Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi had a working session with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Kazan city, the Republic of Tatarstan, on September 25 as part of his three-day trip there. 

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi speaks at a working session with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Kazan city, the Republic of Tatarstan, on September 25. (Photo: VNA)

Dam Danh Lam, Chairman of the Vietnamese association in Kazan, briefed the diplomat on the living, working, and studying situations of the Vietnamese community in Kazan.

According to Lam, established in 2012, the association works to represent and protect the rights of Vietnamese people; preserve and promote the Vietnamese language, culture, and identity; and promote people-to-people diplomacy. It now comprises 700 members, mostly in small-scale trading and restaurant businesses.

The association focuses on organising events to promote the Vietnamese traditions and culture, attracting the participation of Vietnamese expats, contributing to increasing solidarity and cohesion in the community, he said.

Regarding people-to-people diplomacy, the association proactively and effectively supports delegations from Vietnam to Kazan, contributing to further strengthening the Vietnam – Russia relationship. It has also actively participated in charitable activities in the host country, as well as those towards the homeland.

Ambassador Khoi commended the role of the association in leading and guiding Vietnamese in Kazan in maintaining stable business operations during the recent difficult times.

He informed OVs in Kazan on the homeland's development, as well as advancements in the Vietnam - Russian relations in recent times, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The diplomat urged the association to further uphold its position in the local society to further promote the image of Vietnam and its people through Vietnamese culture and cuisine events.

The teaching of the Vietnamese language, history, and culture to the generation of Vietnamese born in Kazan was also emphasised by Khoi as one of the key tasks.

During the trip from September 25 to 27, the delegation led by the diplomat will have working sessions with the administration of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, and the high-tech city of Innopolis.

(Source: VNA)