Vietnam's key role in bringing Russia closer to ASEAN.

Over the years, Vietnam has been considered a reliable member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), promoting consensus, contributing practical guidance, and creating new momentum for ASEAN-Russia relations. As a result, Vietnam has gradually played an important role in organizing the ASEAN-Russia Summit and assuming the role of coordinating ASEAN-Russia relations for the period 2027-2030.

Important milestones

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung Attending the Summit commemorating the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. Against the backdrop of unprecedented global and regional upheavals since the Cold War, manifested in "three fundamental crises: the crisis of international order, the crisis of the development model, and the crisis of strategic trust," as General Secretary and President To Lam stated in his speech at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue.

From the initial contacts in 1991 to the formal establishment of a full Dialogue Partnership in 1996, relations between ASEAN and Russia have continuously developed, marking many important milestones and outstanding results of cooperation. The most notable turning point was the upgrading of relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2018, creating a foundation for expanding and deepening cooperation in key areas, including political-security, economic, and socio-cultural fields.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai, former Vietnamese Ambassador to several Middle Eastern countries, for many years Vietnam has consistently played the role of a reliable "bridge," actively coordinating ASEAN-Russia relations, narrowing differences and building consensus on complex issues, strengthening trust between ASEAN and Russia, and promoting a common stance on regional and international security issues, expanding comprehensive cooperation in security and economics.

This is Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's first official trip to Russia in his new capacity – a partner with a long-standing and close traditional friendship with Vietnam – and also the first time the Prime Minister has attended the ASEAN-Russia Summit. Notably, this Summit marks an important milestone in the ASEAN-Russia cooperation journey, with positive developments over the past 35 years, especially since the two sides established a Strategic Partnership in 2018.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, Head of Vietnam's ASEAN SOM, the overarching goal of the trip is to leverage Vietnam's role as a "bridge," foster consensus, and contribute practical directions, creating new momentum for ASEAN-Russia relations. This is even more significant as Vietnam will assume the role of coordinating country for ASEAN-Russia relations from 2027 to 2030.

Similarly, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Khanh, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, emphasized that among ASEAN countries, Vietnam is the member state with the closest relationship with Russia.

"Vietnam's increasingly important role in Russia-ASEAN relations brings many benefits to Russia, as Vietnam is the best bridge among ASEAN member states. Furthermore, Vietnam and Russia share a long-standing relationship beyond their relationship as major powers. Vietnam has good relations with Russia, particularly in the areas of military equipment, energy, nuclear power plants, and the import of equipment for the construction of thermal power plants." According to expert Tran Khanh.

In the current context of disrupted global supply chains, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Khanh also noted that Russia is facing sanctions from the US and its allies, therefore... establishing relations with ASEAN Vietnam is very important. In particular, Russia and Vietnam have a close relationship in contributing to ensuring energy security, including oil and gas, nuclear power plants, electricity, etc.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai sees Vietnam as the most reliable partner in the region, allowing for the maintenance and strengthening of the influence of Russia-Vietnam relations in the Asia-Pacific region, helping Russia mitigate the consequences of sanctions imposed by the US and the West.

"Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country with a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This provides a direct foundation for Russia to move towards trade and investment connections with the region. Vietnam plays a key role in supporting Russia to maintain and strengthen its presence and dialogue with ASEAN. This, in turn, helps Russia integrate into the security and economic structure of the Asia-Pacific region." Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai emphasized.

Unlocking potential areas

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's visit is not only to attend a high-level conference, but also an important preparatory step for Vietnam to contribute more deeply to shaping ASEAN-Russia cooperation in the coming years.

Vietnam plans to work with other countries to promote a substantive, balanced, and results-oriented approach to ASEAN-Russia cooperation. The focus will be on unlocking potential areas that are not yet fully exploited, such as trade, science, technology, digital transformation, non-traditional security, education, training, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and especially energy.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Tran Khanh, at the ASEAN-Russia 35th Anniversary Summit, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will present several specific initiatives and proposals. For example, he will express support for a multipolar world and respect for international law. He believes this would be very beneficial in strengthening relations between the two countries. the world today In the context of complex and unpredictable regional and global developments.

"I think Prime Minister Le Minh Hung will express his support for multilateralism and propose some issues related to security and energy between ASEAN and Russia in his speech at the Conference. In addition, the Prime Minister will propose some solutions to strengthen the international legal system, because in today's world, many countries impose sanctions and economic embargoes." Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Khanh emphasized.

Vietnam plays a key role in supporting Russia in maintaining and strengthening its presence and dialogue with ASEAN. This, in turn, helps Russia integrate into the regional security and economic structure of the Asia-Pacific.

Ambassador Nguyen Quang Khai

Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai stated that the Vietnamese delegation would present three important initiatives at the Summit commemorating the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations.

"Firstly, strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) not only in political dialogue but also brings practical benefits to the economies of the countries involved."

Secondly, we need to promote initiatives that combine the needs of ASEAN countries with Russia's economic and technological advantages in the energy sector and ensure the sustainability of the supply chain.

Thirdly, upholding the spirit of dialogue, constructive engagement, and respect for international law, enhancing regional security, and building consensus on international and regional issues to consolidate a peaceful, stable, and prosperous environment in the Asia-Pacific region and respect for international law.""That's what Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai said."

Regarding side activities at the Conference, Mr. Nguyen Quang Khai said that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is expected to discuss with Russian President V. Putin cooperation between the two countries, the implementation of agreements, and major projects, such as the Ninh Thuan-1 nuclear power plant project and oil and gas contracts.

This strengthens Vietnam's bridging position within ASEAN, demonstrating to ASEAN countries a successful model of cooperation between a global power and a developing Southeast Asian economy, and creating momentum for further deepening Russia's integration into the Southeast Asian regional structure. Simultaneously, it contributes to consolidating ASEAN's central role in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Following the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Khanh suggested that to effectively coordinate ASEAN-Russia cooperation between 2027 and 2030, Vietnam needs to institutionalize research areas, put theory into practice, and implement them efficiently and systematically. For example, what needs to be done in the energy sector, how should military operations be conducted, how should goods be exchanged, etc. – in other words, everything needs to yield results.

In particular, given the current context where ASEAN countries are losing diversification in their international relations and research, if Vietnam performs its role well, it will further strengthen relationships and systematically improve everything, bringing benefits to all parties.

"In the ASEAN-Russia relationship, both sides need Vietnam, and Vietnam needs Vietnam too. But I think Vietnam should prioritize energy security, promote trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Russia, as well as Russian investment in ASEAN. The cooperation process must be effective and of high quality." Associate Professor, Doctor of Science Tran Khanh commented.

Finally, regarding Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's visit to Russia, Associate Professor Tran Khanh stated that Vietnam wants to send a message that it is a friend to all countries, pursuing multilateralism and diversification, and not acting with strategic autonomy, not subject to pressure from any side, and that everything is done based on the interests of the nation and people as well as the common good.

This is not only spreading within Russia and ASEAN countries, but also extending to other regions. worldThis means that Vietnam's strategic independence or autonomy is increasing.

"This conference also provides an opportunity for ASEAN countries to recognize and assess Vietnam's flexible and proactive role in the Russia-ASEAN relationship." Associate Professor, Doctor of Science Tran Khanh concluded.