​On April 10, the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi warmly welcomed a delegation of students from Irkutsk – one of the major cities in Siberia, famous for Lake Baikal and its multicultural heritage. The visit is part of the "School Diplomacy" project organized by the Irkutsk province Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association "Baikal" in collaboration with "Youth Without Borders," implemented with the support of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi.

 

Enhancing understanding of the culture and history of both countries

This initiative aims to connect the youth of both countries through practical experiences, dialogue, and educational cooperation. The activities during this occasion not only spark interest in each other's history, culture, and language but also lay the foundation for a long - lasting, strong relationship between the two nations. Andrey Akhmadulin, Chairman of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association of Irkutsk province "Baikal" stated that the event holds special significance as it takes place in 2025 - the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Vietnam, contributing to deepening the traditional friendship between Russia and Vietnam through vibrant connections from the younger generation. At the same time, both countries also commemorate many significant events such as the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 135th Anniversary of the Birth of President Ho Chi Minh, the 80th Anniversary of National Day, and the 50th Anniversary of National Reunification.

During the preparation for the trip, the organizing board held several presentations about Vietnam, helping students gain a closer understanding of the history and traditions of the country. In particular, the students learned about President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Irkutsk on July 9-10, 1955, and the contributions of Bazyr Vampilov in supporting the establishment of the Revolutionary Museum in Hanoi. He was a Soviet expert who studied at the Eastern Communist Labor University in the 1930s, where he had the opportunity to meet President Ho Chi Minh.

The delegation visiting Bat Trang pottery village.

During their one - week stay in Vietnam, students from various classes of five secondary schools in Irkutsk participated in a exchange program, exploring the cultural life and landscapes of Vietnam, and interacting with Vietnamese students. The Irkutsk student delegation had a packed schedule, visiting Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature, and Bat Trang pottery village, where they had the chance to make pottery and create handcrafted products with their personal touches. One of the highlights was the visit to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh) – the first and only cultural and natural heritage site in Southeast Asia.

Bridges of friendship

Being called "School Diplomacy", the program for young Russian students includes visits and exchanges with Amsterdam High School (in Hanoi), a trip to Bat Trang pottery village, the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace, the Vietnam Revolution Museum, and several other locations. These activities help Russian and Vietnamese high school students understand each other better; they allow young Russians to directly learn about schools, urban life, traditional crafts, and some aspects of Vietnamese culture. However, the most profound experiences are perhaps the encounters with students from specialized schools in Hanoi, such as Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Foreign Language High School, and especially Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted. Handshakes, friendly smiles, curious glances, and eager inquiries have transcended all language barriers.

 

An interesting fact is that among the group of students coming to Vietnam this time, there are some who can communicate basic Vietnamese. This shows the growing interest of the younger generation in Irkutsk towards Vietnam. In fact, Irkutsk used to be a training center for Vietnamese specialists in various fields, and now, this generation of descendants is continuing to maintain that connection through language. After this trip, the organizers hope that more students will be interested in learning Vietnamese. Conversely, schools and universities in Vietnam will also be motivated to establish exchange and educational cooperation programs with localities in Russia. This trip of the Irkutsk student delegation is not merely a cultural exchange journey. It is a clear testament to the strong vitality and renewal in Vietnam - Russia relations, especially as the younger generation becomes a central factor in nurturing, preserving, and developing the friendship between the two nations.

According to the Chairman of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association in Irkutsk province "Baikal," Andrey Akhmadulin, "school diplomacy" is a sustainable investment for Vietnam - Russia relations. The feelings of friendship sown from a young age will develop into a solid foundation for cooperation in science, education, trade, and culture in the future. "We believe that the more young people from both countries have direct contact, learn about the history, culture, and Vietnam - Russia relations... the stronger and more vibrant the friendship between our two nations will be," emphasized Mr. Andrey Akhmadulin.

After the trip, the Russian delegation hopes to expand the cooperation model, connecting with more high schools and universities in Vietnam. Both sides are promoting initiatives such as: organizing a "Russian Culture Week" in Vietnam; publishing a book about President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Irkutsk, and a magazine introducing Irkutsk in Vietnamese; organizing Vietnamese film screenings in Irkutsk... In particular, a very interesting idea is to establish cooperative relations between the figure skating federations of both countries for sports exchanges and training young talents.

During the visit to Vietnam, the leaders of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association of Irkutsk also visited and worked with Ha Long University; the two units signed a cooperation document.

The Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association of Irkutsk working with the leadership of Ha Long University.

 
The Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association of Irkutsk and the leadership of Ha Long University signing a cooperation document.