Vietnam PM Lê Minh Hưng leads delegation at ASEAN‑Russia 35‑year summit in Kazan

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng travelled to Kazan, Russia from 16‑18 June to attend the high‑level ASEAN‑Russia summit marking 35 years of partnership. Vietnam positioned the visit as a chance to act as a “bridge” between ASEAN and Moscow, seeking to deepen strategic cooperation and promote concrete initiatives in trade, investment, energy, logistics, digital economy and scientific exchange.

The summit coincides with rising economic ties: Russia‑ASEAN trade reached $18.1 billion in 2024, up 13 %, and Russian investment in ASEAN grew 20.8 %. Experts highlighted an 8 % increase in foreign direct investment to ASEAN this year, underscoring the region’s attractiveness. Delegates expect new agreements on commerce, finance, transport, and infrastructure, as well as a reaffirmation of the legal basis of the partnership. A bilateral meeting between Lê Minh Hưng and President Vladimir Putin is also scheduled, reinforcing Vietnam’s diplomatic role within the broader ASEAN‑Russia dialogue.