The Vietnamese Embassy in Iran held a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025) on May 29, paying tribute to the great leader of the Vietnamese nation as well as introducing his life, career and diplomatic thought to Iranian and international friends.
The event was attended by nearly 100 delegates, including representatives from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iran–Viet Nam Friendship Association, about 30 ambassadors from foreign missions in Tehran, scholars, the Vietnamese community in Iran, and the officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and their family members.
In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Iran Nguyen Luong Ngoc reviewed major milestones in President Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career, highlighting his stature and immense contributions to the struggle for national liberation and against oppression and exploitation. The Ambassador also gave an overview of Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic thought – a precious legacy of the Vietnamese nation.
The ambassador emphasised that Ho Chi Minh’s diplomacy upheld the fundamental rights of nations, with national independence closely linked to socialism; always maintained an independent and self-reliant foreign policy; served the interests of the nation and its people, while also being associated with international solidarity and cooperation; consistently conveyed messages of peace and opposition to war; defining diplomacy as a front, applying the principle of “unchanging in response to myriad changes” and skilfully employing insights such as “knowing oneself, knowing others, knowing the times, knowing when to stop and when to adapt”. It was diplomacy of integrity, winning hearts through morality and righteousness, characterised by sincerity, simplicity, openness and approachability.
Ambassador Ngoc stressed that President Ho Chi Minh’s entire life symbolised noble sacrifice for the independence, freedom and happiness of the Vietnamese people, as well as for the liberation movements of oppressed peoples in the world. He emotionally quoted the song “Viet Nam – Ho Chi Minh”, which once echoed across in the world and his image is often associated with the lotus – a simple, humble kind of flower that rises from the mud but remains pure and noble. President Ho Chi Minh is a great example for generations of Vietnamese today to confidently step onto the development path with many opportunities and great challenges ahead.
“Following Uncle Ho’s teachings, the Vietnamese people always treasure and deeply appreciate the sincere affection and profound respect of international friends towards him, as well as their effective support for the Vietnamese people and nation, both in the past and the present. We are committed to doing our utmost to preserve and nurture the bonds of solidarity and friendship among nations,” the Ambassador concluded.
On behalf of the guests, Seyed Kamal Sajjadi, President of the Iran–Viet Nam Friendship Association, expressed his profound admiration for the personality and revolutionary cause of President Ho Chi Minh.
“Ho Chi Minh is one of the most influential leaders in the world. He devoted his entire life to the cause of Vietnamese national liberation and contributed to the common struggle of people in the world against colonialism for peace, national independence and social progress. His immortal words ‘Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom’ remain an eternal truth,” Sajjadi said.
At the ceremony, many delegates also expressed their deep affection and admiration for President Ho Chi Minh – a living symbol in the hearts and minds of international friends, and a powerful source of inspiration for movements for independence, freedom, solidarity and peace in the world.
As part of the programme, delegates watched a 22-minute documentary film featuring moving and authentic archival images, along with a photo exhibition showcasing the journey to find a way to national salvation, the glorious revolutionary life, and the diplomatic thought of President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the affection shown to him by international friends and people around the world.
Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes, helping to further promote the culture and image of Viet Nam to international friends.
