National friendship meeting strengthens Vietnam–Russia people-to-people ties
The Vietnamese people remain deeply grateful for the sincere and effective support extended by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during Vietnam’s struggles for independence, as well as in its post-war reconstruction and renewal process.
Representing the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, Svetlana Evgenevna Galzunova speaks of the deep-rooted bonds between the two countries' people. (Photo: VNA)
Hai Duong (VNA)🔴 – The Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association (VRFA) convened its 17th national conference in Hai Duong city in the northern province of same name on May 23 and 24, reaffirming the long-standing ties between the two nations and outlining new initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the event, VRFA President Phan Chi Hieu, who is also President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Minh Hung underscored the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Russia. They noted that the relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both countries.
The Vietnamese people remain deeply grateful for the sincere and effective support extended by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during Vietnam’s struggles for independence, as well as in its post-war reconstruction and renewal process, the said.
As part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Vietnam–Russia diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950 – 2025), Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin paid an official visit to Vietnam in January. In return, most recently, Party General Secretary To Lam led a high-level delegation to pay an official visit to Russia and attend the military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
Hung reaffirmed Hai Duong’s strong commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, highlighting the active role of the provincial VRFA chapter. He also presented Hai Duong’s key development achievements, including an estimated economic growth rate of 10.2% in 2024, 601 foreign direct investment projects totalling nearly 11 billion USD, and more than 3,100 well-preserved cultural heritage sites.
Delegates visited exhibition booths showcasing imported Russian goods and Hai Duong’s OCOP products. (Photo: VNA)
Representing the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, Svetlana Evgenevna Galzunova spoke of the deep-rooted bonds between the two countries' people, referring Vietnam as her “second homeland.” She welcomed the growing presence of friendship associations across Vietnam and expressed her hope that the newly established Vietnam–Russia Cooperation Centre would further strengthen ties across all sectors.
Looking ahead, VRFA President Phan Chi Hieu urged local chapters to align their plans for more effective engagement. Key initiatives include preparing for the first Vietnam–Russia People’s Forum and launching an international children’s art contest. He also emphasised the vital role of the Vietnam–Russia Cooperation Centre in promoting collaboration in trade, science and technology, education, culture, and tourism. /.
The traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia boasts long-standing history, nurtured through generations of leaders and people from both countries and withstood the test of time, affirming its enduring historical values and serving as an important foundation for a brighter future, Chien said.
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Party General Secretary To Lam’s packed schedule covered all cooperation areas between the two countries, creating new and powerful momentum for developing the Vietnam – Russia relations.
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Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
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The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
