VNA reported that on July 28, 2025, at the National Pedagogical University named Herzen, the first Russian-Vietnamese Cultural Center in the northern capital of Russia - Saint Petersburg - opened. Ngo Phuong Ly's wife attended the event.
This is one of the cultural diplomatic activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly emphasized the importance of the long-standing relationship in the field of culture and education between the two countries, an important component of the special traditional relationship, nurtured through many generations on the foundation of trust, loyalty and sharing.
Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly pointed out that Soviet and Russian universities in general, Herzen University in particular, have been the cradle of training Vietnam in all levels of cadres, intellectuals, engineers, doctors, artists, etc.
According to Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, in the context of a turbulent world, culture and art are always strong threads connecting people, connecting ethnic groups, overcoming all barriers of language, religion or borders, having the power to touch the soul and feelings of people, spreading positive messages through artistic perception.
The establishment of the Russian - Vietnamese Cultural Center right at a university with a long tradition and influence like Herzen University is very meaningful. This will be a space for the intersection of two rich cultures, where students, lecturers and those who love Vietnam can learn more deeply about the country, people, language and art of Vietnam" - Ms. Ngo Phuong Ly affirmed.
The wife believes that, with a solid foundation and open vision, Herzen University will continue to be a trusted address for generations of Vietnamese students to study and research, and at the same time, a bright spot in the education - training cooperation between the two countries. The Russia - Vietnam Cultural Center will truly become a common house - a gathering place for the intelligence, emotions and enthusiasm of peace-lovers, culture-lovers, and Vietnam - Russia friends.
On behalf of the school's leadership, Principal Sergey tarasov highlighted the significance of the first Russian-Vietnamese cultural space at the school, continuing the tradition of friendship that many generations of Vietnamese students of the school have built together.
Mr. tarasov thanked the sophisticated artistic gifts including the book series "Ho Chi Minh with the friendship of Vietnam - Russia", the painting Khue Van Cac that his wife presented to the Center and believed that the newly opened center would become a foundation for further developing the Vietnam - Russia relationship.
