National Party Congress sets out important vision for Viet Nam’s future development: Azerbaijani Ambassador

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Viet Nam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade made the above statement in his recent interview with VGP about his expectations for Viet Nam in the new term (2026-2030).

The diplomat said, a stable and prosperous Viet Nam is not only beneficial to its people but also creates greater opportunities for deeper and more effective cooperation with partners such as Azerbaijan.

"I expect Viet Nam to further strengthen its international integration, actively contribute to multilateral mechanisms, and continue to play a constructive role in regional and global affairs. In this process, Azerbaijan stands ready to work closely with Viet Nam to implement the commitments of our strategic partnership, expand cooperation across sectors, and jointly promote sustainable development and mutual prosperity", he emphasized.

According to the Ambassador, over the past year, Viet Nam has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and dynamism in its socio-economic development, despite a complex and uncertain global environment. 2025 was historic year for the country in the light of not only socio-economic, but also political and diplomatic achievements.

Last year, the country has performed one of the best economic growth rates (with the GDP growth of 8.2 percent), ensured macroeconomic stability, increased foreign trade recorded (with the total foreign trade of US$920 billion) and preserved strong investor confidence with ability to attract up to US$40 billion in foreign direct investment.

The country successfully implemented well-known political and regional reforms. Diplomatic achievements are reflected in more than 40 agreements on establishment of strategic partnership and comprehensive strategic partnership with international partners, including Azerbaijan.

This breakthrough was made in the year of celebration of many prominent occasions. Meanwhile, the progress Viet Nam has made in infrastructure development, digital transformation, and green growth also opens up new avenues for Azerbaijani enterprises to engage more actively in the Vietnamese market.

These achievements have been closely followed and highly appreciated by Azerbaijan, as they further confirm Viet Nam's role as one of the leading and most reliable economies in Southeast Asia, stated the diplomat.

Significant milestone in Viet Nam–Azerbaijan relations

Regarding the achievements in the bilateral relations, the Ambassador said, Viet Nam has special significance for Azerbaijan as both nations have long historical relations founded by national leaders of nations, President Ho Chi Minh and President Heydar Aliyev.

In 2025, the bilateral ties were lifted into a strategic partnership during first ever historic visit of General Secretary To Lam. It was first visit of party leader to Azerbaijan during the nation's independence history.

The upgrade of Viet Nam–Azerbaijan relations to a strategic partnership in 2025 represents a significant milestone and reflects the strong political trust and long-standing friendship between the two countries.

During several months, Viet Nam welcomed nine visits of high-level delegations from Azerbaijan, such as minister of defense, chairman of supreme court, minister of energy with third meeting of economic commission, minister of religious affairs and many other meetings. Most of these visits were also historic as it was first contact and establishment of cooperation in the above-mentioned areas. First time Azerbaijani high-level delegation in tourism visited Viet Nam and participated in national booth in tourism fair.

Along with ongoing cooperation, 2025-2026 is very important period for the bilateral relations. Last year, Arzerbaijan celebrated 100th anniversary of first head of VietSovPetro Jalal Mamedov, who worked in 1981-1986 years and played important role in establishment of the office of company and facilitating the exploration of first oil in Viet Nam. This year is the year of follow-up of important celebrations such as 40th anniversary of first oil of Viet Nam and 45th anniversary of establishment of the VietSovPetro.

Energy remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, where Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience in oil, gas, and energy infrastructure, while also exploring joint projects in renewable energy.

"This year we expect new achievements and new projects in this area accompanied with mutual visits of leaders of relevant structures, which will allow us along with traditional spheres of energy sector to initiate new and most-demanded projects and totally new fields based on modern technic and technologies", shared the Ambassador.

At the same time, the strategic partnership has opened new opportunities in trade, investment, logistics, agriculture, education, tourism, and cultural exchange. Strengthening business-to-business links and people-to-people contacts will play a key role in translating political commitments into tangible and mutually beneficial outcomes. Agriculture and food is one of the most potentially promising areas of the bilateral cooperation, said the diplomat.

Memorable impressions during Tet holiday in Viet Nam

Sharing his personal reflection on Tet holiday in Viet Nam, Mehdizade said celebrating Tet in Viet Nam has given him many memorable impressions, particularly the strong sense of family unity, respect for traditions, and the spirit of renewal that characterizes this special occasion. These values resonate deeply with Azerbaijani culture, where family bonds, hospitality, and respect for heritage also play a central role.

"Many traditions and customs during Tet and very close to Azerbaijanis. When we celebrate in March Novruz Bayram – New year, we also cook special food and sweets for this celebration, visit to our parents and elderly relatives, the graves of those who already passed away, organize reunion gatherings with all relatives and bigger family. We found in Viet Nam so many traditions and values which are also very dear for us", the diplomat shared.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, he would like to extend his sincere and warmest wishes to the Vietnamese people for strong health, happiness, and prosperity.

He also wishes for the continued strengthening of the friendship and strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Azerbaijan, bringing concrete benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace and cooperation in the regions.

"We from the bottom of our hearts in Azerbaijani wish Viet Nam and friendly people further strengthening, prosperity, to continue triumphal advancement in economic development and cultural renaissance", he said./.