Cultural exchange, spreading the friendship of Vietnam-Russia-Belarus through shared memories
WVR - On October 28, at the Russian Cultural Centre in Budapest, Hungary, the Embassy of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Russian Federation and the Embassy of Belarus, organized a cultural exchange program themed “Journey to Shared Memories - Cultural Exchange of Russia, Vietnam, and Belarus in Hungary.”
Latest
 |
| The atmosphere of the exchange program. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary) |
This event provided an opportunity for former Vietnamese students to reminisce about their years of study in the former Soviet Union, including institutions in Russia and Belarus, while also meeting, sharing memories, and fostering friendship among the peoples of the three countries.
The program was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai, Russian Ambassador to Hungary Evgeny Stanislavov, Belarusian Ambassador to Hungary Uladzimir Ulakhovich, staff from the three embassies, numerous former Vietnamese students who studied in Russia and Belarus, and local friends.
 |
| Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai speaking at the program. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary) |
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai expressed his appreciation and high regard for the invaluable assistance that the Soviet Union provided to Vietnam in the past.
The Ambassador emotionally recalled that from the 1950s, when Vietnam was still experiencing war, division, and numerous difficulties, the Soviet Union offered many scholarships, opened the doors of universities and research institutes, and welcomed thousands of Vietnamese students and researchers to study and conduct research. Upon returning home, many made significant contributions to the defense, construction, and development of the country.
According to Ambassador Bui Le Thai, the baggage that generations of Vietnamese students brought back from the Soviet Union included not only degrees and professional knowledge but also the Russian language, an understanding of culture and people, the affection of teachers and friends, and indelible memories of their youth. Despite the passage of time, these former students remain “living bridges,” contributing to the preservation and nurturing of the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam, Russia, and Belarus.
 |
| Russian Ambassador to Hungary Evgeny Stanislavov speaking at the event. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary) |
Russian Ambassador Evgeny Stanislavov expressed his emotion over the deep affection that generations of former Vietnamese students have for Russia and the Russian people. He emphasised that education and training are among the important foundations creating the special bond between the two nations, and he highly valued the role of former students in preserving the Russian language, Russian culture, and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
Recognizing the contributions of generations of Vietnamese students to the development of Russia and bilateral relations, the Ambassador is confident that future generations of students will continue to be a strong bridge in the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
 |
| Belarusian Ambassador to Hungary Uladzimir Ulakhovich speaking at the event. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary) |
For his part, Belarusian Ambassador Uladzimir Ulakhovich shared his sentiments and memories with generations of Vietnamese students who studied in Minsk and other Belarusian institutions. He noted that over the decades, Belarus has trained more than 2,000 Vietnamese specialists, including over 170 PhDs. Many, upon returning home, have held important positions in state agencies, research institutions, and enterprises.
With over 40 cooperation agreements in education and training, the cooperative relationship between the two countries continues to be promoted in the fields of science, technology, innovation, human resource training, and academic exchange. The Belarusian Ambassador emphasized that the relationships formed in classrooms, dormitories, and friendships between the peoples of the two countries are valuable assets that need to be preserved and passed on to the younger generation.
Sharing memories of her study time in Moscow 40 years ago, Phan Bich Thien, Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Hungary, expressed her gratitude to the Soviet teachers and friends who wholeheartedly supported Vietnamese students.
She believes that despite the decades that have passed, the teacher-student relationships, friendships, the Russian language, and the love for Russian culture are always cherished and preserved by former students; she also expressed her desire to continue contributing to nurturing the friendship between Vietnam, Russia, and Belarus.
 |
| Artistic performances conveying love for the homeland, the beauty of people, and the appreciation of each nation's unique cultural values. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary) |
In a warm and emotional atmosphere, former students reminisced about their study years, memories of Russian and Belarusian teachers and friends; they enjoyed artistic performances and traditional dishes from Vietnam, Russia, and Belarus.
The program contributed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, strengthening the friendship between Vietnam, Russia, and Belarus, while also promoting Vietnamese culture and cuisine in Budapest, in anticipation of Vietnam Culture Day on November 24.
(Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary)
