Putin’s Vietnam visit aims to bolster strategic ties amid the Ukraine war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a two-day visit to Vietnam, the last leg of his Asia tour after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In Hanoi, Putin will seek to further deepen cooperation with the key strategic partner.
Defense cooperation is set to feature prominently during talks with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other top Vietnamese leaders. As a leading arms provider to Vietnam’s military, Russia wants to consolidate this crucial aspect of the partnership.
The visit comes after Vietnam abstained on UN resolutions against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Officials are expected to discuss regional issues including this crisis, amid appreciation in Moscow for Hanoi’s neutral stance.
Several agreements covering economy, energy, technology, and education are likely to be finalized. These aim to strengthen the comprehensive strategic ties between the longtime allies.
By engaging with Vietnam, Russia also aims to demonstrate its influence persists in Asia despite Western sanctions over Ukraine. The trip highlights Hanoi’s flexibility in navigating global disputes through “bamboo diplomacy”.
Meanwhile, the active role accorded to Putin has raised concerns among some observers. However, others maintain engaging both superpowers allows Vietnam to balance exposure to external pressures.
In consolidating ties with a key Southeast Asian partner, the tour underlines Russia’s resilience even as it faces challenges from sanctions and pressure over its invasion of Ukraine.
