20-6-2024 (HANOI) In a display of enduring bilateral relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Vietnam, complete with a 21-gun salute during a military ceremony on June 20. The visit underscored the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, as one of Vietnam’s top leaders, President To Lam, hailed the strong ties and vowed to further boost cooperation.
As Putin stepped onto Vietnamese soil, he was greeted with the thunderous salvo, signaling the deep-rooted bonds between the Communist-run countries. President Lam extended his congratulations to the Russian leader on his re-election and praised Russia’s achievements, 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 remarked, highlighting the mandate bestowed upon Putin by the Russian populace.
In response, Putin expressed his commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, emphasizing that it remains one of Russia’s priorities. The Russian leader also conveyed his respect for dialogue with the regional bloc, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which he acknowledged Vietnam’s active role.
Putin’s arrival in Hanoi on June 20 marked the final stop of his two-nation tour of Asia, following the conclusion of a defense pact with North Korea. The visit has drawn criticism from key partner the United States, which upgraded diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 2023 and remains the country’s top export market.
The U.S. embassy in Vietnam issued a statement earlier in the week, asserting that no country should be giving Putin a platform to promote Russia’s war in Ukraine. This stance underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the delicate balance Vietnam must strike between its strategic partnerships.
Russia has faced U.S.-led Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, an operation Moscow has termed a “special military operation.” Moreover, in March 2023, the Hague-based International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, charges he vehemently denies.
Notably, neither Vietnam nor Russia are members of the ICC, a factor that may influence the dynamics of Putin’s visit and the discussions that ensue.
