The Vietnamese delegation included Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam, Nguyen Hoa Binh; Central Committee member and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Van Hung; and Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Dang Minh Khoi.
Representing the Russian Federation were Andrey Yatskin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, and O.B.Liubimova, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.
The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 1,000 audience members, consisting of Russians and Vietnamese living, studying, and working in the Russian Federation.
Delegates attending the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024.
Cultural, sports, and tourism cooperation is increasingly effective and outstanding
In his opening speech for the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung shared that, in realization of the Joint Statement on further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation, during President Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit to Vietnam on June 20th, and in anticipation of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation (1950-2025), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, in collaboration with relevant agencies, solemnly organized the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung delivers the opening speech at the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation.
Looking back on the nearly 75-year history of diplomatic relations, 30 years since the signing of the Treaty on Basic Principles of Friendly Relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, we are delighted to witness the strengthening of friendly relations and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Cultural, sports, and tourism cooperation has become increasingly close, effective, and outstanding, and people-to-people exchanges have been enhanced.
“This is an invaluable asset of the two peoples and a ‘fruition’ of the long journey that the two countries have embarked on together, overcoming countless difficulties and challenges, including the years of the Great Patriotic War and the cause of national construction and development. There is a Russian proverb that says, ‘An old friend is better than two new ones.’ Vietnam has a cultural tradition that says, ‘As long as the Earth keeps spinning and hearts keep beating, we will remain friends.'”, Minister Nguyen Van Hung shared.
One of the opening performances by artists from the Vietnam National Academy of Music.
Russia is a country with a grand historical legacy, not only endowed by nature with magnificent beauty but also boasting a vast cultural heritage, including numerous captivating architectural and artistic masterpieces. It is the homeland of world-renowned writers and poets, as well as unique cultural festivals.
“Similar to the great and beautiful country of Russia, Vietnam is also proud of its historical depth and cultural traditions, diverse natural and cultural tourism resources, with 33 UNESCO-recognized natural and cultural heritage sites, and a friendly and hospitable people.
In recent years, Vietnam has consistently been voted as a leading tourism destination in Asia, a leading cultural destination in Asia, a leading culinary destination in Asia, and has received numerous other prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards.”, the Minister informed.
Minister Nguyen Van Hung affirmed that the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024 is a vivid testament to the consolidation and promotion of the traditional friendship and special sentiments between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Minister Nguyen Van Hung affirmed that the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024 marked the beginning of a series of artistic performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and tourism promotion programs in Moscow, the ancient capital of St. Petersburg, and the city of Ulyanovsk, featuring distinctive cultural spaces. These events promise to showcase a “safe, friendly, peaceful, and hospitable Vietnam that is integrating and developing” to the Russian people.
“The Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024 is a vivid testament to the consolidation and promotion of the traditional friendship and special sentiments between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, which have been built and carefully nurtured by the leaders and people of the two countries over the years.”, Minister Nguyen Van Hung stated, as he declared the opening of the Vietnam Culture Days in the Russian Federation 2024.
Immerse yourself in the rich and unique culture of Vietnam
Speaking at the event, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation O.B.Liubimova affirmed that President Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit to Vietnam once again demonstrated the special attention that the two countries’ leaders have dedicated to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation at the highest level.
Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation O.B.Liubimova speaks at the ceremony.
According to Minister O.B.Liubimova, cultural cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation has a long history and is increasingly developing positively and effectively. This is evident in the successful organization of the Year of Vietnam in Russia and the Year of Russia in Vietnam, particularly the Russia Culture Days in Vietnam in 2023, which was a highlight of the Vietnam-Russia Cross-Year.
Within the framework of the Vietnam Culture Days in Russia, the Vietnamese side organized various events, including artistic performances, exhibitions, and tourism promotions, providing the audience and the public in Moscow and St. Petersburg with opportunities to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich and unique culture. Additionally, the two sides collaborated to organize the Vietnam Film Days in Moscow, introducing the latest award-winning films of Vietnamese cinema to Russian audiences.
“Today, at the Zaryadie Concert Hall in Moscow – one of the iconic stages of the Russian Federation, the audience will enjoy a special art program combining Vietnamese-Russian classical and chamber music, traditional music performances, and Vietnamese dance routines presented by artists from the Vietnam National Academy of Music and the Vietnam Contemporary Art Theater.
I believe that this special art program and related activities within the framework of the Vietnam Culture Days in Russia will be a meaningful gift, leaving unforgettable impressions on the audience and contributing to the further development of the Vietnam-Russia friendship. These memories will forever remain in the hearts of today’s audience.”, expressed Mrs. O.B.Liubimova.
The friendship between the two peoples of Vietnam and Russia has stood the test of time
At the ceremony, the First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, Andrey Yatskin, read a letter from Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia. The letter emphasized the long-standing friendship and mutual support between Vietnam and Russia as the foundation of their cooperative relationship.
“The important results of the comprehensive strategic partnership are manifested through regular political dialogues, cooperation between Party, State, and Parliament agencies, including collaboration between friendship parliamentarian groups and local authorities. This cooperation is constantly developing and expanding.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including film, museum, circus, and theater arts, plays an exceptionally important role in the traditional friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
In the Joint Statement on further deepening the Vietnam-Russia relations during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Vietnam on June 20, 2024, the leaders of the two countries acknowledged and highly appreciated the frequent organization of Culture Days in each country.”
First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, Andrey Yatskin, speaks at the event.
“With many activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Basic Principles of Friendly Relations and looking forward to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, these cultural events become even more significant as we approach the grand historical anniversaries of the two nations in 2025, including the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day… Today, we can proudly affirm that the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Russia has stood the test of time, just as a Vietnamese proverb says, ‘Fire tests gold, and adversity tests strength.’
The artistic performances were very well received by the Russian audience.
I believe that this significant cultural exchange, comprising artistic performances, exhibitions, introductions to the traditional Ao Dai costume, and film screenings, will help the Russian public gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, thereby contributing positively to the expansion and strengthening of bilateral relations.
I highly appreciate and thank the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, the Minister of Culture of Russia, and the organizers from both countries for their efforts in arranging this meaningful large-scale cultural event.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish the members of the Vietnamese delegation, distinguished guests, and the audience of the Vietnam Culture Days in Russia all the best and every success.”, expressed Mrs. Valentina Matvienko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia, in her letter.
The artistic performances celebrated the enduring friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Following the opening ceremony was a meticulously prepared and captivating artistic performance. The Vietnamese artists performed several pieces of Russian classical music, as well as Vietnamese classical music composed in the Russian style, showcasing the similarities and intersections of Vietnamese and Russian cultures.
Additionally, there were dance performances and demonstrations of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, introducing the distinctive characteristics of Vietnamese culture. The performances also showcased the beauty of Vietnam and Russia’s landscapes and people while celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations that has stood the test of time.
