Vietnam–Russia People’s Forum strengthens ties in culture, education and economic cooperation

THE HANOI TIMES — The 1st Vietnam–Russia People’s Forum opened in Hanoi today [September 30] on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marking a new chapter in people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha praised the initiative of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg, and the friendship associations of both countries.

He said that the forum is a concrete contribution to people-to-people diplomacy, providing an effective dialogue mechanism to strengthen trust, understanding and connections between the two peoples.

Representing Vietnam’s leadership, the deputy prime minister expressed gratitude for the support of the Soviet Union and Russia in Vietnam’s independence and national development, recalling fondly his teachers, friends and the kind Russian people from his time studying there.

Ha said that the  Vietnam–Russia friendship has a long and unique history, tested through many challenges and nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens. It includes the milestone of 1923, when President Ho Chi Minh first set foot in Petrograd, to the Soviet Union’s support during Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

The friendship was marked through iconic projects, such as the Thang Long Bridge, Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant and Vietsovpetro, showing an enduring bond for bilateral relations.

He stressed that strategic trust and steadfast loyalty form a solid base for a new era of  comprehensive cooperation , encompassing the economy, energy, defense and security, education, science and technology.

Vietnam expects to send more students to Russia to exceed the current annual number of 1,000 for science, technology and arts training.

Speaking at the event, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko affirmed that Russia attaches great importance to people-to-people diplomacy as a complementary channel to official diplomacy.

He highlighted the role of friendship associations, scientific, cultural and educational organizations, as well as businesses, in strengthening the Vietnam–Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Phan Anh Son, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), said the event is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the countries, people and cultures of Vietnam and the Russian Federation. It allows localities, organizations, associations, businesses, intellectuals and youth from both countries to expand their connections.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu added that the association, with its 75-year history, will continue fostering connections among localities and young people while implementing the 2025–2030 cooperation agreement.

From a local perspective, Evgeny Grigoriev, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee for External Relations, said that Vietnam has become the city’s foreign affairs priority since 2020.

He noted significant achievements in youth exchanges, economic cooperation and cultural interaction, while calling for long-term mechanisms to share information and experiences, with the younger generation carrying forward the tradition of friendship.

Entrepreneur Thai Huong, Founder of Vietnam’s TH Group, shared her experience investing in Russia with dairy farming and processing projects in Moscow, Kaluga, Primorsky Krai and Bashkortostan.

She praised Russia’s consistent policies and close coordination between federal and local authorities, which have created favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses. TH Group has turned tens of thousands of hectares into fertile farmland, created hundreds of local jobs and plans to expand with a genetics center and high-yield cattle development program.

Do Xuan Hoang, President of the Association of Vietnamese Organizations in Russia, highlighted the need to boost direct investment, stressing that current cooperation remains largely state-owned while private sector engagement is limited.

Hoang proposed a joint advisory council to support businesses, promote digital economy cooperation and establish industrial parks with tax and residency incentives. He also stressed the importance of cultural exchange and bilingual education as a sustainable foundation for bilateral ties.

The 1st Vietnam–Russia People’s Forum, taking place on September 30-October 1, will feature thematic workshops on science–technology and healthcare; economy, trade, law and tourism; and culture, education and arts, along with a plenary session on people-to-people and decentralized cooperation.

Delegates agreed that people-to-people dialogue is the cornerstone of strengthening traditional friendship and unlocking the full potential of comprehensive Vietnam–Russia cooperation.