Vietnam’s National Day celebrated in South Africa, Egypt

Addressing the function in South Africa, Ambassador Hoang Van Loi highlighted the historical significance of Independence Day, saying 77 years ago, on September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, declaring to the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

After 77 years, he said Vietnam has recorded great achievements in its socio-economic development and international integration. It has developed into a market of nearly 100 million consumers, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of more than US$350 billion, and into one of the 20 largest economies in the world in terms of trade.

In addition, Vietnam continues to be a friend, a reliable partner of other countries, a constructive and responsible member in the international community, striving for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

The Ambassador noted the partnership between Vietnam and South Africa founded by late President Ho Chi Minh and late President Nelson Mandela has been enhanced over the years. South Africa is the only country in Africa with which Vietnam has established a Cooperation and Development Partnership.

Deputy Minister Thembi Siweya in the Presidency extended congratulations to Vietnamese people on their 77th National Day.

She also highly appreciated the longstanding friendship and solidarity, close cooperation in all fields including politics, economy and exchanges between the two countries. She expressed hope that the two countries would continue to promote cooperation in various potential fields such as investment, education and tourism in the coming time.

At another ceremony held in Cairo (Egypt), Ambassador Nguyen Huy Dung stressed that over the past 77 years, the Vietnamese Party, State and people have constantly struggled to protect national independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, as well as the right to self-determination of the nation and freedom and happiness of the people.

He affirmed that after 36 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, Vietnam has recorded great and historic achievements in all fields.

“From a poor and underdeveloped country, Vietnam has become a middle-income developing country. It is recognized as one of the leading countries in implementing the Millennium Development Goals, especially in terms of poverty reduction, gender equality, health and education,” said the diplomat.

According to the ambassador, the Vietnamese government always pursues the foreign policy of national independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification, and comprehensive and extensive international integration. Vietnam wishes to work with other countries to solve traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and promote globalization and international integration, towards a green, clean, sustainable, inclusive and humane world.

Ambassador Nguyen Huy Dung also reviewed major milestones in the Vietnam – Egypt relations, which he said have constantly developed in all fields over the past 59 years. He expressed his belief that both countries hold great potential for enhancing cooperation in in the fields of economy, trade, investment, culture, education and people-to-people exchange.

Ambassador Ayman Kamel, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs of Egypt, congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable achievements over the years and suggested that the two countries continue to exchange high-level visits and at the same time increase cooperation in potential fields such as culture and tourism.