"Great Russia" is a unique gift that young man Bui Van Tu, from Nho Quan, Ninh Binh, gave to President Putin during his State visit to Vietnam.

On the evening of June 20, in the art program welcoming the State visit to Vietnam of Russian President Vladimir Putin, there was a special gift for the Russian leader, personally chosen by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, which was the work "Great Russia".

The author of this work, artist Bui Van Tu, said: This is a work depicting a portrait of the Russian leader using the art of sculpture combined with light.

When there is no light, the work stands out with the image of a horse neighing majestically under the canopy of a birch forest - the symbolic tree of Russia.

However, when light is shined on the work, the shadows of the birch forest blend together to create an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin in his youth.

Then, with a magical combination of light and sculpture, a portrait of the current Mr. Putin appears - the man who has contributed to building Russia's position on the international stage.

In the video provided by the artist, continuous applause resounded throughout the Hanoi Opera House auditorium.

Notably, from the second floor of the auditorium, Russian President Vladimir Putin clapped and smiled, expressing his delight at this special gift.

Sharing with Ninh Binh Newspaper reporters, artisan Bui Van Tu said he was extremely moved and proud when this light sculpture performance was chosen by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a diplomatic gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It is a source of pride but also a great pressure for me" - artist Bui Van Tu shared and said that he prepared the work for about 3 months with all the affection and admiration of himself as well as the Vietnamese people for Russia and the President.

This gift shows respect and aspiration to strengthen good relations, demonstrating cultural exchange and lasting friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

"Like a shadow, the two nations have always been closely linked, building and developing together. The work also reminds us of the great merits and teachings of President Ho Chi Minh: "For the benefit of ten years, we must plant trees. For the benefit of a hundred years, we must cultivate people."

From there, every Vietnamese person, especially the young, will try to study, work, and contribute to the development of Vietnam.

This is the fifth time Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Vietnam. He previously visited Vietnam four times in 2001, 2006, 2013 and 2017. This state visit to Vietnam will take place from June 19-20 at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Nguyen Thom - Nguyen Luu - Minh Hai)