Berlin (VNA) – The Vietnamese War Veterans' Association in Berlin-Brandenburg of Germany held a ceremony on December 15 to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 - 2024), 35 years of the All People’s Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024) and the 15th anniversary of the association.
The event provided a chance for Vietnamese war veterans to reflect on the proud history of the VPA and recount both the struggles and the triumphs of the past.
Reviewing its development process, Chairman of the association Nguyen Trong Nghia said that established on December 22, 2009, the association gathers Vietnamese war veterans in Berlin - Brandenburg and the vicinity, encouraging them to support one another in integrating into the host society and pioneer in community activities.
At the event, Minister Counsellor Chu Tuan Duc from the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany praised the association for organising such a meaningful and solemn event, adding that the celebration was a powerful reminder of the VPA’s 80-year glorious history.
The diplomat hailed the association’s efforts over the past 15 years in organising various activities to care for wounded veterans and families of martyrs. He expressed his hope that the association will continue these meaningful activities while further supporting each other for common development, better integration into the host society, and more contributions to the homeland.
He described the veterans as a key force in building the Vietnamese community in Germany and greatly contributing to the Fatherland's reform, construction and defence.
Duc expressed gratitude for the ongoing work of the veterans’ associations in Germany, especially in the Berlin-Brandenburg one. Their continued support for the embassy’s community initiatives, particularly in humanitarian aid and fundraising efforts such as those for victims of Typhoon Yagi, was also an exemplary demonstration of solidarity./.
See more
"I Love My Fatherland” journey features diverse activities
The “I Love My Fatherland” journey will span seven stages across historical and cultural sites and “red addresses” nationwide. There will be a combination of education on traditions, field-based programmes, and digital communications.
Friendship tree campaign promotes green growth, international solidarity
The event marked the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890–2026) and looked ahead to the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh being officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City (July 2, 1976–2026).
Vietnam National University, Hanoi must rise as symbol of Vietnamese intellect: Top leader
Vietnam National University, Hanoi must rise even further, becoming a leading academic pillar, a major hub of innovation, and a pioneering force in Vietnam’s higher education system; while also serving as a distinguished and reputable representative of Vietnamese intellect on the international stage.
Disability support association to chart new course at first congress
Vietnam currently has more than 7 million people with disabilities, highlighting the need for stronger community engagement and broader participation from social organisations in care provision, job creation, and social inclusion efforts.
Vietnam hands over 33 law violators to China
Investigations found that the individuals had violated Vietnamese laws relating to illegal entry and unlawful residence in Vietnam. The handover was conducted safely and in compliance with Vietnamese law and international practice.
Vietnam, China seek to build modern, smart border gates
Authorities of the northern province of Lang Son and Pingxiang city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China held talks on May 15 at Tan Thanh (Vietnam) – Po Chai (China) clearance point near markers 1090–1091 in Hoang Van Thu commune of Lang Son to promote trade, develop smart border gates and expand cross-border tourism cooperation.
Vovinam-based project launched in Japan to promote women’s empowerment
The project, entitled Guardian Girls Vovinam (GGV) Japan, aims to promote women’s empowerment, ensure the safety of women and girl children, advance gender equality and strengthen female leadership.
Over 9.3 billion VND raised for AO/dioxin victims in 2025
VAVA President Lieutenant General Nguyen Huu Chinh said that although the war ended more than 50 years ago, the consequences of toxic chemicals remain severe and long-lasting, with millions of people affected during the war and hundreds of thousands continuing to suffer serious physical impacts in peacetime.
Hanoi optimises digital transformation to benefit citizens, businesses
Hanoi leaders stress that digital transformation should not be measured by the number of software systems or online procedures, but by tangible outcomes such as reduced paperwork, lower costs, shorter processing times and more transparent governance.
Two cross-border drug rings busted, more than 23kg of drugs seized
Two cross-border drug trafficking cases have been dismantled, with four suspects arrested and more than 23kg of narcotics and precursor substances seized.
Measures sought to accelerate construction of inter-level boarding schools in border areas
The construction of boarding schools in land border communes is a particularly important political task receiving close attention from the Politburo and Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. The programme not only aims to improve learning conditions for students in border areas, but also carries strategic significance for social welfare, human development, national defence and security, and safeguarding territorial sovereignty.
Man gets life sentence for terrorism, anti-State activities
The People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City on May 14 handed down life imprisonment to Dao Minh Quan on charges of “terrorism aimed at opposing the people’s administration” and “activities aimed at overthrowing the people’s administration”.
“I love my fatherland” journey 2026 launched
The “I Love My Fatherland” journey will comprise seven stages linked to historical, cultural and revolutionary sites across the country. The journey will begin in Nghe An on May 16 to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, before continuing through Hue city, Tuyen Quang–Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dien Bien, Khanh Hoa, Ca Mau and Ho Chi Minh City, and concluding in Hanoi in October.
Two men detained over alleged links to “Viet Tan” reactionary organisation
The suspects were also accused of receiving funds from Viet Tan to carry out activities inside the country under the organisation’s direction.
First ward in Ho Chi Minh City to manage sidewalks through software
The software was designed to fully digitise the process in line with practical requirements and can automate up to 90% of the workload, from receiving applications and calculating areas to determining fees and drafting documents.
📝OP-ED: Copyright protection forms foundation of rule-of-law society in digital era
For Vietnam, where the digital economy is increasingly embedded in every aspect of daily life, protecting copyright and related rights means safeguarding the nation’s intellectual assets, preserving the driving force of innovation, and maintaining public trust in the digital environment.
Education ministry targets five digital technology incubators at universities
A key target under the new plan is the establishment of five digital technology incubators, or Deeptech Hubs, at universities and research institutes with strong potential. The education ministry also plans to launch a training programme for 1,000 outstanding technology entrepreneurs and develop criteria for selecting and supporting startup ecosystems within educational institutions.
Vietnam Customs expands capacity to tackle cross-border narcotics crime
Established in November 2025, the NTC comprises six officers from the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Sub-Department specialising in surveillance, intelligence collection and information analysis. The centre is tasked with strengthening customs capacity in risk assessment and drug crime targeting, helping authorities detect and prevent illicit cross-border trafficking of narcotics and other dangerous substances at an early stage.
Vietnam, Singapore trade unions strengthen cooperation in workforce development
The Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labour has also signed cooperation agreements to develop more than 100,000 social housing units for workers during 2026-2030, with estimated investment capital exceeding 15 trillion VND (580 million USD) from businesses.
Memorial, burial held for 158 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, experts recovered from Cambodia
During the second phase of the 25th campaign, nearly two months of operations under challenging terrain and weather conditions, as well as the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, enabled search teams to recover 158 sets of remains, bringing the total number recovered during the campaign to 322.