VietSovPetro organized a celebration to commemorate the extraction of 250 million tons of oil
On June 21, VietSovPetro organized a celebration in Vung Tau to commemorate the extraction of 250 million tons of oil since its establishment in 1981 by the governments of the Soviet Union and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The event was attended by leaders of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, representatives of PetroVietnam, a high-level delegation from Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation, and veterans of VietSovPetro.
The Azerbaijani delegation included the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Vietnam and senior representatives from SOCAR (the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan). In addition to participating in the official ceremony, they met with the General Director of VietSovPetro, Vu Mai Khanh. Both sides emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, highlighting the strong foundation of friendship between the two countries.
Cooperation in the oil and gas sector began in 1959 when President Ho Chi Minh visited Baku, Azerbaijan, then the oil capital of the Soviet Union, and initiated joint efforts to develop Vietnam's oil industry. This visit also marked the beginning of the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Azerbaijan. Following this, many Azerbaijani oil experts visited Vietnam, and thousands of young Vietnamese studied at the Azerbaijan Oil Academy. Next year, Baku and Vung Tau will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jalal Mamedov, the first General Director of VietSovPetro, whose role was crucial in establishing a strong oil company in Vung Tau.
In 1983, shortly after VietSovPetro was established, a significant delegation from the Soviet government, led by Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people and a great friend of Vietnam, visited the country. During their extended stay, Heydar Aliyev initiated a visit to Vung Tau to meet with Vietnamese and Soviet (including Azerbaijani) oil specialists. Heydar Aliyev pushed for the rapid exploration of oil in Vietnam. As a result of his efforts and the involvement of additional Azerbaijani specialists and equipment brought from Baku, the first Vietnamese oil was extracted within one year instead of the forecasted ten years. These efforts are documented in historical records and memories included in a forthcoming film about Heydar Aliyev's visit to Vietnam, soon to be released in Vietnamese.
Additionally, at the initiative of the Embassy, structures from both countries are preparing a book and film based on historical documents about President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Azerbaijan, which laid a solid foundation for the close relationship between the two peoples.
During the meeting, the Ambassador noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the 1959 visit, celebrating the enduring friendship between our countries and nations. The celebrations will feature various events, including those organized by the Embassy in Baku, where participants will honor the memory of the great leaders who founded this friendship and those who laid the groundwork for today's 250 million-ton milestone.
Today, these esteemed traditions are being continued by their successors - Vietnamese, Russian, and Azerbaijani specialists at VietSovPetro.
