Russia and Vietnam signed a framework agreement Wednesday to cooperate on establishing a strategic oil reserve in Vietnam, as the two countries moved to deepen energy ties during President To Lam’s visit to Moscow.
Following talks with To Lam, President Vladimir Putin also said Russia was working to introduce visa-free entry for Vietnamese citizens “in the near future,” though he gave no timetable.
Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang previously said Hanoi expected a “breakthrough” in Russian-Vietnamese oil, gas and nuclear power cooperation.
To Lam, who last visited Moscow in May 2025 to attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square and sign a strategic partnership agreement with Russia, held a joint press briefing with Putin after talks between Vietnamese and Russian officials.
In addition, Putin and To Lam presided over the formal launch of a joint infectious disease research laboratory via video link.
