Vietnam’s top leader To Lam departed for Russia today on a state visit carrying deep historical weight, marking the first such trip by a Vietnamese Party and State leader to Russia since 1991. General Secretary and President To Lam, traveling with his spouse and a high ranking delegation, made the trip at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the two leaders scheduled to hold formal talks in the Kremlin on September 9.
Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang described the visit as historically significant, noting that more than three decades have passed since a top Vietnamese leader last made a state visit to Russia. Officials from both countries have framed the trip as an opportunity for genuinely in depth discussions on strategic issues, rather than a routine diplomatic exchange, given the substantial gap since the last comparable visit at this level.
Ahead of his departure, To Lam gave an interview to Russia’s TASS news agency in which he expressed confidence that the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries would continue developing strongly, substantively, and effectively. He pointed to the political determination of leaders on both sides, along with support from the Vietnamese and Russian peoples, as key factors underpinning that continued growth in relations.
According to the Kremlin’s own statement on the upcoming talks, discussions between Putin and To Lam will cover the full breadth of the Russia Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, including trade, economic cooperation, scientific and educational ties, humanitarian exchanges, and security and defense cooperation. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on current international and regional issues, with a package of bilateral documents anticipated to be signed following their formal talks.
Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko characterized the visit as an important milestone in the ongoing development of relations between the two countries, language that reflects how seriously officials on both sides are treating this particular exchange compared to more routine diplomatic contacts. The visit’s timing also places it in the broader context of Vietnam’s recently concluded Fourteenth National Party Congress, which set out strategic orientations emphasizing expanded international integration and stronger external partnerships as key national priorities.
In his TASS interview, To Lam specifically addressed how cooperation with Russia, one of Vietnam’s earliest comprehensive strategic partners, fits into the country’s foreign policy approach during this new period of development. His comments suggest Vietnamese leadership views the relationship with Russia as an important pillar within a broader diplomatic strategy that has also included expanded engagement with China, India, the United States, and numerous other partners in recent months.
The visit is also expected to help mobilize international resources supporting Vietnam’s national development goals, according to Vietnamese officials, suggesting economic cooperation will feature prominently alongside the more traditional security and diplomatic dimensions of the discussions. Vietnam has pursued ambitious economic growth targets this year, and diplomatic engagement with major international partners like Russia often forms part of the broader effort to secure investment, trade opportunities, and technical cooperation supporting those domestic goals.
As To Lam’s delegation arrives in Moscow ahead of the formal talks on September 9, attention will turn to what specific agreements or commitments emerge from the visit. For a relationship spanning decades but lacking a state visit at this level since 1991, this trip represents a significant moment in Vietnam’s broader diplomatic calendar, one that officials on both sides hope will set a long term vision for the partnership’s continued development in the years ahead.
