Russia-Vietnam People-to-People Diplomacy Forum opens in Saint Petersburg

The second Russia-Vietnam People-to-People Diplomacy Forum has officially opened in Saint Petersburg at the Festival International Youth Cultural Center. The event brought together approximately 150 delegates, including officials from the Saint Petersburg Foreign Relations Committee, scientists, experts, and business representatives.

A high-level delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front, led by Pham Tat Thang, participated in the forum. The event aims to strengthen friendship and promote comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, building upon the comprehensive strategic partnership reinforced by recent high-level state visits.

During the forum, representatives met with the Vietnamese community in Russia, which is estimated to number around 80,000 people. In Saint Petersburg specifically, the community includes long-term residents, workers, and students who have integrated into local life while maintaining their cultural identity. Discussions focused on economic contributions, cultural preservation, and upcoming initiatives such as Vietnam Cultural Day and the Great National Unity Festival to promote Vietnamese identity abroad.