Vietnam President to Visit Moscow for Victory Day Celebrations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that President of Vietnam Troung Tan Sang confirmed his participation in Moscow celebrations surrounding the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

MOSCOW, January 30 (Sputnik) – The President of Vietnam Troung Tan Sang confirmed his participation in Moscow celebrations surrounding the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.

"On May 9 we shall be celebrating a great event – the 70th anniversary of the Victory, with many heads of foreign countries invited to the celebration. We are grateful to the President of Vietnam Troung Tan Sang for confirming his participation in these celebrations," Lavrov said, in an interview with Vietnamese media, published on the Foreign Ministry website.

The minister stated that the liberation of South Vietnam will be celebrated a few days before May 9, and the country will celebrate its establishment of an independent Vietnamese state this autumn. According to Lavrov, Moscow and Hanoi are planning bilateral events.

Lavrov said that Russia and Vietnam were not only united in their desire to commemorate those who lost their lives for freedom and independence, but also to "remind about unacceptability of attempts to distort historical facts, rewrite history to suit today's political environment."

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the international society to speak the truth about WWII, following several factually incorrect statements made by high-ranking European politicians. Putin branded these false statements by opponents of Russia "absurd."

Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, whereas it is commemorated on May 8 in Europe and America. In 2015, large military parades will be held in 26 Russian cities.