(VOVworld) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son has highlighted the significance to national construction and defense of Vietnam’s Independence Day on September 2^nd. At a banquet in Moscow on Tuesday to mark the 69th anniversary of Vietnam’s Independence Day, Son said Vietnam’s major achievements are thanks to the great efforts of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the help of international friends, including those in the former Soviet Union, now Russia.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son delivers a speech at the banquet. (Photo: VOV)

Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Morgulov addressed the gathering: “The Russian people would like to congratulate our Vietnamese friends on your achievements. We’re proud of always standing side by side to jointly overcome difficulties and challenges. The traditional friendship, mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples have been consolidated. The relations between Russia and Vietnam have been turned into a comprehensive strategic partnership and will continue to grow.”

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son receives a gift from Russian friends. (Photo: VOV)

The same day, a similar celebration was held in the Republic of South Africa. Ambassador Le Huy Hoang said the Vietnamese Party and State always value the friendship between Vietnam and South Africa – Vietnam’s biggest trade partner in Africa.