Russia Signs Deal on Strategic Relations

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin and Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong signed a deal expanding strategic ties, a move that reunites Hanoi with its onetime communist benefactor and gives Moscow its strongest ally in Southeast Asia.

Putin’s visit to Hanoi, the first by a Russian or Soviet leader despite 50 years of diplomatic ties, has been lauded by Vietnamese officials but has seen muted public interest.

The two also signed agreements on expanding economic and trade ties, particularly in oil and gas, and increasing military cooperation and science and technology exchanges.