Putin Arrives in Vietnam

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Vietnam on Thursday, marking the final leg of his two-nation tour.

His visit follows a significant stop in North Korea, where he inked a defense agreement with leader Kim Jong Un.

During his visit, Putin is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with President To Lam and other key Vietnamese leaders.

The agenda primarily includes economic collaboration, educational partnerships, and energy sector cooperation.

Analysts anticipate that the talks may also touch upon the situation in Ukraine and potential defense collaborations.

This visit marks Putin's third international trip since his fifth inauguration in May, following earlier visits to China and North Korea.

Notably, this is his first trip to Vietnam since 2017, adding to his previous four visits.

Upon his arrival in Hanoi, Putin was received by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. A formal welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace will be followed by crucial talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, considered Vietnam's most influential political figure.

Putin is also slated to meet Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and attend a state banquet.

In addition to political discussions, Putin's itinerary includes attending wreath-laying ceremonies at significant sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Vietnam, adhering to its neutral "bamboo diplomacy," has abstained from condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In a recent op-ed, Putin praised Vietnam for supporting a pragmatic approach to resolving the crisis.