Ho Chi Minh City seeks bigger role in strengthening Vietnam-Russia ties

Nguyen Loc Ha, deputy chairman of the city’s administration, made the remarks while speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Russian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday to celebrate the 36th anniversary of Russia’s National Day (June 12).

He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Russia and contributing to the continued strengthening of Vietnam-Russia relations.

On behalf of the city’s authorities and residents, Ha extended congratulations to Russian Consul General Timur Sadykov, consulate staff, and the Russian community living, studying, and working in the southern metropolis.

He said Russia’s National Day provided an opportunity to share in the joy of the Russian people while reflecting on the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia, which generations of leaders and citizens of both countries have worked to nurture.

Ha noted that following the expansion of Ho Chi Minh City's administrative boundaries through its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau in July last year, the city now maintains sister-city relationships with nine Russian localities at various levels.

Exchanges of delegations, people-to-people ties, and cooperation in science and technology, transportation, tourism, and trade between the city and its Russian partners have continued to expand in recent years.

As Vietnam’s leading economic, financial, cultural, educational, and science and technology hub, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to further expand cooperation with Russian partners while contributing to the deepening of the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of both peoples and for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, Ha said.

He underscored that the former Soviet Union and present-day Russia have always been sincere, steadfast, and trusted friends of the Vietnamese Party, state, and people.

He described Vietnam-Russia relations as a traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership that has stood the test of time and remained resilient amid shifts in the global landscape.

Ha said Vietnam always remembers and values the significant support provided by the people of the former Soviet Union and Russia during the country's struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as its subsequent development efforts.

He also praised Sadykov’s contributions during more than five years of service in Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite numerous challenges, the Russian consul general and his colleagues have served as an important bridge in promoting political, economic, and cultural diplomacy, as well as people-to-people exchanges between Ho Chi Minh City and Russian partners, Ha said.

For his part, Sadykov said Russia’s National Day offers an opportunity for Russians to reflect on their country's history, including periods of hardship, war, challenges, and victories that have shaped the nation's identity and spirit.

He said Russia’s strength lies in its history, faith, and people.

The consul general noted that Russia and Vietnam share many historical similarities, having both endured war, sacrifice, and struggles for national independence.

Those shared experiences have fostered a unique understanding and close bond between the peoples of the two countries, he said.

Sadykov expressed confidence in the commitment of both countries' leaders to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

He also thanked Ho Chi Minh City authorities, friendship organizations, veterans, businesses, and the Vietnamese people for helping preserve and develop Vietnam-Russia relations over the years.

Concluding his remarks, Sadykov expressed hope that the traditional friendship between the two nations would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.