HCMC – Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to consider a visa waiver for Vietnamese citizens following talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Moscow on March 25, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
The instruction came as both leaders agreed to facilitate travel and expand people-to-people exchanges to boost tourism between the two countries.
At the meeting in the Kremlin, the two sides reaffirmed that the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership remains a long-term priority. They discussed cooperation priorities and outlined directions for future collaboration.
Both sides were committed to strengthening economic, trade and investment ties. They agreed to support businesses operating in each market and to improve connectivity, diversify supply chains, and address barriers related to regulations, payments and transport. The aim is to achieve more balanced and sustainable bilateral trade.
Energy, oil and gas, science and technology, innovation, and infrastructure were identified as key areas for cooperation.
Putin noted progress toward negotiations and signing of an agreement to develop the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant, emphasizing compliance with international safety standards. He instructed the Russian government to accelerate next steps to launch the project.
The two sides also agreed to expand cooperation between energy and oil and gas companies in line with international law.
Chinh highlighted Russia’s capabilities in science and technology and proposed stronger cooperation in areas such as high technology, biomedicine and aerospace, building on existing joint research.
Both sides agreed to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students in Russia.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues and agreed to continue coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and ASEAN.
