The gala night was honoured with the presence of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, and Russian Minister of Culture Alexander Avdeev.

Opening the event, Minister Avdeev said “Days of Russian Culture in Vietnam ” last year proved to be a great success as it helped increase mutual understanding between the Russian and Vietnamese people as well as strengthen the friendship, traditional cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries.

For his part, Minister Anh said he hoped that the ongoing event will also help Russians better understand Vietnam and its people.

Artists from the Vietnam Light Music Theatre, the National Music Academy and four other art troupes performed Vietnam’s traditional dances and songs.

The show also saw the participation of well-known Vietnamese artists who had studied in Russia for years such as pianist Tran Thu Ha and violinists Ngo Van Thanh and Bui Cong Duy.

During the five-day event, various activities will be organised, including a film festival featuring international and national award winning movies, an exhibition entitled “Vietnam Culture Space” and exchanges.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will also host a seminar on this occasion to introduce the country’s tourism potential.