Overseas Vietnamese communities worldwide held various activities to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s 125 th birthday anniversary (May 19).

At a meeting held by the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi, India on May 17, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Lokesh Chandra, Chairman of the Indian-Vietnam Friendship Association K.L. Malhotra and President of the India-Vietnam Solidarity Committee in West Bengal Geetesh Sharma recalled memories of President Ho’s visit to India in 1958. They said the leader’s modesty and sincerity left great impression on many Indians at the time.

The Indian guests highlighted the great contributions of the late President Ho Chi Minh to Vietnam and the world’s revolutionary movements.

On May 16, the Vietnamese embassy in the capital city of Pretoria, South Africa, hosted a cultural and sport exchange with ambassadors and diplomats from the embassies of ASEAN member countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang stressed the late President’s thoughts on independence and freedom as well as his great contributions in fostering friendships with neighbouring and foreign countries worldwide.

The same day, the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in Paris, France organised a ceremony to mark 40 years since reunification day and the 125 th birthday anniversary of the late President.

Speaking at the event, Director of the centre Nguyen Thanh Vuong underscored the late President’s great contributions to the Vietnamese nation and his noble character.-VNA