Russian veterans pose for a commemorative photo at the 53rd reunion. (Photo: Thuy Van/Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation and the Association of Russian Veterans who served in Vietnam, with support from the Russia-Vietnam “Tradition and Friendship” Foundation.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Counsellor and Chargé d'Affaires Doan Khac Hoang said the annual event was held to honour the former Soviet military experts and advisers who directly supported and assisted the Vietnamese people during the war. It also serves to consolidate, promote and further deepen the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Minister Counsellor and Chargé d'Affaires Doan Khac Hoang addresses the gathering. (Photo: Thuy Van/Nhan Dan Newspaper)

The contributions, achievements and sacrifices of the Russian veterans have left a lasting impression on the Vietnamese people and continue to be remembered with deep gratitude and special respect. The Party, the State, the people and the Vietnam People's Army remain sincerely grateful for the invaluable, wholehearted and effective support they provided.

President of the Association of Russian veterans who served in Vietnam Nikolai Kolesnik said the annual gathering organized by the Embassy offers veterans an opportunity to reunite with old friends and comrades who once served side by side.

He also shared, with deep emotion, that since the 52nd reunion, held in 2024, 23 members of the Association have passed away. Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of their fallen comrades.

As in previous years, veterans travelled from Moscow, Tver, Saint Petersburg, Bryansk and other cities to attend the reunion. Many reflected emotionally on their time in Vietnam and expressed pride in having contributed, in their own way, to the Vietnamese people's struggle for national liberation.

United by their affection for the country and its people, the Russian veterans expressed their hope that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Russia and Vietnam will continue to endure for generations to come.

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