Astana, May 6, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Republic of Kazakhstan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have formally elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership following a state visit by H.E. Mr. Tô Lâm, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to Kazakhstan on May 6–7, 2025.
The announcement was made through a joint statement released Tuesday by the press service of the Presidential Palace Akorda, following high-level talks between General Secretary Tô Lâm and H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The visit was held in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh’s historic visit to Kazakhstan and in anticipation of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, to be marked in 2027.
During the state visit, leaders of the two countries reaffirmed the depth of their traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation. Both sides engaged in extensive discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and international challenges of mutual interest.
Recognizing each other as key regional partners, the two countries agreed to elevate ties to a strategic partnership and pursue multifaceted cooperation across key sectors. Highlights of the joint statement include:
Political Cooperation and Diplomacy
The two sides agreed to strengthen political dialogue through increased exchanges at all levels, including between Party, State, Government, and Parliamentary institutions. Emphasis was placed on enhancing legislative collaboration, formalizing inter-parliamentary agreements, and intensifying political consultations, particularly at the deputy foreign minister level.
Defense, Security, and Justice
Kazakhstan and Vietnam agreed to explore defense and security cooperation, including negotiations toward formal defense and crime prevention agreements. Both sides also committed to joint efforts in anti-corruption, legal collaboration, capacity building, and promoting good governance.
Economic, Trade, and Financial Cooperation
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade, investment, and economic engagement. Notable agreements include strengthening the Kazakhstan–Vietnam Joint Business Council, enhancing investment frameworks, supporting Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) cooperation, and exploring joint projects in international financial centers.
Sectoral Cooperation
The joint statement outlines concrete plans to deepen collaboration in agriculture, energy, transportation, science, technology, and digital transformation. A forthcoming agreement on veterinary cooperation is expected to bolster agricultural trade, while mutual interest in clean and renewable energy and mining presents new avenues for economic cooperation.
Kazakhstan’s offer for Viet Nam to utilize the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) for its exports was also welcomed. The sale of Qazaq Air to Vietnam’s Sovico Group in December 2024 was cited as a milestone in aviation cooperation.
Education, Culture, Tourism, and Labour
The two sides agreed to promote educational exchanges, offer scholarships, and facilitate academic mobility. Cultural and sports exchanges will be enhanced, with Viet Nam Culture Days in Kazakhstan planned for 2025 and reciprocal events in Vietnam in 2026.
In the labour sector, both parties pledged to strengthen workforce exchanges under their 2010 agreement and promote tourism through policy coordination and destination marketing.
Environmental Cooperation
A shared commitment was made to address climate change and environmental challenges through joint programs and the exchange of best practices in sustainability, desertification adaptation, and green growth.
Interregional and International Cooperation
The strategic partnership will also involve deepened ties between local governments, including recently established sister-city relationships between Astana and Hanoi, East Kazakhstan and Bac Ninh, and Aktau and Da Nang.
On the international stage, both countries agreed to continue close collaboration at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms such as CICA, ASEM, WTO, and the EAEU. Vietnam reaffirmed its support for Kazakhstan’s engagement with ASEAN and its efforts to advance biological safety under international conventions.
The joint statement also emphasized shared support for peaceful dispute resolution based on international law and the UN Charter, particularly in relation to maritime security and developments in the East Sea.
The visit of General Secretary Tô Lâm was hailed as a historic milestone, cementing the foundation for an enduring and comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Vietnam, built on mutual respect, shared development goals, and a commitment to global peace and prosperity.
