At the event, State President Nguyen Minh Triet hailed the great contributions of late President Ho Chi Minh, fallen combatants, war invalids and veterans, as well as heroic Vietnamese mothers and others who made sacrifices during the past war for national independence and freedom.

President Triet praised the friendship and international solidarity of the former Soviet Union, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Cuba, saying their valuable assistance and support helped the Vietnamese people win a glorious victory.

President Triet noted that the April 30 Victory marked a turning point in the nation’s history and demonstrated the creative leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh.

The Great Spring Victory in 1975 was the result of revolutionary opportunity and a breakthrough in the development of Vietnam’s revolutionary forces, resulting in the greatest victory in the nation’s history, he stated.

Mr Triet emphasised that since the national reunification 35 years ago, a Party-initiated renovation policy has helped the country gain huge achievements in socio-economic development, political stability, and national security. The living conditions of Vietnamese people have improved remarkably and national unity has become more and more consolidated.

He also stressed the need to continue the international integration process and seize all opportunities for national growth toward the ultimate goal of a prosperous people, a powerful country, and a fair, democratic, and civilised society.

Regarding preparatory work for the upcoming 11^th National Party Congress, Mr Triet said that the priority tasks are to promote democracy, and draw on the lessons of 25 years of renovation to build socialism and boost national development in the new era.

Earlier the same day, senior officials of the Party, the Government, the National Assembly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee laid wreaths at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Martyrs’ Monument.