Speaking at the ceremony, Pham Duc Hai, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Council, highlighted the Vietnam – Russia traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation have been cultivated by Vietnamese and Russian leaders and people over nearly seven decades since the countries established diplomatic relations in 1945.
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A traditional art performance of Russian artists at the event |
On behalf of the city’s authorities, Hai reviewed the outcomes of the May visit to Russia by a Ho Chi Minh City delegation, led by Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan. The visit had given a boost to the bilateral ties, with a roadmap set up for 2018 – 2020 cooperation between the southern economic hub and Saint Petersburg.
The official said the collaboration and relations between HCM City and other Russian localities like Sverdlovsk province, Vladivostok city and Moscow have been developed across municipal fields, including tourism, education, construction, health care, transport and smart city building.
Aleksey Popov, Russian Consul General in HCM City, stated Vietnam is a time-honoured friend and a trustworthy and important partner of Russia.
According to the diplomat, Vietnam – Russia comprehensive strategic partnership covers all arenas. Regular meetings of the two countries’ leaders have brought about practical results, as reflected through increased political dialogues, and better cooperation in economics – trade, science – technology, defence, military technology, and humanitarian activities.
He praised HCM City’s active engagements with Russia and congratulated the local authorities on their successful visit to his country last May.
In 2017, HCM – Russia trade was close to 324 million USD, and Russian arrivals in the southern hub were recorded at nearly 180,000.
Russia is currently investing in 28 projects worth 35 million USD in the city.
Source: VNA