Vietnamese high-level diplomacy intensified across Europe and Asia in early September, highlighted by state visits, parliamentary missions, and participation in international governance forums. According to reports from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), State President Tô Lâm and National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn executed a series of diplomatic engagements spanning the Russian Federation, the French Republic, the Republic of Korea, and Mongolia.
State Visit to Russia and Scientific Cooperation
State President Tô Lâm traveled to the Russian Federation for a state visit aimed at deepening bilateral strategic ties. According to Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thi Thu Hang, cited by VNA, the visit established a long-term vision to align bilateral cooperation with the contemporary development needs of both nations.
A core deliverable of the visit was the inauguration of a specialized research and disease-prevention laboratory at the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Centre in Hanoi. Equipped and staffed with Russian expertise, the facility enables joint monitoring and countermeasures for infectious diseases. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the laboratory strengthens Vietnam’s scientific capabilities in preventive medicine, according to VNA coverage.
French Partnership and Space Governance
Following the formal elevation of Vietnam-France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024, President Tô Lâm visited Paris to expand cooperation into technology and global governance frameworks. Former Vietnamese Ambassador to France Đình Toàn Thang noted that translating this framework into tangible projects remains a primary objective, as reported by VNA.
Economic ties between Paris and Hanoi show steady growth. According to VNA data:
- Bilateral trade reached 6.3 billion dollars in 2025, marking a significant year-on-year increase.
- Trade totaled 3.66 billion dollars during the first half of 2026, up from the prior year.
- France maintains 746 active projects in Vietnam representing approximately 4 billion dollars in registered capital, ranking 16th among 153 investing territories.
Energy and infrastructure collaborations also advanced. The French Development Agency (AFD) has disbursed over two-thirds of its funding commitments under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Additionally, vaccine manufacturer VNVC and Sanofi are advancing a major production facility in Vietnam, while French stakeholders are discussing civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, and high-speed rail management.
During his stay in Paris, President Tô Lâm attended the Space Summit, addressing satellite technology, telecommunications, and Earth observation. Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thi Thu Hang emphasized that participation in the summit allows Vietnam to contribute to international regulatory frameworks governing the peaceful use of outer space.
Parliamentary Diplomacy in South Korea and Mongolia
Concurrently, National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn conducted official visits to the Republic of Korea and Mongolia to advance trade and legislative cooperation.
In Seoul, meetings with South Korean counterparts focused on expanding bilateral trade targets in the coming years, according to VNA. Discussions also emphasized joint initiatives in science, technology, human resource development, and tourism.
In Ulaanbaatar, following the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2024, Vietnamese and Mongolian officials agreed to increase trade toward $200 million. Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral welcomed Vietnam’s focus on digital transformation, green growth, and renewable energy, reaffirming Vietnam’s priority status in Mongolia’s foreign policy.
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