his last visit on a two-nation tour to Asia following the signing of the defense agreement with North Korea. After taking office for a fifth term in May, Putin has also traveled to China.

EU AND US CRITICISM Key allies the United States and the European Union, which last year strengthened diplomatic ties with Hanoi and is Vietnam’s largest export market, denounced Vietnam’s reception of Putin.

Earlier this week, a statement from the U.S. embassy stated that no nation should provide Putin with a forum to advocate for Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

A spokesman for the European Union embassy in Vietnam acknowledged that Hanoi was free to formulate its own foreign policy, but pointed out that Moscow’s actions in the Ukraine demonstrated its disregard for international law.

Western sanctions led by the United States were imposed on Russia when it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a move that Moscow refers to as a “special military operation”. Putin was the subject of an arrest warrant issued in March 2023 by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for suspected war crimes in Ukraine, which he disputes.

Russia and Vietnam aren’t members of the ICC.