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.
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. /.
