Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozyorov in Moscow, Russia, March 25, 2026. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal
The meeting took place during PM Chinh’s official visit to Russia from Sunday through Wednesday at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin.
PM Chinh emphasized the strategic role of railways in connecting economies, businesses, and people, complementing other modes of transport.
He said that the freight volume between Vietnam and Russia in 2025 expanded more than 40 percent year on year, but it remains below potential due to infrastructure differences and technical barriers.
He proposed restoring and expanding international rail freight along three corridors, including Vietnam-China-Kazakhstan-Russia, Vietnam-China-Mongolia-Russia, and Vietnam-China-Russia.
He urged both countries’ railway companies to form a joint working group to address challenges, enhance digitalization, green transport, and smart management, while boosting competitiveness.
Lauding Russia’s expertise in large-scale metro construction, PM Chinh also invited cooperation in developing urban rail and underground projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
He suggested both sides share experience in planning, design, standards, construction, and safe operations, as well as technology transfer to build a modern railway industry ecosystem.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh poses for a picture with Russian Railways representatives in Moscow, Russia, March 25, 2026. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal
Belozyorov welcomed the proposals, affirming RZD’s readiness to share advanced technology and train personnel.
The RZD leader pledged swift coordination with Vietnamese partners to implement projects, strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Russia operates the world’s third-largest railway network, spanning 86,000 kilometers, including the 9,289-kilometer Trans-Siberian Railway, the world’s longest railway line.
With 51.2 percent of its lines electrified, Russia has the largest electrified rail network globally.
In late 2024, Russia broke ground on a nearly-US$24-billion high-speed line between Moscow and St. Petersburg, designed for speeds up to 400 kilometers per hour, with completion slated for 2028.
Vietnam and Russia are both members of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways.
Their railway companies signed agreements to expand international freight transport and attract more cargo along the routes crossing both countries.
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