A New Era: Kazakhstan and Vietnam's Strategic Partnership
Kazakhstan and Vietnam agree on a mutual statement, aiming to formalize their relationship as strategic partners.
ASTANA - In a historic moment, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Tô Lâm established a strategic partnership during Lâm's state visit to Kazakhstan on May 6, according to Akorda.
The visit was marked by a series of significant agreements and exchanges, symbolizing a shift towards a more robust relationship between the two nations.
Warm Welcome and Formal Exchanges
President Tokayev presented Tô Lâm with the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) of first degree, emphasizing the "truly historic" nature of the visit and its importance to Kazakhstan-Vietnam relations. The two leaders also exchanged several key documents, including a memorandum of cooperation in technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and a cooperation program between justice bodies for the same period.
Building Connections Across Sectors
The new strategic partnership is set to focus on several key areas, including trade and economic cooperation, cultural and sports exchanges, regional twinnings, and legislative frameworks. The countries aim to encourage businesses to seize opportunities and leverage their strengths for greater cooperation, with trade turnover reaching $859.4 million in 2024[1][5].
Cultural and sports cooperation programs have been scheduled for the 2025-2027 period[4]. A twinning initiative between Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda region and a Vietnamese region is planned to foster regional cooperation[4]. Over 50 treaties and agreements have been signed by the two countries since diplomatic relations were established in 1992[5].
Regional and Global Collaboration
The parties agreed to deepen political dialogue, expand cooperation in defense, trade, investment, and finance, and pursue joint initiatives in agriculture, energy, tourism, education, labor, and environmental protection. They also focused on enhancing regional ties, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and boosting collaboration in international forums.
Vietnam confirmed its readiness to serve as a bridge and support Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states. Kazakhstan proposed the use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for exporting goods in various directions via their territory.
Looking Ahead
High-level visits, including To Lam's visit to Kazakhstan, have facilitated discussions on developing trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation[5]. Participation in significant events, such as To Lam's attendance at a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II victories[5], underscores the strong willingness by both countries to strengthen their strategic ties and expand collaboration across multiple sectors.
The developments between these two countries reflect a commitment to deepen their collaboration not just for their benefit but also for the region and the world at large.
- The Kazakh-Vietnamese strategic partnership, established in 2025, will prioritize regional twinnings, cultural and sports exchanges, and legislative frameworks to foster cooperation.
- Vietnam has pledged to support Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states, acting as a bridge for collaboration.
- In addition to deepening political dialogue and economic cooperation, both countries aim to pursue joint initiatives in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, tourism, education, labor, and environmental protection, and will consider using the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route for exporting goods in various directions.
