Vietnam seeks Russian support to become maritime power

Party General Secretary To Lam made the appeal during a meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday with Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the President of Russia and chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from September 15 to 18.

As a coastal country, Vietnam needs to become a strong maritime nation to achieve its strategic development goals and contribute positively to peace, security, and cooperation both regionally and globally.

He proposed that Russia, as a maritime power with extensive experience, provide support and cooperate with Vietnam on a mutually beneficial basis.

Lam specifically requested Russian assistance in maritime policy research, oceanic and marine scientific studies, and the development of maritime infrastructure, shipping routes, logistics systems, and human resource training.

He also called for support in the sustainable and effective management and utilization of Vietnam’s maritime space, in ways that align with the interests of both nations.

In response, Patrushev expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s warm and respectful reception and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, its key partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

He confirmed that he would report to President Vladimir Putin to coordinate efforts across ministries and agencies to advance maritime cooperation and other areas of bilateral engagement.

Patrushev also highlighted Russia’s readiness to work closely with Vietnam in developing and improving international shipping routes, leveraging Vietnam’s deep-water ports as regional and global logistics hubs.

Both sides agreed on the need to enhance the operations of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center and expand bilateral collaboration in scientific research, technological development, new materials, and other key sectors.

General Secretary Lam voiced support for Russia’s increased role and influence in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, and requested Russian backing for Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s positions regarding the East Vietnam Sea in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

On this occasion, Patrushev awarded General Secretary Lam the ‘For Cooperation in Maritime Affairs’ medal for his contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and his leadership in guiding maritime cooperation.