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Ho Chi Minh City deepens regional ties with Russian counterparts

Ho Chi Minh City is moving to strengthen cooperation with Russian localities, building on decades of friendship between Vietnam and Russia. The push reflects the two nations' elevated bilateral relationship and shared commitment to regional engagement.

LSN Vietnam · 6 November 2026

Ho Chi Minh City is pursuing expanded partnerships with Russian regions as part of efforts to deepen people-to-people and institutional ties between Vietnam and Russia. The initiative underscores the significance both sides place on their longstanding relationship, which traces its roots to the Russian October Revolution and has evolved through subsequent generations.

Vietnam-Russia relations have weathered historical challenges while maintaining a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation. The two countries upgraded their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the maturity and importance of their engagement across political, economic, and cultural domains.

The Ho Chi Minh City-led cooperation push aims to foster direct exchanges between the megacity and Russian localities, potentially opening new avenues for trade, cultural programs, and technical collaboration. Such regional-level engagements have become an increasingly important complement to state-level diplomacy in strengthening bilateral bonds.

Observers note that city-to-city initiatives can yield practical benefits for residents while reinforcing the broader strategic partnership between Hanoi and Moscow. Ho Chi Minh City's outreach reflects Vietnam's broader strategy of diversifying and deepening its international partnerships while maintaining its traditional friendships.