Vietnam-Russia Veterans Reunite, Reaffirming Friendship

The long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Russia, a symbol of their comprehensive strategic partnership, was reaffirmed at the annual meeting of Russian veterans who served during the Vietnam War. On August 5, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation, in coordination with the Association of Russian Veterans who worked in Vietnam, organized the 53rd annual meeting. The event was supported by the "Tradition and Friendship" Fund for the Promotion of Russia-Vietnam Cooperation. Mr. Doan Khac Hoang, Chargé d'affaires ad interim of Vietnam in Russia, stated that the activity aims to express gratitude to the Soviet (former) experts and military personnel who directly participated in supporting and assisting the Vietnamese people during the war years. He emphasized that this exchange contributes to strengthening and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Russian Federation. The achievements, accomplishments, and sacrifices of the Russian veterans have left profound affection and special respect in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. The Party, State, people, and the People's Army of Vietnam are always grateful for that righteous, sincere, great, and effective assistance. Mr. Nikolai Kolesnik, Chairman of the Association of Russian Veterans who worked in Vietnam, shared that the annual meeting organized by the embassy is an opportunity to reunite with friends and comrades from past trenches. He emotionally noted that since the 52nd meeting in 2024, 23 veteran members have passed away, and all participants observed a minute of silence for their comrades. This year, as on previous occasions, veterans from cities such as Moscow, Tver, Saint Petersburg, and Bryansk, all recalled with emotion their time working in Vietnam, expressing pride in having contributed a part to the struggle for national liberation in Vietnam. Cherishing the country and people of Vietnam, the Russian veterans expressed their hope that the cooperative and friendly relations between the Russian Federation and Vietnam will last forever. In an atmosphere filled with emotion, the Russian veterans wished each other good health, praised the glorious victories of the Vietnamese people during the resistance period, and together reminisced about stories that have become part of Vietnam's national history. Source: Nhan Dan