A Vietnamese delegation joined more than 300 international guests from 80 countries at the celebration of German’s Social Democratic Party (SPD)’s 150th anniversary in Leipzig on May 23.

The delegation was led by Hoang Binh Quan, member of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commissions for External Relations.

Speaking at the event, German President Joachim Gauck, French President Francois Hollande and SPD President Sigmar Gabriel emphasised the role that SPD has played during the past 150 years, especially in promoting freedom and education.

Earlier on May 22 in Leipzig, representatives from over 70 social democratic and left wing parties, including those from Europe, the US, Africa and India, set up a Progressive Alliance.

In its founding statement, the alliance sets the target of turning the 21st century into an era of democratic, social and ecological progress.-VNA