Vietnam, Russia seek stronger cooperation in emergency response, rescue operations

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Hanoi on Thursday between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Russian Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov.

At the reception, Chinh called for closer coordination in preventing and responding to emergencies, including sharing experience in early warning systems, disaster prevention, and rescue operations.

He suggested that Russia accelerate technology transfer and work with Vietnam to jointly produce specialized vehicles and technical equipment used in rescue and disaster response.

The prime minister also proposed that the two sides organize joint exercises and continue supporting the training of Vietnamese personnel in fire prevention, firefighting, and search and rescue.

Chinh welcomed the outcomes of working sessions between the Russian delegation and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and other agencies, praising Russia’s support in training Vietnamese experts and instructors in firefighting and rescue operations.

Both sides noted the positive development of Vietnam–Russia relations in recent years, marked by strong political trust and frequent high-level exchanges.

Agencies from the two countries are actively implementing agreements reached by their leaders to further deepen bilateral ties.

Defense and security cooperation, along with energy, particularly oil and gas, remains a key pillar of the relationship, while science and technology are expected to become a new driver of bilateral ties.

The year 2026 has been designated as the Vietnam–Russia Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation.

Chinh said Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening its traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia for the benefit of both nations and for regional and global peace, stability, and development.

He also expressed Vietnam’s interest in further expanding cooperation with Russia in areas including energy, the peaceful use of nuclear power, maritime affairs, defense and security, military engineering, science and technology, and training in basic sciences.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always remembers the valuable support provided by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during the country’s struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in its ongoing development.

Through Kurenkov, he conveyed his regards to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian leaders.

For his part, Kurenkov said the Russian ministry hopes to expand cooperation with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and other agencies to implement high-level agreements and further strengthen bilateral ties.

He noted that cooperation between Russia’s emergency ministry, Russian law enforcement agencies, and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security remains an important pillar of the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Kurenkov affirmed that Russia would continue working closely with Vietnamese partners, particularly in the areas highlighted by the prime minister.

He expressed confidence that with strong political commitment and support from senior leaders of both countries, bilateral cooperation would continue to expand, especially in emergency response and search and rescue.