The spaceflight was made by Vietnamese astronaut Pham Tuan and Soviet Union cosmonaut Viktor Gorbatko from Baikonur Cosmodrome on July 23, 1980, on board Soyuz 37.
As it marked the first time a Vietnamese citizen and the first non-Russian Asian went into space, the historic trip is a symbol of friendship, comprehensive co-operation and mutual support between the two countries. It also laid a foundation for space research and technological applications in Vietnam.
Speaking at the event, member of the Vietnamese Party Central Committee and VRFA Chairman Dao Trong Thi reaffirmed the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia despite their geographic distance and changes in the world situation.
Vietnamese people always remember the enthusiastic support given by people in the Soviet Union, now Russia, in their struggles for national liberation and construction, he stressed.
He appreciated the sound co-operation between the two countries, including space co-operation, and expressed his belief that the bilateral affiliation and friendship would further develop.
Recalling the trip 35 years ago, Major General and Hero of the Soviet Union Vichtor Gorbatco said that the successful spaceflight was a significant landmark in the friendship and brotherhood between Vietnam and the Soviet Union, now Russia.
The memories of that trip still stay alive in his heart, he said, adding that he was very happy to meet his Vietnamese colleague, Pham Tuan, again.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Lieutenant General and cosmonaut Pham Tuan shared that the first time he went into the space left deep feelings for him, emphasising that he would never forget the moments when he was sitting in the rocket waiting for its launch, and when he saw his beloved motherland Vietnam from the spacecraft.