Attending the ceremony on the host country side were Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov; First Vice Chairman of the Federation Council (Russian Senate) Andrey Yatskin; leaders of city agencies, departments and branches; and many experts, veterans and friends of Russia. On the Vietnamese side were Politburo member, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen; President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Russian Federation Dang Minh Khoi, and many Vietnamese people and overseas students living, studying and researching in Russia.

Scene of the inauguration ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh Monument in St. Petersburg (Russia).

The Governor of St. Petersburg affirmed that the inauguration of the Monument of the First President of Vietnam in St. Petersburg is to pay respect and commemorate one of the greatest figures in history, the brightest example of patriotism and national heroism. He stated: “The monument is also a testament to our sincere desire to continue developing bilateral relations, warm feelings and deep respect for the Vietnamese people and the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh”.

First Vice Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia Andrey Yatskin said that the monument erected at the intersection of Ho Chi Minh Street and Enlightenment Avenue is symbolic, because the name of the great leader of the Vietnamese people is always associated with his enlightenment, guidance and contributions to the spiritual guidance of many generations. Mr. Yatskin also emphasized that Vietnam is always a friend and reliable partner of the Russian Federation; the relationship between St. Petersburg and Ho Chi Minh City is a direct proof of this.

For his part, Comrade Nguyen Van Nen affirmed that the Russian friends joining hands with Vietnam to erect a statue of Uncle Ho in the historic city of St. Petersburg is an act of profound political and humanitarian significance. Comrade Nguyen Van Nen sent his sincere thanks to the Russian Government, the authorities and people of St. Petersburg for their respect and love for Uncle Ho - the great leader of the Vietnamese people, a great friend of the Russian people.

Previously, comrade Nguyen Van Nen and the Vietnamese delegation visited and cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Ho Chi Minh Museum at High School No. 488, near the Ho Chi Minh Monument.

News and photos: VNA