The event was attended by senior officials, diplomats and representatives of agencies and businesses of both Vietnam and Russia.

Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Dinh Dinh highlighted the fine development of Vietnam-Russia relations over the past 60 years. He thanked the former Soviet Union for its valuable assistance in Vietnam’s past struggle for national independence and freedom. The two countries’ strategic partnership has been lifted to a higher level, he said.

Addressing the event, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Borisvovich Khrischenko praised the Vietnamese people’s heroism in their struggles against foreign invaders and recalled the time-honoured friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

He emphasised that the Russian people remember the contributions of Vietnamese volunteer combatants during the Russian people’s great patriotic war.

Mr Khrischenko also expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s current rapid economic development and pledged his support for the two countries’ strategic partnership and future cooperation.