The week-long event coincides with a programme to promote tourism, which was launched by the Vietnam Administration of Tourism. It aims to introduce Vietnamese culture and tourism potential to Russian friends.

A variety of activities were held, including music and dance performances, a seminar on Vietnamese and Russian literature, film screenings, and a photographic exhibition featuring Vietnam and its people calling for votes for Ha Long Bay as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.

Vietnam and Russia have a time-honoured relationship and strong solidarity. Last year, Vietnam welcomed more than 51,000 Russian visitors, up 68 percent over the same period last year.