President hosts ceremony marking 78th anniversary of National Day

The event was attended by high-ranking officials, scientists, intellectuals, businesspeople, young people, along with foreign diplomats and heads of international organisations in Hanoi.

President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse at the ceremony - Photo: VNA

In his speach, President Thuong recalled the day of September 2, 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The leader stressed that upon the launch of Doi Moi, with the goals of “wealthy people, a strong country of democracy, equality and civilisation,” the people of Vietnam once again entered a fierce struggle to eradicate hunger, poverty, and outdatedness, and recorded historic accomplishments. Socio-political stability has been maintained. Defense and security have been firmly safeguarded. Social security has been ensured. People’s living standards have constantly improved.

President Vo Van Thuong speaks at the ceremony - Photo: VNA

From a country that has yet to make itself known on the global 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 the Asia - Pacific, and affirmed its role as an important part of numerous economic linkages, free trade agreements, and production chains in the region and the world.

“Vietnam is indeed a country of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, and a beautiful, safe, friendly, and hospitable destination,” the President affirmed.

“Vietnam is striving to fulfill the aspiration to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. To this end, we remain steadfast in promoting the holistic and comprehensive implementation of Doi Moi and engaging in extensive and comprehensive international integration. Vietnam also continues to improve as a socialist law-governed state and a socialist-oriented market economy.”

At the same time, the country is making efforts to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and preserve and build upon the invaluable legacies cultivated by generations of Vietnamese people, President Thuong went on.

Vietnam has successfully assumed numerous positions at multilateral forums, and joined hands in realising the goals of promoting development, protecting human rights, and contributing to the maintenance of global peace. Vietnam’s efforts have earned the recognition and affection from international friends.

“The country’s various stages of development all bore witness to the warm sentiment, kind support, effective and substantive cooperation, and assistance in good faith by numerous friends around the world,” President Thuong said.

The leader expressed his hope that ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and chief representatives of international organisations will continue to represent good faith, sincerity, trust, and close bond, and make meaningful contributions to further enhancing the ties between Vietnam and other partners worldwide.

On behalf of the guests, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps, extended the best wishes to Party and State leaders and the people of Vietnam on this important event.

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.

An art performance at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA

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.