(VOVworld) – Vietnamese and Russian leaders applauded the elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and agreed to broaden exchanges and cooperation at all levels during a Vietnam visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His trip, made at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang, concluded Tuesday night.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. (Photo: VOV)

During his stay, Putin held talks with President Sang and met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Before his departure, Putin attended the opening ceremony of Russian Cultural Days in Vietnam 2013, held at the Hanoi Opera House.

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and Russian President Vladimir Putin address the opening ceremony of the Russian Cultural Days in Vietnam 2013. (Photo: VOV)

President Sang spoke at the event:"The opening of Russian Cultural Days in Vietnam, coinciding with the Russian President’s visit, boosts the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and reflects bilateral cooperation. Art performances, photo and installation art exhibitions, and Russian film screenings will reveal to audiences more of the rich and unique Russian culture".

Putin expressed his hope that the event will be a big success, strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Russian artists on the stage of the Russian Cultural Days in Vietnam 2013. (Photo: VOV)

The Vietnam News Agency and Russia’s ITAR-TASS took this occasion to display photos featuring the Vietnam-Russia relationship captured by their reporters.