Two Russian collectives and 23 individuals who have made active contributions to preserving and absolutely protecting President Ho Chi Minh’s remains were presented Vietnamese Labour, Independence and Friendship Orders and Medals during a ceremony held on May 28th at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia.
A second-class Labour Order and a Friendship Order were presented to the Moscow biomedical research centre of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, and the Research Institute of Rubber Industry Joint Stock Company.
Meanwhile, 23 individuals who were leaders of these agencies, scientists, the head of the Lenin Mausoleum and a former Russian ambassador were awarded or awarded posthumously Independence Orders, Labour Orders, Friendship Orders and Friendship Medals, marking 50 years of the maintenance of President Ho Chi Minh’s remains.
Domestic and foreign visitors pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the mausoleum. (Photo: VNA)
Addressing the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh said Vietnam received whole-hearted support from the Soviet Union’s people during the most difficult period of time in the struggle for national independence.
Thanks to that assistance, Vietnam built many big structures, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to maintain Uncle Ho’s remains to satisfy people’s aspiration. Between 1973 and 1975, when the war was still going on, hundreds of Russian experts came to Vietnam and took part in the mausoleum construction.
“Vietnam is always grateful for the help from the Soviet Union in the past and Russia at present, and these orders and medals presented today demonstrate that gratitude,” said Ambassador Manh.
Colonel Bui Hai Son, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum’s management board, praised the coordination of Soviet Union and Russian experts with the board over the past 50 years, with many scientific studies having been carried out to maintain Uncle Ho’s remains.
According to Mr. Son, since 2004, although Vietnamese scientists have made breakthroughs in producing special medicinal products for the maintenance, Russia still continues assisting in training the board cadres and transferring technology, contributing to increasing the safety and efficiency of the mausoleum management.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square have become a political and historical center of Hanoi and Vietnam. About 57 million people have paid tribute to the great President since the mausoleum opened in 1975, including 9 million foreigners.
During the ceremony, the two sides confirmed their continued cooperation in scientific research and experience exchange, helping reinforce the traditional friendship and enhance the Vietnam – Russia comprehensive strategic partnership./.
Compiled by P.H