In his speech, Head of Division for Asia and the Pacific at the Federal Foreign Office Frank Hartmann recalled President Ho Chi Minh's enduring words "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", a truth that still resonates today.

This year marks two major milestones, including 80 years of independence and 50 years of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations, adding that the relationship has changed a lot since 1975 and are growing stronger.

Diplomatic ties have become a dense network, encompassing economic partnerships, educational cooperation, and city twinning, he stressed, noting that the Vietnamese community in Germany has deeply integrated into the host society and served as a vital bridge connecting the homeland.

He also mentioned the "next chapter" in the relationship between the two countries, with a view to taking the strategic partnership to new heights.  He affirmed that 80 years of Vietnam’s independence reflect a legacy of courage, perseverance, and continuous innovation. Likewise, 50 years of bilateral relations represent five decades of dialogue, mutual respect, and trust.

In his commemorative address, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh said the relationship has been built on the unique people-to-people exchange from many decades ago, adding that based on the profound social exchange, over the past 50 years, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have seen comprehensive development. Notably, both nations signed the Hanoi Declaration on establishing the Vietnam - Germany Strategic Partnership for the future in 2021.

In addition, the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Action Plan for 2023–2025 outlines five key areas of priority cooperation including strengthening the commitment to maintaining a rules-based order and expanding relations in the field of security policy; deepening economic relations and promoting connectivity, energy and digital transformation; establishing a promising partnership on climate, energy and environment; enhancing relations in the fields of education, science, technology and innovation; and intensifying people-to-people exchanges.

Germany is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the European Union and its 12th largest worldwide. It also ranks as Vietnam’s fourth-largest European investor. Both sides are actively ramping up labor cooperation and vocational training to meet the high demand for skilled workforce for businesses and localities in Germany.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh, the Vietnam–Germany relationship has been grealty forged by the Vietnamese community in Germany. Through cultural activities such as art exhibitions, culinary events, and traditional performances, the community not only promotes the country's image and cultural identity but also enriches the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of many German cities, especially Berlin.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese diplomat called on the German government, federal ministries, relevant agencies, and the city of Berlin to continue supporting the Vietnamese community by creating favorable conditions for deeper integration, greater success, and active contributions to German society as well as enhancing their role as a vital bridge between the two nations.

Vietnam, Germany look to boost strategic partnership

VOV.VN - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed ways to further reinforce the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership during their phone talks on June 2.