The Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin served as the venue for the state dinner hosted on behalf of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in honour of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade To Lam, friends, colleagues,
I am delighted to welcome our dear friend, Comrade To Lam, and his spouse, Ms Ngo Phuong Ly, as well as all members of the Vietnamese delegation. I would like to begin by extending my gratitude for the effective and constructive talks, for the open and genuinely friendly approach to discussing the numerous matters on the bilateral and international agendas, and for the firm commitment to working together in the spirit of solidarity.
The peoples of Russia and Vietnam have always upheld their unwavering feelings of sympathy and respect towards each other, which serves as a foundation in our efforts to build the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries.
The relations between Russia and Vietnam have demonstrated their resilience, stood the test of time and offer a plethora of examples of sincere support and mutual assistance.
Our country helped Vietnam on its path to national freedom and independence when it fought for its right to rule its destiny. Our country facilitated and accompanied the emergence of statehood, industrial and agricultural development, as well as helped address urgent social issues. Tens of thousands of highly skilled Vietnamese specialists were trained in our educational institutions.
We have a lot of respect for Vietnam’s major achievements in today’s world and sincerely rejoice at the track record of success built by our Vietnamese friends in promoting development at home, building a society of social justice and a welfare state which is also strong, independent and commands respect around the world.
It is essential that both Russia and Vietnam treasure their bilateral relations and honour their glorious traditions, while also building on this legacy, reinforcing their multifaceted cooperation in politics, economics and humanitarian affairs in an inclusive and partner-like manner. We also work closely together in the Asia-Pacific region and on the international stage in general. This genuinely strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam has generated tangible benefits for our two countries and our peoples and made a meaningful contribution to global and regional stability and peace.
In this connection, I would like to quote a verse from a poem by great statesman and founder of present-day Vietnamese state, Comrade Ho Chi Minh:
If we can unite
And join our hearts as one,
We will see any impossible feat
Through to the end.
There is no better way of framing this idea. These words perfectly reflect the very essence of the friendly relations between Russia and Vietnam, who are working together and cooperating on large-scale plans and projects.
I would like to raise a toast to strengthening friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam, for the well-being and prosperity of our countries and peoples, as well as to wish good health to Comrade To Lam, his spouse and all the attendees.
Thank you.
President of Vietnam To Lam (retranslated): Mr President,
Comrades, friends,
On behalf of the high-ranking delegation of the party and state of Vietnam, and on my own behalf, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Comrade Putin, the authorities and the fraternal people of Russia for the cordial feelings and warm welcome extended to our delegation.
I am happy to visit beautiful and hospitable Russia, the country of birch trees, once again. Every time I visit Russia, I deeply feel the beauty of this vast and magnificent country, this state with a heroic history of people known for their humanity, resilience and courage, their great culture that has made a remarkable contribution to the treasury of human civilisation, and, most important, for the deep feelings of comradeship, friendship and fraternity, which Comrade President and the Russian people have for the country and people of Vietnam, as well as for relations between our countries and your attitude to me personally.
We cordially congratulate Russia on the significant achievements it has recently made despite all the difficulties and challenges. We highly appreciate the contribution made by Comrade President to the revival and further development of your country. The Russian Federation continues to reaffirm its role as a great power, which possesses one of the most significant voices in the world, maintains political and social stability, and is among the top 10 global economies.
Comrade President,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,
History has imbued the Russian people with patriotism, strong will, resilience and the ability to overcome the most challenging trials. But what makes Russia dear to the hearts of many Vietnamese people is its deep humanism, sincerity and warmth embodied in The Sail by poet [Mikhail] Lermontov, Eugene Onegin by poet [Alexander] Pushkin, War and Peace by [Leo] Tolstoy, Swan Lake by composer [Pyotr] Tchaikovsky, and Golden Autumn by artist [Isaak] Levitan. These works have helped many Vietnamese get a glimpse of the open, deep and kind Russian soul, which always feels for people, the native land and high human qualities. It is possibly these qualities that are feeding the unfailing vitality of Russian culture, helping us understand why Russia is a big, true and reliable friend of Vietnam, and why Vietnamese-Russian friendship, which has weathered numerous historical trials, still preserves its inherent warmth, trust and loyalty.
To be continued.