Opening of the Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center in Saint-Petersburg

On July 28, a cultural space imbued with Russian-Vietnamese friendship appeared in the second largest city of the Russian Federation.

The first Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center in the Northern capital of Russia - Saint Petersburg was opened at the Herzen State Pedagogical University.

The event took place in the year the two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and continued a series of vibrant cultural activities since General Secretary To Lam's visit to Russia last May.

The Center's activities will be aimed at developing joint educational projects, conducting scientific research and seminars, as well as organizing events related to the dissemination of culture, history and traditions of the two countries.

The cultural center will become an important platform to enhance humanitarian and academic cooperation between the two countries.

At the opening ceremony attended by the wife of General Secretary Ngo Phuong Ly, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi, member of the City Government Evgheny Grigoriev, and Russian State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Education Andrei Korneev, the opening of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Center was a turning point in the lives of the two brotherly countries.

"The opening of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Center will build a bridge of friendship between the people of the two countries and is a symbol of the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two countries," affirmed Mr. Andrey Korneev.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, General Secretary Ngo Phuong Ly's wife emphasized the importance of the long-term relationship in the fields of culture and education between the two countries, which is an important element of the special traditional relationship, nurtured over many generations on the foundation of trust, loyalty and sharing.

The Lady pointed out that Soviet and Russian universities in general, and Herzen University in particular, were the cradles for training cadres, intellectuals, engineers, doctors, artists, etc. for Vietnam.

According to the Lady, in the context of a turbulent world, culture and art are always strong bonds connecting people, connecting nations, overcoming all barriers of language, religion or borders, having the power to move people's souls and feelings, spreading positive messages through artistic perception.

“The establishment of the Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center right at a university with a long tradition and influence like Herzen University is of great significance. This will be a space for the intersection of two rich cultures, where students, lecturers and those who love Vietnam can learn more deeply about the country, people, language and art of Vietnam," affirmed Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly.

The Madam believes that with a solid foundation and broad vision, Herzen University will continue to be a trusted address for generations of Vietnamese students to study and research, and at the same time be a bright spot in the educational cooperation relationship between the two countries.

A corner introducing Vietnamese ao dai. (Photo: Tam Hang/VNA)

The Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center will truly become a common home - a place where the intelligence, emotions and enthusiasm of those who love peace, culture and the Vietnam-Russia friendship converge.

On behalf of the school's leadership, Rector Sergey Tarasov highlighted the significance of the first Russian-Vietnamese cultural space at the school, continuing the tradition of friendship that many generations of Vietnamese students at the school have built together.

Mr. Tarasov thanked the exquisite artistic gifts including the book series “Ho Chi Minh with Vietnam-Russia friendship” and the painting “Khue Van Cac” that his wife presented to the Center and believed that the newly opened center will become a foundation for further developing the relationship between the two countries.

As if to realize that idea soon, the space displayed an exhibition of paintings by Russian and Vietnamese artists "Cultural Dialogue in the Language of Art," where the portrait of Uncle Ho in his youth by Russian artist Tuman Zhumabaev was displayed next to sketches of Saint Petersburg by People's Artist Ngo Manh Lan. These works "whisper about the exchange across oceans and times," as the exhibition introduction wrote.

And in the Vietnamese-Russian art performance program held at the school's Marble Hall, Russian artists played Vietnamese music, Vietnamese artists played Russian music with traditional instruments, and the ao dai became more graceful and charming with the smiles of Russian girls.

With the active support of the St. Petersburg Committee for Foreign Affairs, Herzen State Pedagogical University has been continuously developing cooperation with Vietnam over the past 7 years through educational programs, scientific and educational events, as well as cooperation with leading Vietnamese universities.

Several new agreements were signed earlier this year during a working visit to Vietnam by the Rector of Herzen State Pedagogical University.

The school maintains contact with its alumni associations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, coordinates two Russian language training centers and teaches Russian at universities in Da Nang and Hanoi./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/khai-truong-trung-tam-van-hoa-nga-viet-tai-saint-petersburg-post1052402.vnp