Rector of Herzen University Sergei Tarasov (right) and director of the Việt Nam-Russia Traditions and Friendship Foundation Nguyễn Quốc Hùng at the signing ceremony. — VNA/VNS Photo Duy Trinh

MOSCOW — The Việt Nam-Russia Traditions and Friendship Foundation and Herzen University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the operation of the Russian open education centres opened by the university in Hà Nội and HCM City.

Addressing the signing ceremony in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Friday, Rector of Herzen University Sergei Tarasov said the document would create practical conditions for developing the teaching of the Russian language in Việt Nam and the Vietnamese language in Russia.

The chairperson of the foundation and the Oversea Vietnamese Association in Russia, Đỗ Xuân Hoàng, said the increasing number of those knowing the Russian language helps expand communication and understanding between the peoples.

The signing ceremony occurred in conjunction with the end of a Vietnamese Week programme the Saint Petersburg authorities held.

Earlier, Sergei Tarasov had a working session with the Vietnamese delegation involved in the pact to discuss comprehensive cooperation and partnership development matters. Herzen University is expected to open the first classes teaching the Russian language to Vietnamese people in the fall of this year. — VNS