The Prime Minister highly appreciated the thorough preparations made by the authorities of Tatarstan and the city of Kazan for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

He voiced confidence that the summit would provide fresh impetus for the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership and further strengthen ties between Russia and ASEAN member states, including Viet Nam.

Congratulating Tatarstan on its impressive socio-economic achievements and improving living standards, Prime Minister Le reaffirmed that Viet Nam always values its traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia and wishes to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both countries and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

He noted that relations between localities of the two countries have developed dynamically in recent years, but their contribution to bilateral trade and economic cooperation remains below potential, leaving ample room for further collaboration.

The Head of Tatarstan highlighted the Tatarstan's strengths in truck manufacturing, chemicals, civil aviation, petrochemicals, textiles, and wood processing. Tatarstan also prioritized the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and information technology industrial parks, generating annual revenues of around US$10 billion and creating more than 45,000 jobs.

Minnikhanov expressed his hope to establish partnerships with Vietnamese localities to share development experiences and facilitate business-to-business connections. He also proposed that Viet Nam consider opening a Consulate General in Kazan and welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to the republic to further strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister recalled that during General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Russia to participate in the 80th anniversary of Victory Day in May 2025, the two countries' top leaders reached a common understanding and determination to elevate bilateral cooperation comprehensively in line with the demands of the new development era.

Emphasizing the important role of local authorities and businesses in this process, Prime Minister Le said Viet Nam is keen to cooperate with Tatarstan's leading enterprises and remains committed to creating favorable conditions for Russian businesses, including those from Tatarstan, to invest and operate in Viet Nam on a long-term and stable basis.

He thanked the authorities of Tatarstan and Minnikhanov personally for their continued support and favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in the republic.

Le welcomed Tatarstan's intention to establish partnerships with Vietnamese localities and encouraged both sides to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest, including trade, education and training, tourism, and culture.

The Prime Minister also encouraged airlines from both countries to explore the possibility of launching direct commercial flights between Kazan and Ha Noi./.