The Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province co-organised a ceremony on January 23 to mark the 65 th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties.

Attending the event were Russian Deputy Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Maria Mizonova and leaders of the province and Vietsovpetro joint venture, who all affirmed they will continue working to nurture the two countries’ friendship and solidarity.

Vietnam and the Soviet Union set up their diplomatic ties on January 30, 1950. The Soviet Union’s support contributed greatly to the success of Vietnam’s national liberation, reunification and constrction cause, while laying a firm foundation for the relationship between Vietnam and Russia.

In March 2001, Vietnam and Russia signed a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership and promoting comprehensive cooperation in all fields.

The Vietsovpetro joint venture in Ba Ria-Vung Tau is a vivid manifestation of the close relationship between the two countries. As of January 1, 2015, the joint venture pumped 213 million tonnes of crude oil and nearly 25 billion cubic metres of gas, equivalent to 65 percent of the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), contributing importantly to socio-economic development of Vietnam in general and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province in particular.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau has so far inked memoranda of understanding on cooperation with authorities of Russia’s Rostov Na Dony and Sverdlovsk cities and Nenetsky Autonomous Region.-VNA