Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan is on a working visit to Russia from September 14-18 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Olga Golodet.

As part of the visit, on September 15, Deputy PM Nhan met with members of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association (RVFA) and veterans who had assisted Vietnam during the wartime.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese people will always keep in mind the precious help of the Russian people during the past struggle for independence as well as the current national construction and defence.

He hailed the significant contributions that the RVFA has made to the development of bilateral ties, which have been lifted up to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Deputy PM said he hopes that the association will continue promoting its role as a bridge linking the two nations.

RVFA President Vladimir Byuanov pledged that the association will make further contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Russian veterans expressed their delight at the current development of Vietnam and hope to have more chances to visit the country and meet their Vietnamese comrades.

Earlier the same day, Deputy PM Nhan paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the square of his name in Moscow.-VNA