Elevating the cooperative relationship between the Vietnam Women’s Union and the Union of Women of Russia – Women’s Alliance

Ms. Trần Lan Phương warmly welcomed the Russian delegation and highlighted that the visit holds special significance as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. She reaffirmed Vietnam’s profound gratitude for the sincere and valuable support extended by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during the nation’s past struggles and in its ongoing development.

VWU’s Vice President Tran Lan Phuong (front row, right) speaks at the meeting

Mr. Grigoriev Evgeny congratulated the VWU on successfully organizing events marking its 95th anniversary and extended greetings to all Vietnamese women on the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20). He praised the contributions of Vietnamese women to national construction and defense.

Mr. Grigoriev Evgeny, Member of the Saint Petersburg Government and Chairman of the Committee for External Relations (second from left) and Mr. Bondarenko Nikolai, Vice Chairman and Deputy of the Saint Petersburg Legislative Assembly (far right)

The cooperation between the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) and the Saint Petersburg Committee for External Relations, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024, marks a new chapter in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment between the two sides.

Also at the meeting, representatives from the Vietnam Association for Intellectual Women, Vietnam Women’s Academy and Vietnam Association for Women Entrepreneurs shared about their efforts in connecting women professionals and entrepreneurs, and in training on gender-related fields.

From the Russian side, Ms. Elena Kalinina Chairwoman of the Saint Petersburg branch of the Union of Women of Russia – Women’s Alliance and Rector of the St. Petersburg Social and Economic Institute shared that while many Russian businesses are led by women, however, female representation in legislative bodies remains at about 18%. She expressed a desire to learn from Vietnam’s success in promoting women’s political participation.

Ms. Elena Kalinina, Chairwoman of the Saint Petersburg branch of the Union of Women of Russia – Women’s Alliance and Rector of the St. Petersburg Social and Economic Institute (right)

Given the shared interests in economic empowerment and education, both sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation, particularly between the VWU and the Union of Women of Russia – Women’s Alliance through a new cooperation agreement, contributing to closer friendship and mutual learning between women of both countries.

Ms. Trần Lan Phương welcomed the delegation’s proposals, and expressed hope that Saint Petersburg authorities would help connect the VWU with leading women’s organizations in Russia, building a long-term cooperation mechanism between women of the two nations.  She called for further collaboration, including regular exchanges, online seminars on gender equality and women’s empowerment, and cultural and delegation exchanges when possible.