General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng (middle) in the phone talks. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng emphasised that Việt Nam considers the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as one of the top priorities in the country’s foreign policy.

He made this statement during high-level phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday at the Party headquarters in Hà Nội.

General Secretary Trọng warmly congratulated President Putin on being re-elected as President of Russia for the 2024-2030 term with a record-high number of votes. This reflected the trust and support of the Russian people for President Putin in leading the country's development in the new era, he said.

He also conveyed deep condolences to President Putin, the Russian people, and the families of victims of the terrorist attack in Moscow on the evening of March 22, 2024.

The Vietnamese leader said Việt Nam appreciated Russia’s significant assistance during the Soviet era as well as today, for Việt Nam and its people. He stressed that Việt Nam viewed its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as a primary focus in its foreign policy.

President Putin expressed his gratitude for the congratulatory message from General Secretary Trọng and the timely condolences and sharing of the Party, State and people of Việt Nam regarding the losses suffered by the Russian people in the terrorist attack.

Affirming that Việt Nam is always a reliable friend and partner of Russia, President Putin expressed delight at the positive development of bilateral relations across all fields.

The two leaders agreed on several major directions and measures to promote bilateral cooperation in areas such as security-defence, economy-trade, culture and tourism.

General Secretary Trọng took the occasion to extend an invitation to President Putin to visit Việt Nam in the near future, which the latter accepted with pleasure. – VNS