An exhibition featuring a history of military co-operation between Vietnam and Russia opened on September 17 at the Central Naval Museum in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg.

Director of the Central Naval Museum introduces visitors to the exhibits. (Photo: VNA)

The exhibition is being held under the framework of the "President Ho Chi Minh: Patriotism and internationalism” project.

In attendance to kick off the event was the Counsellor and Chargé d'affaires at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia Nguyen Quynh Mai. Representing the Russian side were Deputy Chief of Russian Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Vladimir I Zemskov, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg Vyacheslav Kalganov, along Chairman of the Association of Russian War Veterans that served in Vietnam Nikolai Kolesnik.

Themed “Cam Ranh: Vietnam-Russia Military Cooperation”, a range of valuable artifacts can be seen on display at the exhibition, along with models of warships, weapons, pictures, and documents, all of which are being presented to the public for the first time. Indeed, all of the items on display are historical evidence of military co-operation between the two countries during times of conflict.

In his opening remarks, Ruslan Nekhai emphasised that the exhibition will serve as a meaningful event that is being held to commemorate the 2019-2020 Vietnam - Russia Friendship Year. In addition, the occasion will mark the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties and 40 years since the establishment of the Soviet Union’s Logistics and Supply Centre in Cam Ranh.

The event attracts a huge number of visitors. (Photo: VNA)

On behalf of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, Counsellor Mai thanked the Russian side for putting on such a detailed exhibition, and expressed her hope that mutual strategic co-operation will continue to enjoy significant developments.

Furthermore, the Vietnamese representative also gave a briefing on Vietnam’s recent situation, especially its incumbent roles as ASEAN 2020 Chair, President of the 41st AIPA General Assembly, and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking at the event, Vyacheslav Kalganov, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petursburg affirmed that the Russian side attaches special importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam, considering it one of the priorities in the city’s foreign policy.

The exhibition is scheduled to open to public until the end of the year.