​On May 24, 2025, in Hai Duong City, the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association held the 17th National Conference. The event took place right after the 75th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam - Soviet Union Friendship Association/ Traditional Day of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, which was solemnly held in Hanoi on May 23, 2025. The conference aimed to evaluate the results of activities in the first six months of 2025, propose recommendations for solutions to enhance the effectiveness of people - to - people diplomacy, and promote the role of the younger generation, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs in fostering Vietnam - Russia cooperation in various fields.

Delegates attending the 17th national conference

Attending the conference were Mr. Phan Chi Hieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association; Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung - Vice Chairman of Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee; representatives of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association; representatives of partner agencies and units in Vietnam and the Russian Federation; along with representatives of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association from 31 provinces and cities across the country.

 

Speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu and Vice Chairman of Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Minh Hung affirmed that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and the Russian Federation was laid down by President Ho Chi Minh and has been nurtured by many generations of leaders and the people of both countries throughout history. The Vietnamese people always remember the tremendous, sincere, and effective support of the former Soviet Union and today’s Russian Federation for Vietnam during the two wars for national independence, as well as in the process of defending and building the homeland during the period of renewal.
According to Vice Chairman of Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Minh Hung, the province always pays attention to and closely directs agencies and units to effectively implement people's external affairs, including the activities of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association in Hai Duong province. The Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association in Hai Duong province has attracted a large number of members, carried out many activities, and has become a bridge for Vietnamese people who have studied, worked, and lived in Russia. It introduced the potential, strengths, and achievements in socio-economic development as well as the rich cultural history of the province.

Vice Chairman of Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Minh Hung presents flowers to congratulate the Conference.

At the Conference, the delegates reflected on the development journey of the Association, shared experiences, and proposed solutions to enhance the quality of people - to - people in the new phase. Many opinions emphasized the role of the younger generation, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs in promoting cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, especially in the fields of culture, education, science - technology, and communication.
Representative of the Russia - Vietnam  Friendship Association, Ms. Svetlana Evgenevna Galzunova, shared that during many generations, the bond between Vietnam and the Russian Federation has always remained strong. She personally considers the beautiful country of Vietnam as her second homeland. Ms. Svetlana also expressed her joy at seeing the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association continuously develop with many associations in localities across the country and various branches. She hopes that through the newly established Vietnam - Russia Cooperation Center, cooperation between the two countries will be further deepened in all areas.

In summarizing the conference, the President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Phan Chi Hieu, who is also the President of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association, suggested that from now until the end of 2025, all levels of the association should continue to review their plans and working programs to ensure practical and effective activities. The Central Association should also focus on effectively carrying out tasks such as preparing to participate in the first Vietnam - Russia People's Forum and developing regulations for the international Vietnam - Russia creativity competition for children based on diverse content and forms of the international children's painting contest "I Paint Vietnam - I Paint Russia." In the coming time, after completing the provincial merger, local associations will continue to organize congresses as planned.

In particular, it is necessary to focus on implementing the activities of the Vietnam - Russia Cooperation Center. The Center will be a focal point to promote cooperation between Vietnam in general and provinces and cities in particular with the Russian Federation in all fields of economy, trade, science and technology; education, culture, and tourism.