Putin Was Given 21-Gun Salute as He Arrives in Vietnam to Boost Ties

In a gesture symbolizing the deepening ties between Russia and Vietnam, Russian President Vladimir Putin was welcomed with a 21-gun salute upon his arrival in Hanoi. 

The visit, marked by a military ceremony on Thursday, underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership for the peace and stability of the region and the world.

Vietnamese President To Lam expressed his enthusiasm for bolstering relations with Russia, highlighting the significance of this partnership in promoting global peace. 

Putin, echoing these sentiments, emphasized that enhancing ties with Vietnam remains a priority for Russia. 

This visit comes amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, with Russia facing numerous US-led sanctions due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The international community has largely condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. 

In 2023, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of war crimes, a move that the Kremlin dismissed as "null and void," asserting that Moscow does not recognize the court's jurisdiction. 

Despite these international pressures, Vietnam has shown a willingness to engage diplomatically with Russia, balancing its strong relationships with both China and the United States.

Reporting from Hanoi, Al Jazeera’s Tony Cheng noted Vietnam's delicate diplomatic dance. 

The country is eager to make Putin feel welcome while maintaining its significant ties with other major powers like China and the US. 

This nuanced approach highlights Vietnam's strategic diplomacy in navigating complex international relationships.

During his visit to Vietnam, Putin focused on signing agreements to enhance cooperation in various fields, including education, science and technology, energy, climate change, and health. 

Notably absent from the publicized deals were any new weapons agreements with Russia. 

Instead, the discussions centered on Vietnam's reliance on Russian-made arms, a dependence that has become increasingly challenging to manage due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the resulting international sanctions on Russia.

Vietnam's military still heavily relies on Russian-manufactured weapons, but obtaining these arms has become more difficult since the war in Ukraine began. 

This aspect of the visit underscores the practical challenges facing Vietnam as it seeks to modernize its military while navigating the geopolitical ramifications of its alliances.

Putin's visit to Vietnam also follows his recent conclusion of a defense pact with North Korea, indicating Russia's ongoing efforts to solidify its strategic alliances in Asia. 

However, in Vietnam, the focus remained on fostering collaboration in non-military areas, reflecting a broader vision of partnership beyond defense.

The 21-gun salute and the formal reception for Putin in Hanoi highlight the symbolic and practical importance of Russia-Vietnam relations. 

As both nations seek to strengthen their ties, the visit represents a significant moment in their ongoing efforts to contribute to regional and global stability, despite the complex and often contentious international landscape.

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