Kuala lumpur: A Hanoi delegation led by Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Tran Duc Thang held a series of meetings with leading businesses in Russia's Saint Petersburg after surveying the city's metro system to study geological similarities with localities in Vietnam. As Hanoi implements its master plan with a 100-year vision, in which metro lines are identified as the backbone of the capital city's transport network, Thang met with representatives from several Saint Petersburg companies specialising in urban rail development. During the visit, Thang and Saint Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov laid flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the Hanoi delegation's visit was aimed at gaining insights into the advanced metro systems of Saint Petersburg, which could play a crucial role in the development of Vietnam's own metro infrastructure. The meetings underscored the importance of learning from cities with established metro networks to ensure Hanoi's urban transport plan is both efficient and sustainable.

The discussions with Saint Petersburg companies highlighted the potential for collaboration in urban rail development, focusing on leveraging the expertise of Saint Petersburg's businesses to enhance Hanoi's metro system. This initiative aligns with Hanoi's vision of modernising its transport infrastructure and improving connectivity within the city.

The visit also served to strengthen ties between Hanoi and Saint Petersburg, with both sides expressing a commitment to continue exploring opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including transport and urban planning. The laying of flowers at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument further symbolised the historical and cultural connections between Vietnam and Russia, reinforcing a shared commitment to future collaboration.