Azerbaijan, Vietnam discuss expanding co-op in economy, culture, energy

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Secretary General of Vietnamese Communist Party’s Central Committee To Lam have held talks in Baku to expand cooperation across a range of sectors, including economy, investment, and culture.

The meeting took place during To Lam’s official visit to Azerbaijan and highlighted the long-standing and rich history of Azerbaijani-Vietnamese relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation between the two countries within international organisations, both on bilateral and multilateral platforms.

Officials underscored that the foundations of the relationship were laid by the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and the first President of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Azerbaijan in 1959 and Heydar Aliyev’s visit to Vietnam in 1983 were highlighted as landmark events that began a lasting friendship. During the Soviet era, nearly 5,000 Vietnamese students studied in Azerbaijan, further strengthening people-to-people ties.

As part of the visit, special attention was paid to the exhibition dedicated to Ho Chi Minh and the unveiling of his bust at the Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry—symbolic gestures honouring historical ties.

It was noted that the current leadership of both countries is committed to continuing the legacy of their predecessors, with political will aimed at deepening friendly relations. In particular, President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Vietnam in 2014 was cited as a key milestone that enhanced trust and cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions also touched on future collaboration in economic, trade, energy, cultural, and humanitarian fields. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Azerbaijan–Vietnam Intergovernmental Joint Commission in Hanoi to further advance bilateral relations.

By Sabina Mammadli