Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Hanoi on June 20 after a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, signing new strategic partnership agreements with both the Asian countries.
Isolated by the West, Putin aims to strengthen economic ties with friendly nations. Vietnam, with its policy of non-alignment and historical ties to Moscow, is a strategic choice.
In Hanoi, Putin invited To Lam to Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next year and thanked Vietnam for its balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Experts say that Putin’s recent visits to China and now North Korea and Vietnam are attempts to break the international isolation. The U.S. expressed concerns over Putin’s visits, warning that allowing him to travel freely could normalize his violations of international law.
Russian president visits North Korea after 24 years
Putin’s visit to North Korea, his first in 24 years, included a welcome ceremony at Kim Il Sung Square, where he and Kim were greeted by cheering civilians, military bands, and national anthems. They later held summit talks at the Kumsusan Palace, engaging in extended discussions and exchanging gifts.
During the meeting on June 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a new pact pledging mutual defense if either nation is attacked.
Putin, Kim Jong-un sign agreement on comprehensive strategic partnership
— RT (@RT_com) June 19, 2024
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At a press conference after the summit, Putin described the agreement as a “truly breakthrough document” that aims to elevate bilateral relations across security, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Kim characterized the pact as a peaceful agreement, solidifying the alliance between the two countries.
The strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, both isolated by global sanctions, could lead to increased military technology transfers to Pyongyang in return for munitions supplies needed by Moscow for its conflict in Ukraine.
During the visit, Kim promised his “full support” for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
Putin gifts Aurus luxury car to Kim
Russian President Putin presented Kim with an Aurus car as the two exchanged gifts. Putin also presented Kim with a tea set, according to Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov. In exchange, Kim gace Putin a pair of native Pungsan hunting dogs – the same breed Kim gifted to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un were seen laughing as they took turns to drive each other around in a Russian-built limousine during Putin’s first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years.
In photos and video released by North Korean state media agency KCNA, the two leaders appear to enjoy each other’s company as they went for a spin in an Aurus luxury car.
Putin visits Vietnam
Putin met with Vietnam’s top leaders, including Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He was greeted at the Presidential Palace by school children waving Russian and Vietnamese flags.
During his visit, Putin signed at least a dozen agreements with President To Lam, including deals to supply fossil fuels to Vietnam and cooperation in education, science, technology, oil and gas exploration, and clean energy. They also planned a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam. While no defense agreements were publicly announced, Lam indicated there were undisclosed deals.
Putin said the two countries share an interest in “developing a reliable security architecture” in the Asia-Pacific region with no room for “closed military-political blocs.” Lam added that both Russia and Vietnam wanted to “further cooperate in defense and security to cope with non-traditional security challenges.”
Putin emphasized the importance of developing a “reliable security architecture” in the Asia-Pacific region, free from “closed military-political blocs.” Lam echoed the sentiment, highlighting cooperation in defense and security to address non-traditional security challenges.
Since Putin’s last visit to Vietnam in 2017, much has changed. Russia now faces extensive U.S.-led sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine, and in 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes. However, Russia dismissed the warrant, stating it does not recognize the court’s jurisdiction.
Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam totaled $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with United States.
Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950, and this year marks 30 years of a treaty establishing friendly relations between Vietnam and Russia.
Vietnam, a manufacturing powerhouse and an increasingly important player in global supply chains, hosted both U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2023.
US concerned over visits
U.S. officials expressed concerns that such transfers could significantly enhance North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, posing a threat to the Asia-Pacific region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on June 18 said that Russia was trying, “in desperation, to develop and to strengthen relations with countries that can provide it with what it needs to continue the war of aggression that it started against Ukraine.”
Putin’s visit to Hanor drew criticism from the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, which argued that allowing Putin to promote his war of aggression could normalize his actions and violations of international law. The U.S. and its allies are concerned about a possible arms deal between North Korea and Russia, which both countries deny.