2nd Russia-Vietnam People's Diplomacy Forum boosts substantive ties

The opening ceremony drew nearly 150 delegates, including representatives from the Saint Petersburg External Relations Committee, Vyborgsky District leadership, local scholars, experts, business figures, and residents.

The Vietnamese side was represented by a high-level delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee led by Pham Tat Thang, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations.

The delegation also included leaders from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), provincial and municipal delegates, research institutes, and domestic enterprises.

The event commenced with artistic performances featuring the distinct melodies, rhythms, and cultures of both nations, followed by welcome remarks from Saint Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov and a video message from Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi.

In messages to the forum, officials from both sides highlighted the gathering’s role in reinforcing the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through people-to-people channels. They noted that the unprecedented high level of political trust between top leaders was further strengthened and clearly directed following General Secretary of the Communist Part of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam’s state visit to Russia in September.

Leaders expressed confidence that the forum will open up opportunities for practical, effective cooperation, yielding concrete projects, new partnerships, and strong momentum for joint initiatives.

Speaking at the opening, Pham Tat Thang highlighted people-to-people diplomacy as  a key pillar in Vietnam’s foreign policy, directly supporting major orientations of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while offering an effective dialogue channel to deepen mutual understanding and goodwill.

Thang recalled the success of the inaugural forum held in Hanoi in 2025, which established a broad dialogue platform across science-technology, healthcare, economics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and local cooperation. He expressed expectations that this second edition will break new ground in regional linkages, youth exchanges, and mutual understanding, bringing fresh vigor and practical depth to cultural, educational, and civic ties.

Representing Saint Petersburg, Acting Deputy Chairman of the External Relations Committee Vyacheslav Kalganov welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and stated that the city considers Vietnam a top foreign policy priority. Kalganov highlighted the growing role of people-to-people ties and reiterated Saint Petersburg's readiness to facilitate high-potential joint projects, notably boosting tourism, promoting direct flights, and expanding educational, youth, and business networking.

Participants at the opening shared pride in the expanding bilateral relationship, pointing to the vital bridge played by citizens, overseas communities, and twinned localities in reinforcing solidarity, cultural exchanges, and practical economic ties.

The forum runs through October 17, incorporating thematic sessions and business matchmakings at the "Nevskaya Ratusha" administrative and business complex, alongside youth, cultural, and academic exchanges at Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia.

Prior to the opening, joint delegations laid flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument in Saint Petersburg.

Speaking at the opening, Pham Tat Thang affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy is a key pillar in Vietnam’s foreign policy, directly supporting major orientations of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while offering an effective dialogue channel to deepen mutual understanding and goodwill.

Thang recalled the success of the inaugural forum held in Hanoi in 2025, which established a broad dialogue platform across science-technology, healthcare, economics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and local cooperation.

He expressed expectation that this forum will create breakthroughs in connecting localities, promoting exchanges between the young generations of the two countries, and enhancing mutual understanding, bringing a breath of fresh air to render cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges more in-depth, practical, and effective.

Representing Saint Petersburg, Acting Deputy Chairman of the External Relations Committee Vyacheslav Kalganov welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and stated that the city considers Vietnam a top foreign policy priority. Kalganov highlighted the growing role of people-to-people ties and reiterated Saint Petersburg's readiness to facilitate high-potential joint projects, notably boosting tourism, promoting direct air routes, and expanding educational, youth, and business networking.

Participants at the opening shared pride in the expanding bilateral relationship, pointing to the vital bridge played by citizens, overseas communities, and twinned localities in reinforcing solidarity, cultural exchanges, and practical economic ties.

The forum runs through October 17, incorporating thematic sessions and business matchmakings at the "Nevskaya Ratusha" administrative and business complex, alongside youth, cultural, and academic exchanges at Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia.

Prior to the opening, joint delegations laid flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument in Saint Petersburg.

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