Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev speak at the launching ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnam Year in Russia and the Russia Year in Vietnam were launched at a ceremony in Moscow on May 22 night, with the Prime Ministers of the two countries attending.

The event took place during the ongoing official visit to Russia from May 20-23 by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, made at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Dmitry A. Medvedev.

In his remarks, PM Phuc highlighted the close relations between the two countries and recalled the signing of the treaty on fundamental principles of Vietnam-Russia friendship 25 years ago, describing it as opening up a new chapter for the bilateral ties.

“The Vietnam Year in Russia and Russia Year in Vietnam aim to mark the 25^th anniversary of the treaty on basic principles for bilateral relations (1994-2019), and 70^th anniversary of the diplomatic ties (1950-2020), and to further increase the friendship, brotherhood and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries,” he added.

Art performances at the event. (Photo: VNA)

The important event will be held with hundreds of activities relating to exchanges, ceremonies, and trade and investment promotion held across Vietnam and Russia. Apart from unique art performances, the two peoples will have more new experience in Vietnamese and Russian countries, cultures and peoples, bringing them multi-dimensional visions on current life as well as the history of the bilateral relationship.

PM Phuc said he believes that more people will come to Vietnam and Russia to work, travel and study, and more businesses from the two countries will set up cooperation, helping to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership.

For his part, PM Medvedev also emphasised the special and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, as well as their resolve to consolidate the relationship.

Russia rejoiced at the achievements Vietnam has recorded in socio-economic development, and the promotion of its prestige in the region and the world at large, the host said.

The leader said Russians like exploring Vietnamese history, arts and culture, adding that more than 600,000 Russians visited the Southeast Asian nation last year.

About 700 guests at the ceremony were treated to a special art performance staged by Vietnamese artists.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) presents a Dong Ho folk painting to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (R). (Photo:VNA)

Delegates watch the making of a Dong Ho folk painting by Vietnamese artisans. (Photo: VNA)

Earlier, the two PMs visited a painting and photo exhibition featuring culture, land and people of the two countries./.

VNF