Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassies and defence attaché offices in Cambodia, South Africa and Malaysia held ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defence Festival (December 22) on December 12.
In Phnom Penh, Vietnamese defence attaché Colonel Tran Van Tam briefed over 700 guests on the development history of the VPA as well as the Vietnam – Cambodia military – defence cooperation over the past years. He said the Vietnamese army has developed unceasingly, demonstrating the mettle of a revolutionary army and a special political force that is absolutely loyal to the Party, State and people.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang laid stress on the time-honoured solidarity and friendship between the two countries, with the defence relations having been a pillar and a solid foundation to bolster other closer relationships.
General Phat Vibolsophea, Deputy Director of General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs and Director of the Department of International Cooperation under the Cambodian Defence Ministry, spoke highly of the strong bonds between the two armies, expressing his gratitude to the Vietnamese Government, army, and people for their assistance, helping the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces strengthen infrastructure and train officers.
In Pretoria, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong recalled the eight-decade history of the VPA and thanked competent agencies in South Africa for their practical contributions to bolstering multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, including in the area of defence, thus contributing to maintaining peace, security and prosperity in each region.
Vietnamese defence attaché Colonel Tran Van Hieu affirmed that as a pillar in Vietnam’s foreign policy, defence diplomacy has been an important channel that shapes up and consolidates the strategic confidence while building the relationship with other countries and international organisations.
He stated that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence always values the role and contributions by South Africa and its Department of Defence in maintaining peace in the region and the world, and wants to bring the bilateral defence ties to a new high.
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of South African National Defence Force, congratulated the Vietnamese people and army on the occasion, saying the celebration was also a tribute to the enduring spirit of a nation that has demonstrated unparalleled resilience in the face of adversity.
In Kuala Lumpur, Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Dinh Ngoc Linh underscored the VPA’s development over the past eight decades, contributing to the national liberation and protection cause as well as global peace.
Vietnamese defence attaché Colonel Ngo Ngoc Thang highlighted defence diplomacy as a key pillar of Vietnam's foreign policy, serving as an essential channel to build strategic trust and foster friendship with other nations and international organisations. To date, Vietnam has engaged in various regional and international multilateral military and defence forums and mechanisms. The country has set up defence cooperation with more than 100 countries across the globe.
He held that the Vietnam – Malaysia defence collaboration have developed robustly, helping consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Delegates at all ceremonies also watched a documentary chronicling the establishment of the Vietnam Liberation Army Team, now known as the VPA, under the directive of President Ho Chi Minh./.
