Moscow (VNA) - A vibrant series of cultural diplomacy events is underway across Russia to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia (1950–2025).
Organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in coordination with Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and authorities in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the events celebrate the Vietnamese people’s rich cultural heritage.
The initiative is further highlighted by the presence of Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation.
On July 24, Madam Ly met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko to discuss bilateral cooperation in culture and education.
She conveyed warm greetings from General Secretary To Lam to President Putin, while Chernyshenko extended Putin’s regards in return. He praised the outcomes of the General Secretary’s visit to Russia in May and announced Russia would send a delegation to Vietnam for the 80th National Day.
Madam Ly expressed gratitude for Russia’s hospitality and emphasised the significance of continued cultural exchange. She highlighted Russia’s support for the first Vietnamese Cultural Festival at Red Square, calling it a valuable opportunity to promote Vietnamese arts and traditions to Russian citizens and the international community.
Deputy PM Chernyshenko reaffirmed Russia’s support for expanding educational ties, including increasing scholarships for Vietnamese students in fields such as culture and science. He also backed the introduction of Vietnamese language classes in schools with many Vietnamese students and praised the Vietnamese community for its industriousness and respect for local law.
The highlight of Madam Ly’s visit was the opening of the “Vietnam – Colours from the Tropics” Cultural Festival at Moscow’s Red Square on July 25.
In her address, she thanked the Russian Government and city of Moscow, underscoring the long-standing friendship between the two countries. She spoke of shared history, teacher-student relationships that trained Vietnamese leaders, and deep-rooted ties within many Vietnamese–Russian families.
Russian Federation Council Deputy Chairman Andrei Yatskin, representing Speaker Valentina Matvienko, welcomed the festival’s opening in Moscow’s most hospitable square, underscoring the event as a celebration of the enduring friendship between the two peoples.
He noted that the high level of trust between President Putin and General Secretary To Lam had enabled rapid progress in many areas, particularly in culture and humanitarian cooperation, with the Vietnamese Cultural Festival serving as a clear example. Yatskin expressed confidence that during the festival days, Moscow residents and visitors would enjoy a truly memorable experience.
On July 23, Madam Ly visited a Vietnamese language class for children at the Hanoi–Moscow Multifunctional Complex (INCENTRA).
Deeply moved by their fluency and connection to Vietnam, she reaffirmed language as a sacred link to cultural identity. She emphasised that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and gifted the students with Vietnamese books.
Upon arriving in Moscow on July 22, Madam Ly also met with staff at the Vietnamese Embassy and members of the local Vietnamese community.
On the morning of July 24, she laid flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Moscow./.
