Vietnam National Day observed in Norway, China
(VOV) - The 69th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) was celebrated in the Norwegian capital of Oslo on August 28 with 150 guests taking part.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Norway Le Thi Tuyet Mai highlighted the great significance of the National Day, which opened a new era of freedom and independence for the nation.
She outlined important landmarks in Vietnam-Norway relations since the two countries first established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1971.
Norway is a significant contributor of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, which has tremendously helped the country eliminate hunger and reduce poverty, Mai noted, adding that Vietnam always is cognizant and truly appreciative of the assistance.
The hallmark of any true relationship is the maintenance of high level delegation exchanges, Mai said.
She noted the December 2013 visit to Norway by Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly Uong Chu Luu and the March 2014 visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit as testimony to the fine relations of the two nations.
Mai stated Vietnam highly appreciates the fact Norway’s joining ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in July 2013 and the ASEAN-Norway joint statement on partnership earlier this month will enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and elevate the two nations’ relations to new heights in the time to come.
At the ceremony, Vietnam’s young violinist Do Phuong Nhi played two pieces written by Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen. She is studying a junior talent music programme at Barratt-Due Conservatory under the framework of Transposition music exchange project between Vietnam and Norway.
***The same day, the Vietnam Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, hosted a reception to celebrate National Day.
Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General Nguyen Tien Hong focused on Vietnam’s socio-economic and foreign affairs achievements over the past few years.
In 2013, two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and China reached an astounding record high of US$50.2 billion, Hong said.
A representative of the People's Government of Guangzhou Province, in turn congratulated Vietnam on National Day.
He said that China and Vietnam are important partners on a wide number of fronts, and he expressed hope that the province will boost cooperation and exchange with Vietnam in many fields in the years to come.