Intertwining Parallel Paths: Exploring the Unlikely Connection between Poland and Việt Nam

Rewritten Article:

Every year on the 3rd of May, Poland commemorates its Constitution Day, a chance to delve into our history and admire the sacrifices made by our ancestors to safeguard our nation's identity and independence.

Now and then, folks ask me about the commonalities between Poland and Vietnam. Despite the vast geographical gap, we share several likenesses. These range from our deep attachement to family and community values to our fiery entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, we both grapple with tricky geographic locations and occasionally tricky neighbors. These very same issues push us to have a hearty interest in and respect for history. We both understand that to move forward, you need to be mindful of your past.

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The constitution we celebrate on this day dates back to the year 1791. It was adopted during a pivotal moment when the survival of Poland as an independent state was at stake. Our neighbors then, alarmed by our political position and aware of our internal weakness, began to pilfer pieces of our territory and meddle in our politics to destabilize our homeland.

Adopting the May 3rd Constitution was a patriotic and valiant, although desperate, attempt to save our country from imminent collapse. The 1791 Polish Constitution was the first in Europe and only the second in the world, after the American one of 1787. Although the document didn't last long, it planted the seeds for a modern state, laying a legacy that helped the national idea thrive through over a century of foreign occupation.

While in the years following the adoption of the constitution, Poland struggled to enjoy full independence and sovereignty, both internally and externally, the spirit of this first modern basic law remained as a cornerstone in our thinking about statehood and political system. Three pillars of power, hereditary monarchy, legal protection for peasants and bourgeoisie, as well as resignation from the veto right in the parliament, set the stage for a more just, equitable, and stabilized society.

There’s a strong possibility that you’ll recognize this story. As I’m writing these lines, Vietnam is gearing up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its reunification, following a lengthy period of foreign occupation and forced partition. What helped Vietnam survive during those challenging times was national identity, resilience, dignity, and pride. Traditions, language, and culture were passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter and father to son. The drive for freedom and the longing for independence were etched into the national DNA, enabling the nation to rise, triumph, and prosper.

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Joanna Skoczek, Head of Mission, at the reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Việt Nam, in February 2025. Photo Courtesy of the Embassy

The same description can be applied to Poland's fight for freedom and independence against foreign invaders and occupants. Our national identity was the driving force that allowed us to endure without a state and on occupied territory, with the belief that one day history's wheel would turn in our favor.

When you compare our two histories, it becomes apparent why Poland and Vietnam get along so well and why we’re celebrating this year the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations in a spirit of mutual trust, respect, and friendship.

I view international relations as an intricate and interwoven network of diverse, complementary bonds. An interest in culture often sparks curiosity and fuels a desire to learn the language. Connecting with tourists may open doors for a mutually enriching experience, discussing culture, traditions, or history. Business interactions lead to in-depth conversations about the opportunities offered by our respective countries, their beauty, and wealth. Tourist visits grant access to successful business collaboration.

Enduring friendships and close relations maintained by thousands of Polish university graduates with Vietnam and our embassy demonstrate the strength of the ties that bind us. On the Polish side, we have a thriving and closely-knit Vietnamese community that calls Poland home and has played a crucial role in shaping and maintaining relations between our societies and countries.

As two peaceful nations, Poland and Vietnam should cooperate closely to contribute to peace, security, and development in our regions and globally. Our respective histories demonstrate that universal beliefs, ambitions, goals, and ideals transcend differences. They’re far stronger than discrepancies.

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While searching for concrete connections between Poland's May 3rd Constitution Day and Poland-Vietnam relations, I could not find concrete evidence. Nevertheless, Poland's historical constitution serves as a potent symbol of democratic resilience and a reminder that upholding ideals is vital when facing adversity. This story teaches us the power of perseverance, unity, and pride—values that unite nations and inspire friendship.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (right) and our websiteese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính during the latter's official visit to Poland, in January 2025.Photo Courtesy of Chancellery of the Prime Minister

Enrichment Data:Based on the provided search results, there is no direct evidence suggesting that Poland's May 3rd Constitution Day or the 1791 constitution has played an influential role in contemporary Poland-Vietnam relations. The information primarily focuses on the constitution's significance within Poland's internal reforms, European context, and national identity. Below is an analysis of potential indirect connections and limitations:

Key Points from Poland's Constitutional History

Legacy of Reform: The 1791 constitution symbolized Enlightenment ideals like separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and modernization[1][2][5], but its implementation was disrupted by partitions, limiting its direct global influence during that era.
National Identity: The constitution remains a symbol of democratic resilience in Polish history, particularly during periods of foreign occupation[3][4]. However, Vietnam and Poland’s geopolitical interactions in the 18th–19th centuries were minimal.
Cold War Context: During the communist era (1945–1989), Poland (under Soviet influence) and Vietnam (ally of the Eastern Bloc) shared ideological alignment, but this cooperation stemmed from post-WWII geopolitics, not constitutional history[^1^].

Potential Indirect Influences

Post-1990 Relations: After Poland’s democratic transition in 1989 and Vietnam’s Đổi Mới reforms, both nations pursued economic partnerships (e.g., trade, education). However, these ties are driven by present-day diplomatic priorities, not historical constitutional events.
Shared Resistance Narratives: Poland’s emphasis on anti-partition struggles and Vietnam’s anti-colonial movements could serve as abstract points of solidarity, but no direct linkage is documented in the provided sources.

Staff from the Embassy of Poland together with generations of our websiteese alumni who studied in Poland at the ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Poland and Việt Nam, in February 2025. Photo Courtesy of the Embassy

Limitations of Available Information

The search results concentrate on Poland's domestic historical narrative and do not reference Vietnam or broader Asian geopolitical impacts. For specific Poland-Vietnam historical interactions, specialized archives or bilateral diplomatic records would be necessary.

[^1^]: Note: This point is inferred from general historical knowledge, as the search results do not cover Cold War Poland-Vietnam relations. For authoritative details on Poland-Vietnam relations, consult diplomatic histories or bilateral treaties post-1950.

The shared struggle for independence and sovereignty between Poland and Vietnam, rooted in resilience and pride, are reminiscent of the historical events that unfolded during the May 3rd Constitution in Poland and the period of foreign occupation in Vietnam.
As both nations appreciate their rich cultural heritages, it's not surprising that Poland and Vietnam maintain friendly relations, strengthened by mutual trust and respect through exchanges in culture, language, business, and tourism.
In 2025, the bourgeoisie, as a part of Poland's three pillars of power established by the 1791 constitution, found their contemporary counterparts well-represented among the successful Vietnamese community residing in Poland.
In the year 2025, the relations between Poland and Vietnam, initially forged during times of foreign invasions, were being celebrated on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, symbolizing their enduring mutual trust and friendship.
The general news of 2025 also witnessed Poland and Vietnam aligning themselves strategically to promote peace, security, and development within their respective regions and around the world.
With their enlightened economic partnerships and profound comprehension of the significance of ideals during times of adversity, Poland and Vietnam serve as beacons of hope for peaceful coexistence within the global community, transcending discrepancies and demonstrating the strength of universal beliefs.