Why Mishustin went to Vietnam
A Russian delegation led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has arrived in Vietnam for a working visit.
▫️ Amid sanctions the Kremlin is working to strengthen ties with the Global South to push the narrative that “Russia is not isolated.”
Despite claims of a comprehensive strategic partnership, trade between Russia and Vietnam remains relatively limited. For Russia, Vietnam is primarily important as a market for Russian weapons and for energy cooperation.
Russia is keen to expand its involvement in energy production in Vietnam, which has the second-largest oil reserves in Southeast Asia. The majority of oil produced in Vietnam comes from the joint venture Vietsovpetro, established in 1981.
The Kremlin is also trying to leverage the strained relationship between Vietnam and China to enhance its influence in Southeast Asia.
