Russian-Vietnamese Connection: Nguyen Thi Hong Van’s Souvenir Shop and President Putin’s Visit

Hanoi, Vietnam has a unique establishment in Nguyen Thi Hong Van’s Russian souvenir shop. Despite standing out from other shops in the city, her gifts are highly popular among locals, especially those excited about President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Vietnam. Surrounded by Matryoshka dolls and caps adorned with the Cyrillic abbreviation for the Soviet Union (USSR), Van reflects the Vietnamese people’s love for Russian products.

Vietnam and Russia share a longstanding relationship rooted in Communist ideology, with Moscow serving as Hanoi’s leading weapons supplier and engaging in oil and gas extraction in disputed South China Sea territories. As confirmed by multiple officials, President Putin will visit Communist-ruled Vietnam on Wednesday and Thursday. Residents of Hanoi, like 57-year-old Tran Xuan Cuong, eagerly anticipate Putin’s arrival, recognizing him as a talented world leader whom they admire.

The influence of the former Soviet Union is evident in the architecture and cultural connections present in Hanoi. Many Vietnamese cadres studied in the USSR during the Cold War era. The cityscape is marked by Soviet-style buildings such as the museum of Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam-Soviet friendship palace, embodying the historical bond between Vietnam and Russia. For 83-year-old Tran Xuan Viet, the Russian spirit symbolizes gentleness, affection, and a love for peace. He expresses his admiration for Putin’s leadership qualities and shares how aspects of Putin’s character influence his daily life. While older generations hold deep respect and admiration for Putin and the Russian spirit, younger residents do not necessarily share these sentiments.