President Vo Van Thuong (front, fourth from right) and his spouse (front, third from right) present flowers to artists at the ceremony in Hanoi on August 31. (Photo: VNA) The event was attended by high-ranking officials,scientists, intellectuals, businesspeople, young people, along with foreigndiplomats and heads of international organisations in Hanoi.
In his speech, the President noted that in August1945, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President HoChi Minh, millions of Vietnamese people rallied as one to carry out the GeneralUprising, overthrowing the yoke of feudal and colonial reigns and reclaimingleadership for the people.
“The victory of the 1945 August Revolution is one ofthe most glorious chapters in the history of Vietnam. It underscores theremarkable strength of the great national unity, and ushered in a quantum leapfor the Vietnamese nation - an era of national independence aligned with socialism. Thepeople of Vietnam were able to escape subjugation and retake mastery over theircountry and their own fate,” he said.
President Thuong also recalled the day of September 2, 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence at BaDinh Square, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, nowthe Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
President Vo Van Thuong speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA) According to President Thuong, since the Revolutionary Autumn of1945, in the spirit of “Nothing is more precious than independence andfreedom,” the Vietnamese nation fought valiantly through countless arduouswars, with millions of this land’s outstanding individuals having laid downtheir lives for national liberation and unification, and for the building andprotection of their Fatherland.
The leader stressed that upon the launch of Doi Moi,with the goals of “wealthy people, a strong country of democracy, equality andcivilisation,” the people of Vietnam once again entered a fierce struggle to eradicate hunger, poverty, andoutdatedness, and recorded historic accomplishments. Socio-political stabilityhas been maintained. Defense and security have been firmly safeguarded. Socialsecurity has been ensured. People’s living standards have constantly improved.
From a country that has yet to make itself known on theglobal stage, Vietnam has now established diplomatic ties with 192 countries,he said, adding that it has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in theAsia - Pacific, and affirmed its role as an important part of numerous economiclinkages, free trade agreements, and production chains in the region and theworld.
“Vietnam is indeed a country of peace, friendship,cooperation, and development, and a beautiful, safe, friendly, and hospitabledestination,” the President affirmed.
A singing performance at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA) Such noble values are tempered, preserved, andharnessed over the nation’s national construction and protection effortsspanning thousands of years, he continued.
“Vietnam always strives to mobilise the strength ofthe entire nation, and perseveringly pursues the philosophy of nationalindependence aligned with socialism that the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, andthe Vietnamese people have chosen,” he stated.
“Vietnam is striving to fulfill the aspiration tobecome a developed, high-income country by 2045. To this end, we remainsteadfast in promoting the holistic and comprehensive implementation of Doi Moiand engaging in extensive and comprehensive international integration. Vietnamalso continues to improve as a socialist law-governed state and asocialist-oriented market economy.”
At the same time, the country is making efforts tofirmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and preserve andbuild upon the invaluable legacies cultivated by generations of Vietnamesepeople, President Thuong went on.
Throughout this process, the people have always beenplaced at the heart of Vietnam’s endeavors, he said, noting they are the actor,the driver, and the consistent goal of all development policies.
President Thuong also cited President Ho Chi Minh’s saying that“Vietnam is a component of the world and anything that happens in the world istruly relevant to Vietnam.”
Following his teachings, over the past years, Vietnamhas always conducted a consistent foreign policy of independence,self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations.Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of theinternational community for peace, stability, cooperation and developmentworldwide.
A "quan ho" singing performance at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA) “The country’s various stages of development all borewitness to the warm sentiment, kind support, effective and substantivecooperation, and assistance in good faith by numerous friends around theworld,” President Thuong said.
“On the occasion of Vietnam’s momentous celebration,on behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, I would like to once againextend my sincere gratitude to friends, partners, and the progressive peopleworldwide for having stood with Vietnam and offered us your affection, trust, andinvaluable support and friendship over the past 78 years.”
“You have indeed helped Vietnam possess a grandfortune, potential, prestige and international profile as never before. Thisalso serves as a strong foundation to further nurture this enduring bond offriendship and cooperation in the years to come,” he affirmed.
The leader pointed to a world of uncertainties andcomplexities, wherein countries are facing greater risks and challenges, sayingglobal, traditional, and non-traditional security issues continue to evolve ina complicated manner, and threaten stability and sustainable development.
Conflicts and divisions are still occurring in manyregions. Geo-political tensions continue to escalate. Multilateralism andinternational law are confronted with various challenges.
“For common peace and prosperity for all countries tobe maintained, Vietnam is of the view that, we need to stand united,bolster cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and observe the UN Charter andinternational law,” he suggested.
Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge tofacilitate cooperation and dialogue, reinforce multilateralism, and promotepeaceful settlement of disputes based on the UN Charter and international law,he pledged.
Vietnam shallalways remain a close and loyal friend, a reliable partner, and aresponsible member of the international community, the President continued.
The leader expressed his hope that ambassadors,chargés d’affaires and chief representatives of international organisationswill continue to represent good faith, sincerity, trust, and close bond, and makemeaningful contributions to further enhancing the ties between Vietnam andother partners worldwide.
Officials and guests at the ceremony (Photo: VNA) He expressed his impression of Vietnam's comprehensive achievements in the recent past as the Vietnamese economy has maintained its growth momentum and has consistently been included in the list of countries with the highest growth rates in the region and the world by various economic, financial, and international ranking organisations.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognised Vietnam as a bright spot in the "grey picture" of the global economy. The development achievements have also propelled Vietnam to the 32nd position among the top 100 strong national brand values worldwide. In 2023, Vietnam's "World Happiness Index" climbed 12 places in the United Nations rankings, he said.
The diplomat expressed his belief that the Government and people of Vietnam would stay consistent and united, uphold the internal strength, and continue reaping new successes on the path of building a prosperous and progressive nation.
He thanked the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencies for accompanying and supporting diplomats in both their work and life.
The diplomats are always willing and determined to continue with their efforts to strengthen and expand further friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and international organisations for a world of peace, equality, prosperity, cooperation and development, Salama said.
Participants at the event were later treated to outstanding music performances by Vietnamese artists, which praised President Ho Chi Minh and introduced Vietnam and its people./.
VNA
