HCM City marks Russian October Revolution

The 95th anniversary of the Russian October Revolution was celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City on November 6.

Nguyen Huu Thanh, President of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in HCM City, reviewed the historical value of the October Revolution and emphasized that, although many hostile forces have attempted to re-evaluate the October Revolution’s value and its role in human development, there is no denying that it has had a significant and long-lasting effect.

Thanh added that the October Revolution was very significant and influential for Vietnam’s own revolution and development, and it also laid the foundation of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

The relationship has experienced ups and downs over the years but it continues to grow steadily. Today, Vietnam and Russia coordinate closely in resolving international issues and actively cooperate in economics, energy, diplomacy, military issues and culture.

The two countries aim to raise bilateral trade to US$5 billion by 2015 and US$15 billion by 2020.

At the local level, HCM City is also actively cooperating with Russian localities, such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Sverdlovsk.

Russian Consul General, Anatoly Vassilievich Borovik, said leaders from the two sides regularly hold exchange visits aiming to lift bilateral ties to a new level and the increasing numbers of Russian visitors to Vietnam helped promote bilateral trade exchanges.

*** The same day, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship and Cooperation Association in Long An province was established.

Vo Van Ba, President of the Long An provincial Union of Friendship Organisations, said many local people used to work and study in Russia. It is hoped that the association will contribute to strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, particularly Long An province.

Overseas Vietnamese singer returns

Overseas singer-musician Trinh Nam Son will showcase concerts dubbed Con Duong Mau Xanh (A Green Road) in major cities including Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Da Nang and HCM City this month.

Son will present his own pieces, along with romantic songs composed by Ngo Thuy Mien and Vu Thanh An. Famous singers such as My Linh, Thanh Lam, Hong Nhung and Le Quyen will be accompanied by Anh Em (Brothers) band at the highly anticipated concerts.

Da Nang City's food specialities recognised

Famous central city foods including rice paper rolls with pork, fried beef paste and sesame cake have been recognised by the Viet Nam Records organisation as the specialties of the country, the city's department of Culture, Sport and Tourism has said.

The organisation's selection programme has been launched in 32 provinces and cities nationwide since 2010.

As many as 15 top categories including food, fruit, seafood and cake were listed in the Vietnamese specialties.

Farewell to Hue's dramatic legend

Folk artist Nguyen Thi Noi, considered the treasure of Hue's tuong (classical drama), has died aged 94.

Noi was a master of all techniques for singing and performing in traditional tuong in Hue. She and her late husband, drummer Lam Duy Lon, were key artists in a troupe founded by King Duc Duc (1852-83)'s oldest princess. They were also selected to teach tuong art in the royal court.

Cham culture comes to the fore

Kate Festival, the Cham people's traditional celebration to remember ancestors and gods will take place on November 10-11 in HCM City's Can Gio District, featuring delegates of the Cham from nine southern provinces.

Besides traditional rituals, the festival will showcase traditional music performances, costume shows and folk games.

One major highlight will be the prayer for peace ceremony, when 2,000 flower lanterns will be released on a lake in Khanh Son ecological site.

Vietnam promotes its image in Poland

The Vietnamese Embassy in Poland has liaised with a Polish University's Social Sciences and Humanities Department to hold a one-month photographic exhibition on Vietnam from late October.

On the theme ‘A Portrait of Vietnam’, all the photos on display were chosen from a collection entitled ‘Vietnam – Where the World Meets’, highlighted at an earlier exhibition held in Poland to mark Vietnam’s National Day in September.

It is intended to introduce Polish students and their lecturers Vietnam and its people.

The university’s rector said he is impressed by the developments in Vietnam over the years and said he hopes that relations between both countries will be furthered, especially in education.

VNN/VOV/VNS