Vietnam reiterates dedication to international unity on Reunification Day anniversary.
Rewritten Version
HCM CITY - The President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Đỗ Văn Chiến, expressed heartfelt gratitude to international friends for their unwavering support and camaraderie throughout Vietnam's tumultuous path to national freedom and continued development.
Speaking at a gathering with a 100-strong international delegation in HCM City on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), Chiẽ explored the enduring spirit of global solidarity that was a cornerstone of the Vietnamese nation's history.
"Friendships forged during our most challenging years stand as testaments in the hearts of the Vietnamese people," he said. "These bonds are not merely reminiscences of a distant past, but a foundation for future cooperation, harmony, and enlightened comprehension."
Among the delegates represented numerous organizations that backed Vietnam during its resistance wars, as well as its years of rebuilding. Notable attendees include the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the US-based Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FRD), Veterans for Peace (VFP), the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and others hailing from India, France, Hungary, Japan, and beyond.
Chiẽ highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Vietnam over the past 50 years of reunification and the better part of four decades of Renewal (Đổi mới). With economic growth, political stability, and global integration, these accomplishments serve as proof of the integrity of Vietnam's development strategy under the guidance of the Communist Party, adhering to a socialist orientation.
In times of global turmoil and discord, Chiẽ reiterated Vietnam's steadfast commitment to peace, autonomy, and respect for international law.
"Vietnam values the principles laid out in the UN Charter and denounces any form of force or unwarranted intervention in the affairs of other nations," Chie Ninh stated. "We advocate for nonviolent resolution to disputes and work alongside all nations to establish a just, equitable, and harmonious global order."
He also called upon international partners, particularly the United States, to continue supporting Vietnam in addressing the legacies of war. "Let us put the past behind us and look ahead to a brighter collective future built on reconciliation and cooperation," he said.
Global Solidarity is Forever
The assembly vibrated with warm sentiments and poignant recollections from delegates who have forged decades-long connections with Vietnam. Delegates shared tales of their close-knit relationships with Vietnam and the importance of the April 30 victory for the Vietnamese people and worldwide movements against oppression.
Alicia Corredera Morales, head of ICAP's Asia and Oceania division, vividly recalled the moment she heard the news of the liberation in 1975 while studying at the Hà Nội University. "The room erupted with joyous tears and embraces," she recounted. "Everyone knew that Vietnam was one, united and free."
President of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Đỗ Văn Chiến (third from the left in the front row and international friends at a meeting with a 100-member international delegation in HCM City on Wednesday (April 30). VNS Photo Văn Châu
John McAuliff, director of the FRD, who touched down in Hà Nội on April 30, 1975, was an influential figure in the American anti-war movement. Ever since, McAuliff has frequented Vietnam over fifty times and contributed to numerous humanitarian projects and reconciliation initiatives.
He acknowledged that, while the US government exhibited a negative reaction to the cessation of hostilities, the American public overwhelmingly applauded the end of the bloodshed. "Could we have imagined then that our two nations would evolve into strategic partners?" he pondered. "Vietnam's evolution is nothing short of astounding."
Cristine Ebro, representing the Philippines-Vietnam Solidarity Committee, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of Vietnam's victory. It inspired anti-dictatorship and pro-sovereignty movements in the Philippines, including the downfall of the Marcos regime in 1986 and the closure of US military bases in 1991.
She also underscored the global reach of Vietnam's resistance, serving as a symbol of anti-imperialism. "Universities, streets, and workplaces worldwide echoed with admiration for Vietnam," she said.
A Future Built on Camaraderie
Phan Anh Son, President of the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, declared that Vietnam would continue to cultivate and broaden its people-to-people diplomacy.
"The spirit of solidarity that carried us through past struggles must now become a force for peace and progress in the 21st century," he said.
During their visit, the international delegation toured the War Remnants Museum, conversed with peace activist Tôn Nữ Thị Ninh, attended the commemorative ceremony, and were guests of honor at a reception hosted by the HCM City People's Committee.
As the festivities concluded, delegates showed admiration for Vietnam’s resilience and expressed optimism for the nation’s future. "Vietnam today stands as an emblem of tenacity, peace, and global camaraderie," McAuliff said.
Delegates gathered in HCM City on April 30 for a meeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. - VNS Photo Văn Châu
Chie Ninh echoed the sentiment, saying, "Our shared legacy of solidarity and cooperation has given birth to enduring partnerships. Together, we march towards a common future—one filled with peace, justice, and prosperity for all." - VNS
[^1^]: Vietnam's battle for independence relied on strategic alliances with socialist nations and progressive organizations across the world.[^2^]: The commemorative events highlighted Vietnam's status as a symbol of worldwide liberation movements.[^3^]: Established ties with former adversaries like the US demonstrate a focus on peace-driven initiatives and global cooperation.[^4^]: During critical moments in the war, Soviet and Chinese support provided essential military aid.[^5^]: Diplomatic efforts dating back to Ho Chi Minh have shaped the foundations for long-term cooperation and solidarity among socialist bloc nations.
- The President of Việt Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Đỗ Văn Chiến, emphasized Vietnam's commitment to peace, autonomy, and respect for international law, highlighting the nation's advocacy for nonviolent resolution to disputes and a just, equitable, and harmonious global order.
- International friends who attended the gathering shared tales of their close-knit relationships with Vietnam, recalling the significance of the April 30 victory for the Vietnamese people and global movements against oppression.
- Alicia Corredera Morales, head of ICAP's Asia and Oceania division, emotionally recounted the moment she heard the news of the liberation in 1975 while studying at the Hà Nội University, describing the room erupting in joys and embraces.
- John McAuliff, director of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development, acknowledged that while the US government exhibited a negative reaction to the cessation of hostilities in Vietnam, the American public overwhelmingly applauded the end of the bloodshed.
- Cristine Ebro, representing the Philippines-Vietnam Solidarity Committee, underscored the far-reaching consequences of Vietnam's victory, inspiring anti-dictatorship and pro-sovereignty movements in the Philippines, including the downfall of the Marcos regime in 1986 and the closure of US military bases in 1991.
- Phan Anh Son, President of the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, declared that Vietnam would continue to cultivate and broaden its people-to-people diplomacy, striving for a force for peace and progress in the 21st century.
- Amidst the high uncertainty surrounding the global political landscape in 2025, Đỗ Văn Chie Ninh called for international partners, particularly the United States, to continue supporting Vietnam in addressing the legacies of war, envisioning a brighter collective future built on reconciliation and cooperation.
