Baku: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev recently spoke with the Vietnam News Agency about the enduring and robust relations between Azerbaijan and Vietnam. Highlighting the upcoming state visit of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to Azerbaijan on May 7-8, 2025, President Aliyev emphasized the historical ties and mutual cooperation between the two nations.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev underscored the significant historical milestones in the bilateral relationship, mentioning the visits of President Ho Chi Minh to Azerbaijan in 1959 and National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Vietnam in 1983. These visits laid the groundwork for a strong partnership, further solidified by his own state visit to Vietnam in 2014 and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Azerbaijan in 2015. These diplomatic exchanges catalyzed developments across various sectors, including the establishment of the Azerbaijan-Vietnam Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.
The President noted the ongoing political consultations and the effective cooperation between the two countries at international platforms such as the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations. Economic ties have also strengthened, with trade between Azerbaijan and Vietnam reaching 223.93 million USD in 2024, showcasing the potential for further growth. The oil sector remains a pivotal area of cooperation, supported by historical contributions from Azerbaijani specialists to Vietnam’s oil industry.
Cultural connections have been a cornerstone of the relationship, deeply rooted in Soviet-era collaborations. President Aliyev highlighted notable contributions such as Azerbaijani composer Gara Garayev’s ‘Vietnam Suite’ and director Ajdar Ibrahimov’s work with the Vietnamese film school. Educational exchanges have also been significant, with many Vietnamese alumni of Azerbaijani universities now holding senior roles in Vietnam.
The forthcoming visit of General Secretary To Lam is anticipated to mark a new chapter in bilateral relations, with discussions expected to focus on expanding political dialogue, trade, economic ties, and cultural exchange. Enhanced inter-party dialogue between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam is also on the agenda, emphasizing the growing political and ideological cooperation.
Looking ahead, President Aliyev expressed optimism regarding the prospects for further development in trade, tourism, and education. Initiatives such as direct flights between the two countries, joint cultural projects, and educational programs for Vietnamese students in Azerbaijan are seen as key areas for future collaboration. These efforts aim to foster a deeper understanding and partnership between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests.