Vietnam: a strategic ASEAN-Russia gateway

>> Vietnam will actively contribute to the success of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit

>> Prime Minister Lê Minh Hung will participate in the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan

>> Vietnam wants to strengthen its bridge role in the ASEAN-Russia partnership

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hung (right) received the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Vietnam, Gennadi Bezdetko, in May.

Photo : VNA/CVN

At the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, leading a high-ranking delegation from Vietnam, will participate in the Commemorative Summit on 35^e anniversary of ASEAN – Russia relations and will conduct bilateral activities in Kazan from June 16 to 18, 2026. This is the first official visit to Russia of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in his new role, illustrating the importance that Vietnam attaches to the ASEAN – Russia strategic partnership. This trip helps to affirm Vietnam’s role as a “bridge”, breathing new dynamics into the ASEAN-Russia relationship.

Established in 1991 and elevated to a strategic partnership in 2018, dialogue between ASEAN and Russia has intensified in all areas.

Political and security cooperation was strengthened by maintaining high-level dialogues and Russia’s active contribution to ASEAN-led mechanisms, as well as plans to combat transnational crime, cyber security and drug trafficking. Five summits have already been organized in 2005, 2010, 2016, 2018 and 2021.

On the economic front, ties are being consolidated through work programs on trade and investment between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia remains a crucial partner for the region’s energy and food security.

For the period 2021-2025, the implementation rate of the ASEAN-Russia Action Plan, extended until the end of 2026, reached 82%. Bilateral trade in 2025 amounted to $17.81 billion. Both sides agreed to finalize the action plan soon for 2026-2030 to guide future cooperation.

In addition, numerous educational activities and exchanges between peoples have been organized to strengthen mutual understanding.

The Kazan Commemorative Summit will be held on June 17 and 18, 2026 in a global and regional context marked by rapid and unpredictable developments. Current conflicts affect global peace, stability and supply chains. In this context, the event aims to strengthen the strategic partnership, renew the dynamic of cooperation and define the ASEAN – Russia strategic orientations in the political-security, economic and socio-cultural pillars.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, the summit focuses on three major axes. First, a comprehensive review of the strategic partnership to identify obstacles and propose breakthrough measures, particularly in energy security and Eurasian integration.

Vietnamese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dang Hoà ng Giang. Photo : VNA/CVN

Secondly, the leaders will discuss regional and international issues in order to consolidate strategic trust and face common challenges.

Third, the adoption of guidance documents meeting the development needs of both parties in the new situation is planned.

The expansion of Russia-ASEAN cooperation

As an important link, Vietnam actively supports the expansion of Russia-ASEAN cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ä áº·ng Minh Khôi points out that Vietnam has proposed many initiatives aimed at fostering Russia’s involvement in ASEAN institutions, building on strong traditional friendship between the two countries.

Vietnam encourages dialogue and cooperation in trade, energy, technologies and responding to unconventional security challenges. It also promotes synergies between ASEAN and the EAEU, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

The presence of Prime Minister Lê Minh Hung in Kazan reflects the foreign policy of independence, autonomy, multilateralization and diversification defined during the 14th^e National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It sends a clear message of Vietnam’s esteem for the strategic trust and effective cooperation cultivated with Russia for decades.

The country will play a key role as coordinator of ASEAN-Russia relations for the period 2027-2030, preparing to more profoundly shape their future collaboration. Vietnam will strive, with other member states, to promote a pragmatic and balanced approach, focusing on high-potential sectors such as digital transformation, education, tourism and energy.

Building on its experience with the Vietnam – EAEU free trade agreement signed in 2015, Vietnam will share its achievements in logistics and business connectivity to bring concrete benefits to populations.

Through constructive dialogue, Vietnam wishes to reduce differences and consolidate regional stability.

Finally, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia, Ä ang Minh Khôi, concludes that this event will determine the strategic directions necessary to breathe new impetus into the ASEAN – Russia partnership in the face of the complexities of the modern world, while serving as a platform for exchange on global issues of interest common.

VNA/CVN