Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai has expressed his desire to further cooperation between the embassy and Zalaegerszeg city across various sectors, particularly economic and cultural exchanges between the Vietnamese community and local residents.
At a recent working session with city Mayor Zoltán Balaicz as part of his trip to the western Hungarian city, Thai laid stress on his appreciation for the city's care for President Ho Chi Minh’s statue over nearly half a century.
He stated that the monument not only symbolises the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Hungary but also testifies to Hungarian people’s affection for the ideological values the late Vietnamese leader represented.
Mayor Balaicz, for his part, affirmed that the traditional friendship between the two countries has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both countries over decades. He emphasised that Zalaegerszeg is honoured to host President Ho Chi Minh's statue, which has become an integral part of the city's cultural heritage, and pledged to continue preserving this meaningful monument.
Given the special bonds between the city's residents and Vietnam, the mayor said he hopes that Zalaegerszeg would make even more positive contributions to the friendly cooperation relationship between the two countries in the coming time.
Looking ahead to the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19) and to honour his ideological legacy, Thai proposed that Zalaegerszeg city authorities collaborate in organising a symposium in May 2025 focusing on Ho Chi Minh thoughts on peace, independence, freedom, and happiness.
Balaicz appreciated this initiative and committed to working closely with the Vietnamese Embassy to ensure the symposium's success. He emphasised that this event will provide a valuable opportunity for city the leaders, residents, especially Hungarian youth, to get a better insight into President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam's national liberation hero and a great man of culture, who dedicated his whole life to the ideals of peace, independence, and freedom.
Additionally, the Vietnamese diplomat suggested organising cultural events in the framework of the symposium to introduce Vietnamese culture, history, and people to Hungarian friends, while highlighting the 75-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
On the occasion, Thai laid a wreath at President Ho Chi Minh's statue, expressing profound respect and boundless gratitude to the late leader. This is the only outdoor full-body statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Central and Eastern Europe. It was inaugurated on April 30, 1976, exactly one year after Vietnam's complete reunification./.
