The meeting was held as part of celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, who came to Russia at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Valentina Matvienko pointed out that, in 2025, Russia and Vietnam are also set to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and the 80th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. “Owing to long-standing bonds of friendship and mutual support, Vietnam is our closest and most reliable partner in Southeast Asia,” Valentina Matvienko said. She noted that, in the current complicated geopolitical environment, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries is reinforced by highly intensive multi-level contacts.
The Federation Council Speaker drew attention to the active work by members of a group for cooperation between the Federation Council and the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, headed by First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Andrey Yatskin.
“The Federation Council and senators prioritise legislative support for agreements reached at the highest level, as well as efforts to facilitate parliamentary control over their implementation. Both houses of the Federal Assembly devote great attention to collaboration with the National Assembly of Vietnam. We exchange experience in the field of law-making and coordinate our efforts at international platforms,” Valentina Matvienko said.
According to To Lam, Vietnam is committed to deepening its relations with Russia and elevating them to a new level that reflects current realities. To Lam believes that cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries occupies an important place in this work. He also highlighted the stronger integration ties between Russian and Vietnamese cities and regions.
During their conversation, Valentina Matvienko and To Lam touched upon multiple issues of mutual interest for both countries, including energy, investment, trade, education, personnel training, healthcare, science, culture and tourism.
Participants in the meeting included First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Andrey Yatskin and Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin, as well as senators Andrey Denisov and Andrey Klimov.