Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang expressed appreciation for Germany’s valuable support to Viet Nam over the past five decades.
The deputy minister emphasised that Germany was among the first Western countries to accompany Viet Nam during the difficult years following national reunification, as well as throughout the country’s Doi Moi (Renewal) and socio-economic development process.
To date, Germany’s development assistance to Viet Nam totals over 3 billion EUR, covering many areas of social life and contributing significantly to poverty reduction, human resource development, and sustainable growth.
The deputy minister expressed her hope that the two countries would continue to cooperate in promoting international collaboration for peace, stability, security and sustainable development in their respective regions and across the world, while effectively addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and energy security, and pandemics.
For her part, German Ambassador to Viet Nam Helga Margarete Barth affirmed that over the past five decades, relations between Viet Nam and Germany have deepened across a wide range of areas — from politics and economy to culture, science, and vocational education. She noted that more than 200,000 people of Vietnamese origin currently live in Germany, making active contributions to the country’s diversity and development.
Highlighting Viet Nam’s position as a dynamic and promising developing country, the ambassador affirmed Germany’s continued cooperation with Viet Nam to jointly address global challenges, aiming to strike a balance between economic growth, social justice, and the protection of natural resources for present and future generations.
Within the framework of the festival, around 40 German organisations and enterprises, along with representatives from the federal states of Bremen, Hessen, and Thuringia, are showcasing cooperation initiatives in development, economics, science, culture, and sports.
Interactive spaces such as the “Magic Cube”, where visitors can explore sustainable development models, and the “Career Bus”, which introduces study and work opportunities in Germany, alongside cultural exchange activities including women’s football matches with the Werder Bremen club, music performances, and culinary experiences, promise to create a lively and friendly atmosphere in the heart of the capital.
Germany Festival 2025 is open to the public from October 17 to 19 along Dinh Tien Hoang Street by Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a wide range of cultural, musical, sporting, and culinary activities.
