On May 16^th, to celebrate the 65^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia, the Danang Union of Friendship Organizations (DAFO) and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association cooperated with related agencies to hold a Vietnamese-Russian Cultural Exchange in Da Nang at the Trung Vuong Theater.

The event was attended by city leaders and representatives from local government departments, associations, and organizations; along with the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association, and Russian communities in Da Nang anda large number of local people. They all enjoyed a variety of activities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, emphasized the support and tremendous help, in many aspects, from the former Soviet Union for Vietnam’s national liberation, reunification, and its implementation of socialism. These efforts laid a solid foundation for good relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Russian Federation today.

In Da Nang, the friendship and traditional cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened and enhanced by activities in the fields of solidarity, friendship, commerce and tourism. These events have been held regularly –and have proved popular with a large number of local people and Russian friends living and working in Da Nang.

This Exchange was organized to introduce Vietnamese and Russian cultures to people, to enhance mutual understanding, and to further mutual friendship and cooperation between the people of the two countries.

Ten cultural pavilions were provided by: the Consulate General of Russia; the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Da Nang city; Da Nang Women's Union; the Vietnam-Russia Bank in Da Nang; and selected Vietnam-Russia Friendship Branches.

These agencies and organizations introduced culinary arts of the two countries, bilateral cooperative products, and handicraft souvenirs. One particular pavilion was “A Photographic Exhibition” comprising a hundred photographs which displayed a history of the friendship & cooperation between Vietnam and Russia over the years. This attracted the attention of many people -especially students and youngsters, and Russian friends living and working in the city.

The highlight of this Cultural Exchange was “A Musical Performance Night” with unique songs and dances performed by singers and artists from Trung Vuong Theater’s Song and Dance Troupe, and students from Da Nang University.

Mr. Huynh Duc Truong, DAFO’s Chairman said: “The relationship between our two countries has demonstrated a special attachment, which has constantly developed -regardless of ups and downs of history and geographical distance. This important relationship has deepened over the years”. He stated his wish that this Exchange would leave a good impression on its audience, and would confirm the historic link between Vietnamese and Russian hearts, and deepen the friendship between the two countries.

Also on this night, the Consul-General of Russia in Da Nang presented prizes to five students from the Russian Department of the University of Foreign Language Studies, who were winners of a writing contest entitled: “The Significance of the Victory over Fascism’’.

VNF/DAFO