Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung welcomed the ambassadors of these countries to the ceremony, saying the event took place at a time when Vietnam is preparing for major celebrations this year. The celebrations include the 35^th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Unification Day (April 30), the 120^th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, the 65^th anniversary of National Day and the 1,000^th anniversary of Hanoi.

He affirmed that Vietnam has not forgotten the heartfelt support and great assistance the six Central European nations provided to it during the struggle for national independence and socialism. 

Representing the diplomats, Bulgarian Ambassador Vassilev Georgi expressed his pleasure at the positive development of diplomatic relations, friendship and cooperation between their countries and Vietnam, helping promote mutual understanding and trust.

Vietnam is playing an important role in strengthening ties between EU and ASEAN, he said, adding that the six central European nations will work hard to promote the relationship between EU and ASEAN as well as between EU and Vietnam.