Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam, accompanied by his wife, has commenced a significant state visit to Russia and France from September 7 to 12. This visit follows invitations from Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The delegation includes key officials such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, and Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan, among other senior officials.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, this visit underscores Vietnam's commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with both Russia and France. It aims to create new milestones in cooperation, leveraging the strengths of both nations for mutual development and opening up opportunities in the emerging field of space technology.

During the visit to Russia, there are expectations to further solidify political trust and enhance the role of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The discussions are anticipated to lead to breakthroughs in traditional cooperation areas, particularly in oil and gas, energy, and nuclear power. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation will also be emphasized, aiming to establish new momentum for infrastructure development and enhance connectivity in aviation, maritime, and rail transport.

Furthermore, both nations are looking to deepen collaboration in science and technology, innovation, and the training of high-quality human resources. There is significant potential for cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, machinery manufacturing, smart transportation, and fundamental research.

In France, the visit is seen as a crucial opportunity to reinforce political trust and define a long-term vision, translating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework into concrete programs and projects. This is expected to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, with a focus on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as new driving forces in bilateral relations.

The timing of the visit coincides with participation in the Space Summit, which positions space technology and industry as a new strategic cooperation direction between Vietnam and France.

Vietnam and Russia share a long-standing traditional relationship, having established a Strategic Partnership in 2001 and upgrading it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012. According to Vietnamese customs data, bilateral trade is projected to reach $4.77 billion by 2025, marking a 4% increase from 2024.

Vietnam and France became Strategic Partners in 2013 and upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024. France is the first EU country to establish the highest level of relations with Vietnam, with bilateral trade expected to reach approximately $6.3 billion by 2025, showing positive growth compared to 2024.