On May 10, 2025, during a significant diplomatic meeting in Moscow, General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam and President Vladimir Putin of Russia celebrated the signing of a crucial cooperation agreement aimed at establishing and operating the Pushkin Russian Language Center. This agreement is a key component of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the cultural and educational ties between the two nations.
During their discussions at the Kremlin, both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. General Secretary Tô Lâm emphasized the importance of promoting the teaching of the Russian language in Vietnam and proposed that Russia enhance its Vietnamese language training programs. He also suggested the establishment of a Vietnamese cultural center in Russia, which would serve as a bridge for cultural exchange.
Additionally, Tô Lâm called for Russia to consider visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens, particularly for short-term business trips, and to increase the issuance of electronic visas. This move is expected to facilitate greater mobility and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
The discussions also touched upon enhancing cooperation in various fields, including science, technology, atomic energy, biotechnology, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure. President Putin acknowledged the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Russia to the country's socio-economic development, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive environment for Vietnamese citizens living and working in Russia.
In a joint statement, Vietnam and Russia outlined the strategic directions for their comprehensive partnership, celebrating the achievements of their bilateral relations while setting ambitious goals for future collaboration. The two countries signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in diplomacy, defense, oil and gas exploration, atomic energy for peaceful purposes, science and technology, justice, medicine, education, culture, and aviation.
Russian is recognized as one of the six official languages of the United Nations and boasts over 258 million speakers worldwide. According to a report by the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute in March 2022, Russian ranks fifth in global popularity, following English, Spanish, Chinese, and French. This highlights the language's significance not only in Russia but also in various countries across Europe and Asia.
In Vietnam, Russian has historically been a vital language for many generations. Numerous Vietnamese individuals grew up with classic Russian literature, such as "War and Peace" and "The Quiet Don." Today, Russian language education continues in nearly 40 educational institutions across Vietnam, from high schools to universities, with a notable presence in military academies. As Vietnam and Russia commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the bilateral trade turnover reached an impressive $4.58 billion in 2024.
On another cultural note, Lê Đức Mẫn, a distinguished educator and translator, has dedicated his life to bridging cultural gaps between Vietnam and Russia through music. Born in 1941, he has translated dozens of famous Vietnamese songs into Russian, ensuring that the essence of each song remains intact in its new language. His efforts were showcased in the program "Vietnamese Songs in Russian," organized by former students of the Russian Department at Hanoi University, celebrating the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Starting his translation work in the 1990s, Mẫn has translated over 60 Vietnamese songs, with a focus on preserving both the meaning and melody of the original lyrics. His translations include beloved classics that resonate with audiences, from revolutionary songs to contemporary hits. Mẫn's passion for music and language has transformed a personal hobby into a systematic endeavor to promote Vietnamese culture abroad.
In addition to his work with music, Mẫn has also translated over 40 Russian literary works into Vietnamese, including significant pieces by renowned authors like Mikhail Lermontov and Fyodor Dostoevsky. His contributions to literature were recognized in 2017 when he received the largest translation award from the Vietnam Writers' Association for his work on the 5000-line verse play "Woe from Wit" by Aleksandr Griboedov.
Mẫn's dedication to translation is not merely about language; it reflects a deep understanding of cultural nuances and emotions. He believes that translation is an essential tool for fostering mutual understanding between nations. "In my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to teaching, writing poetry, and translating works that connect cultures," Mẫn stated. "I hope to continue this mission, ensuring that Vietnamese songs reach a wider audience in Russia. We have translated countless songs from other countries into Vietnamese, but there is still much to be done in the reverse direction."
His insights were echoed by Nguyễn Văn Trào, Vice Professor and President of Hanoi University, who praised Mẫn's ability to convey the emotional depth of Vietnamese music through his translations. "Mẫn possesses a profound love for both Vietnam and Russia, which is evident in his translations. His work not only preserves the cultural integrity of the original songs but also fosters a deeper connection between our two nations," Trào remarked.
Students and alumni of the Russian Department have expressed their admiration for Mẫn's contributions, recognizing the significance of his work in promoting cultural exchange. Nguyễn Thị Hoài Thu, a second-year student, shared, "The songs translated by Mr. Mẫn not only maintain our national identity but also enhance cultural connectivity between Vietnam and Russia. I hope more students will engage in such meaningful programs to deepen their understanding of both cultures."
As the event concluded, Maksim Kurilov, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of translating Vietnamese songs into Russian as a means of strengthening cultural ties. "This activity is crucial for fostering cultural relations between our two countries. Translation plays a vital role in helping our nations understand each other better through language and music," Kurilov stated.
He also expressed gratitude to Lê Đức Mẫn for his unwavering dedication to this cause, acknowledging the specialized skills required for such work. "I am truly moved and delighted to hear Vietnamese songs performed in my native language. It is wonderful that passionate individuals like Mr. Mẫn continue to bring the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam closer to the Russian public," Kurilov added.
With over 60 Vietnamese songs translated into Russian, Lê Đức Mẫn's work exemplifies the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Russia. At over 80 years old, Mẫn remains a vibrant cultural ambassador, tirelessly working to connect the two nations through the universal language of music.
