The first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum: Dialogue mechanism deepens the friendship between the two countries

On September 30, in Hanoi, the ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation and the opening of the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum took place. Mr. Tran Hong Ha, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister attended and spoke at the program.

Also attending the event were Mr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Mr. Phan Chi Hieu, Deputy Minister of Justice , Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association; Mr. Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam; Mr. Evgeny Grigoriev, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg City (Russian Federation); and representatives of ministries, branches, organizations, localities, intellectuals, scholars, businesses and people's organizations of the two countries.

The event was jointly organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations , the Saint Petersburg Foreign Affairs Committee, the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association and the Russia - Vietnam Cooperation Development Promotion Fund "Tradition and Friendship".

Delegates attending the ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation and the opening of the first Vietnam-Russia People's Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

People's dialogue: The foundation of understanding and cooperation between Vietnam and Russia

Speaking at the program, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highly appreciated the initiative of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg City and the Friendship Association of the two countries to initiate and organize the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum. This is not only a practical contribution of people's diplomacy to the implementation of major orientations of the comprehensive strategic partnership but also opens a new chapter, an effective dialogue mechanism to further deepen the understanding and trust between the people of the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha speaks at the ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations and the opening of the first Vietnam-Russia People's Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that the close friendship between the two nations is a special relationship with a long history, tempered through the vicissitudes of time, and cultivated by many generations of leaders and people of the two countries. He recalled the historical milestone of 1923 when leader Nguyen Ai Quoc set foot in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg), opening the historical bond between the two nations. During the resistance war against colonialism, the Soviet Union became one of the first countries to recognize Vietnam (1950), contributing intelligence, youth, and soldiers to support Vietnam in gaining independence. The friendship continues to shine in national construction, with many century-old projects such as Thang Long Bridge, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, Vietsovpetro Oil and Gas Joint Venture...

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, there are few nations that have such a deep place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people as the Russian people and country. That makes the difference and the everlasting vitality of the Vietnam - Russian Federation relationship. That sentiment goes beyond the framework of politics or economics, it is the harmony of souls, the connection of cultures and the respect for the noble human values ​​that the two nations share.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that deep strategic trust and loyal affection are the solid foundation for the two countries to open a new era of cooperation, more comprehensive and stronger than ever. Vietnam always attaches special importance to and identifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Russian Federation as one of the top priorities in its foreign policy.

Based on important agreements reached during recent high-level visits, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said the two countries will continue to strongly promote the pillars of cooperation. In terms of economy, effectively exploit the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, expand investment in areas where both sides have strengths, continue the success of Vietsovpetro, Rusvietpetro and projects of enterprises of the two countries. In terms of energy - science and technology, develop oil and gas joint ventures, towards renewable energy, nuclear technology centers; promote the role of the Vietnam - Russia Tropical Center. Defense - security continues to be a pillar of special and trustworthy cooperation, contributing to peace and common stability. In terms of education - training, cooperation in human resource training is the driving force and center of friendship connection. Vietnam will continue to send 1,000 students to study in Russia each year, and this number needs to increase further in the fields of science, technology, and arts.

The Deputy Prime Minister highly appreciated the role of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association, the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association and people's organizations of the two countries in fostering relations. He believed that the Vietnam-Russia People's Forum would become an important dialogue mechanism where people from all walks of life, intellectuals, scientists, artists, businessmen, especially the young generation of the two countries, would meet, exchange, share and propose initiatives.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko speaks at the program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his congratulatory speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko said that the Russian Federation attaches special importance to people-to-people diplomacy, based on the spirit of voluntariness and equality, because this is the way to promote the creative potential of the masses, promote grassroots initiatives and unite countries and peoples, making the world more stable and secure. People-to-people diplomacy effectively complements the activities of diplomatic agencies, bringing flexibility in decisions and practical content to bilateral cooperation programs.

The Ambassador emphasized the important role of friendship associations in connecting scientific, cultural, educational, youth, women's, trade union and business organizations of the two countries, thereby strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Russia. He believed that the Forum would contribute to maintaining an atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual understanding, making the Vietnam - Russian Federation relationship increasingly effective and sustainable.

Opportunities for connection and cooperation

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum, Mr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, said that the Forum being held on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is an important milestone. The Forum is an opportunity to proudly look back and deeply evaluate the past 75 years, affirm the values ​​and fundamental principles of friendship, solidarity and mutual assistance between Vietnam and the Russian Federation; exchange measures to promote people-to-people exchanges, enhance understanding and trust, raise common awareness of each other's social life, and establish cooperation between organizations, businesses and associations. The Forum also discussed areas of cooperation and potential, with the connection of people-to-people diplomacy in science - technology, health, economy - trade, tourism, culture, education, arts and local exchanges.

Mr. Phan Anh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, delivered the opening speech at the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Phan Anh Son said that this is also an opportunity to learn more about the country, people, culture of Vietnam and the Russian Federation, so that localities, people's organizations, associations, businesses, intellectuals, and youth of the two countries can expand their connections. In the workshops, the Organizing Committee hopes to listen to the assessments and suggestions of experts and delegates on cooperation contents that can be implemented to make more positive contributions to the special friendship, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. He believes that the exchanges will be lively, creative, bringing many feasible ideas, contributing to consolidating and deepening the traditional friendship, promoting Vietnam - Russia relations in the new period.

Within the framework of the program, speakers presented papers on the topic "75 years of Vietnam - Russia diplomatic relations: history, current situation and prospects for cooperation". Delegates emphasized the bridging role of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, the Saint Petersburg government, businesses and the Vietnamese community in Russia in promoting comprehensive cooperation in many fields, from economy, education, culture to science and technology. At the same time, they proposed connection mechanisms, direct investment, youth exchange, digital economic development and education of the young generation, to deepen the friendship and long-term cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

Mr. Phan Chi Hieu, Deputy Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association presented a speech at the Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Phan Chi Hieu, Deputy Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, said that the predecessor was the Vietnam - Soviet Union Friendship Association established in 1950. Over the past 75 years, the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association has always been a bridge connecting the people of the two countries, from mobilizing support for Vietnam during the resistance war to promoting economic, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation during the period of renovation and integration.

Entering the new phase, the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association has identified a number of key tasks: thoroughly grasping and effectively implementing the people's foreign policy of the Party and State, closely following the orientation of the Vietnam - Russian Federation Comprehensive Strategic Partnership until 2030; perfecting the organization, developing a widespread network of branches, focusing on attracting young members, improving the operational efficiency of the Vietnam - Russia Cooperation Center; innovating operating methods, aiming at practical programs, linked to reality, promoting exchanges and connections between localities, organizations, research and training facilities of the two countries, effectively implementing the cooperation agreement for the period 2025 - 2030.

Mr. Evgeny Grigoriev, Chairman of the Saint Petersburg Foreign Affairs Committee, presented a speech at the Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Evgeny Grigoriev, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg, said that the relationship between the city and Vietnam has a long history, linked to the event in 1923 when Nguyen Ai Quoc set foot in Petrograd. Since August 2020, according to the decision of Governor Alexander Beglov, Vietnam has been identified as one of the foreign policy priorities of Saint Petersburg.

He emphasized that the city's goal is to strengthen connections not only at the government level but also to extend to the people, social organizations and youth, because people's diplomacy will build bridges of understanding and mutual respect. In recent years, cooperation has achieved many concrete results: youth of the two countries maintain dozens of annual exchange activities; economic cooperation has expanded in the fields of construction, logistics, industry, information technology; and vibrant cultural exchanges, including the project to build a monument to Soviet and Vietnamese experts.

According to Mr. Grigoriev, direct contacts between youth, intellectuals, businesses and the cultural community have created an atmosphere of trust and openness - the foundation for expanding cooperation in many fields, from business, tourism to education and humanitarian affairs. He believes that the immediate task is to have an effective mechanism for regular exchange of information and experience, to build a long-term cooperation program covering key areas (economy, environment, health, social services...) and to support the young generation - the force that will bring new vitality to traditional forms of cooperation between Saint Petersburg and Vietnam.

Ms. Thai Huong, Chairwoman of TH Group's Strategy Council, presented a speech at the Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Hero of Labor Thai Huong, Founder and Chairwoman of the TH Group Strategy Council, said that the Russian government under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin has issued many policies to promote internal strength, consistently and responsibly in calling for investment. Up to now, all support programs and policies for TH projects have been maintained as in the beginning, demonstrating the steadfastness of the Russian Federation.

According to her, not only the consistent policy from the central government, but also the solidarity and smooth coordination from the Federal government to the governors and local departments have created favorable conditions for the project implementation process. Currently, TH Group has invested in farms and milk processing plants in Moscow, Kaluga, Primorskiy Krai and Bashkortostan, of which two farms in Moscow and Kaluga have been put into operation. In May 2025, TH inaugurated a fresh milk processing plant in Kaluga, marking a new milestone in its investment strategy in Russia.

Ms. Thai Huong said that the project has reclaimed tens of thousands of hectares of land, turning them into fields of wheat, grass, corn, and sorghum; created nearly 500 local jobs and will expand in the future. In the next step, TH will deploy a genetic center and develop high-yielding cows, transfer production technology and embryo implantation from Vietnam, contributing to improving the productivity of the Russian dairy industry.

Mr. Do Xuan Hoang, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Organizations in the Russian Federation, presented a speech at the Forum. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Do Xuan Hoang, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Organizations in the Russian Federation, said that the current international economic context has created both challenges and opportunities for the Vietnam-Russia economic relationship to develop more deeply. However, to take advantage of the effectiveness, cooperation cannot stop at trade but needs to strongly promote direct investment. He emphasized that although the two countries have particularly good political relations and a high level of trust, bilateral direct investment is still not commensurate, mainly focusing on state-owned projects, while the private sector is still limited.

To resolve the issue, Mr. Hoang proposed to study a unified support mechanism, such as the Advisory Council model, with the participation of state agencies, businesses, experts and social organizations. This mechanism will support the promotion of direct contact, experience sharing, providing comprehensive information to businesses and participating in policy consultation, thereby helping the two countries comprehensively introduce their investment needs and opportunities.

He emphasized the potential for cooperation in the digital economy. Both countries have a great need for digital platforms for payments, trade, logistics, public services and mobile applications. To promote this, it is necessary to increase the exchange of experience in policy making, training IT human resources, discovering talents, as well as establishing IT parks with preferential conditions, including tax and residence regimes.

In addition, cultural exchanges need to be systematically implemented and invested appropriately, because this is the social foundation for the long-term development of relations between the two countries. He proposed to strengthen the Vietnamese studies sector in Russia and popularize Russian in Vietnam, in order to ensure bilingual human resources to directly serve socio-economic cooperation.

Mr. Hoang also paid attention to educating the younger generation about historical truth, preventing attempts to distort and revise history that could cause division and social instability. Finally, he expressed his wish that the Vietnamese community in Russia would participate in building a monument honoring the labor cooperation between Vietnamese people and Soviet and Russian experts, as a symbol of friendship, remembering the contributions of tens of thousands of engineers, doctors, teachers, sailors, geologists... who stood side by side with Vietnam during difficult years.

Delegates attending the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum pose for a souvenir photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum took place over two days (September 30 - October 1) with three thematic seminars: Science, technology, health: new driving force for people-to-people cooperation; Economy, trade, law and tourism: Opportunities and prospects; Culture, education, art: connecting heritage and future; and a plenary session with the theme People-to-people exchange and local cooperation.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dien-dan-nhan-dan-viet-nga-lan-thu-nhat-co-che-doi-thoai-lam-sau-sac-tinh-huu-nghi-hai-nuoc-216643.html