The leaders of Vietnam and Russia have said they want to boost ties as the pair met in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

Vietnamese President, To Lam was full of praise while also congratulating him on his recent re-election, Putin also stated that strengthening a strategic partnership with the south-east Asian country was one of Russia’s priorities.

His trip to Vietnam, following closely after his lavish visit to North Korea, is being interpreted as a demonstration of the diplomatic support Russia still enjoys in the region.

Vietnam still values the historic ties it has with Russia even as it works to improve its relationship with Europe and the US.