A statue of the late President Ho Chi Minh was unveiled in the northern province of Tuyen Quang on May 19 on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary.

President Truong Tan Sang and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung joined other former leaders at the inaugural event.

The statue is located in the Nguyen Tat Thanh square in Tuyen Quang city where the President visited and met with provincial ethnic communities’ members in 1961.

The statute features Uncle Ho standing in the centre of a group of six local people and three bas-reliefs describing the Tan Trao banyan tree, cultural activities of local ethnic minority groups and local landscapes.

It took three years to complete the work which required 160 tonnes of iron and steel and over 3,000 cubic metres of stone.

Speaking at the ceremony, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said Tuyen Quang is rich in cultural and historical tradition and holds an important strategic position in national construction and defence.

He expressed his belief that with the traditional solidarity and self-reliance, local ethnic groups will be dynamic and creative in developing the province.

He said the inauguration of the statue is in line with the aspirations of local people and illustrates their sentiment and respect toward the great Vietnamese leader.

Following the ceremony was a special art performance to commemorate the significant contributions of the late President Ho Chi Minh.-VNA