Inauguration of the Russia–Vietnam Cultural Centre: A Convergence of two rich and distinctive heritages
WVR - Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, Spouse of General Secretary To Lam, attended and officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre in Saint Petersburg.
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| Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre in Saint Petersburg. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
On the morning of 28 July (local time), in Saint Petersburg, as part of her official visit to the Russian Federation, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, Spouse of General Secretary To Lam, visited the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia and officiated at the inauguration of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre. This is one of several cultural diplomacy events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia.
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| Madame Ngo Phuong Ly delivers remarks and writes in the guest book at the ceremony. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (Herzen University) is one of the leading institutions for teacher training in Russia. Founded in 1797, it is among the oldest and largest universities in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly expressed her honour and emotion in attending the opening of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre.
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| The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (Herzen University) is one of the leading institutions for teacher training in Russia. Founded in 1797, it is among the oldest and largest universities in the country. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
Highlighting that generations of Vietnamese cadres, intellectuals, engineers, doctors and artists have studied at prestigious Russian institutions, including Herzen University, she stressed that in a world of growing complexities and challenges, culture and the arts must continue to serve as powerful bonds connecting people and nations. As she noted, “Beyond language barriers and national borders, works of music, cinema, theatre, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature and other art forms speak directly to the human heart and convey positive messages through artistic expression”.
"Establishing the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre at a university with such a long-standing tradition and influence as Herzen University is of great significance. It will serve as a space of cultural convergence, where students, lecturers and admirers of Vietnam can explore the country’s people, language and arts in depth,” Madame Ngo Phuong Ly affirmed.
She expressed confidence that with its strong foundations and broad vision, Herzen University will remain a trusted destination for generations of Vietnamese students to study and conduct research. The Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre will truly become a shared home, a space that unites intellect, emotion and the sincere goodwill of those who cherish peace, culture, and the friendship between Vietnam and Russia.
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| Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Andrey Korneev (right) and Rector of Herzen University Sergey Tarasov. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
Also addressing the ceremony, State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Andrey Korneev emphasised that the inauguration of the Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre is a meaningful event that reflects the spirit of bilateral cooperation across various fields. The Centre will serve as a cultural, artistic, musical and linguistic bridge between the two countries, contributing to the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Russia.
Mr Sergey Tarasov, Rector of Herzen University, stated that the Centre was established on the foundation of decades of cooperation. Currently, dozens of Vietnamese students are studying at the university in disciplines such as literature, arts, culture, and history. An Alumni Association of Vietnamese graduates from Herzen University has also been formed.
Sharing further, Mr Tarasov noted that many Russian students are now showing keen interest in Vietnamese culture and language and wish to study and explore Vietnam at Herzen University. He also expressed his appreciation for the large number of lecturers and students who contributed books, materials and images about Vietnam to help bring the Centre to life and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
"The Russia-Vietnam Cultural Centre will stand as a hub of friendship and educational cooperation between our countries”, he said. He added that the Centre would regularly showcase Vietnamese literary and artistic works and serve as a platform for young people from both countries to meet, exchange ideas and share perspectives.
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| Madame Ngo Phuong Ly presents the university with gifts, including the book collection “Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship” and a painting of the Khue Van Pavilion, a symbol of Vietnam’s reverence for learning and respect for teachers, and receives books and artwork from the university in return. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
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| Madame Ngo Phuong Ly receives books and artwork from the university in return. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
On this occasion, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, on behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, presented the University with gifts, including the book collection “Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship” and a painting of the Khue Van Pavilion, a symbol of Vietnam’s reverence for learning and teachers.
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| Madame Ngo Phuong Ly also attended the art exhibition themed “Cultural Dialogue in the Language of Art”. (Photo: Hoang Hong |
Madame Ngo Phuong Ly also attended the art exhibition titled “Cultural Dialogue in the Language of Art”, featuring works by Vietnamese artists, including the late People’s Artist Ngo Manh Lan, Vu Thai Binh and Doan Van Toi, alongside Russian painters Tuman Zhumabaev, Vladimir Kuzmichev and Dmitry Levitin.
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| A special cultural performance was presented by artists from Vietnam together with students and lecturers of Herzen University. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
She also joined the audience for a special cultural performance by Vietnamese artists, as well as students and lecturers from Herzen University. The programme featured 11 performances, combining traditional instruments and artists from both Vietnam and Russia, culminating in a fashion showcase of the Vietnamese Ao Dai by Herzen University students.
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| A traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai performance presented by students of Herzen University. (Photo: Hoang Hong) |
The event left a lasting impression on audiences from both countries, celebrating the beauty of each nation’s culture and art, and was met with enthusiastic applause.
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| Madame Ngo Phuong Ly takes a group photo with participants of the event. (Photo: Hoang Hong |
