The event was attended by the Mayor and leaders of Zalaegerszeg, representatives of the Vietnamese community, leaders of the Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Association, and many Hungarian friends.
In a solemn atmosphere, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai, the Mayor of Zalaegerszeg, and representatives of Vietnamese associations respectfully offered flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh. The fresh and vibrant floral tributes were laid in honour of the beloved national leader who devoted his life to the independence and freedom of the nation and the happiness of its people.
The statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Zalaegerszeg – the only full-body outdoor statue dedicated to the great leader in Central and Eastern Europe – was inaugurated on April 30, 1976, exactly one year after Viet Nam’s complete reunification. For nearly half a century, the site has served as a symbol not only of the enduring friendship between Viet Nam and Hungary but also of the Hungarian people's deep respect for President Ho Chi Minh and the noble values he championed.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary) |
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Bui Le Thai expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the local authorities and people of Zalaegerszeg for their longstanding care and preservation of the statue. He emphasised that the monument represents not only the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Hungary but also the Hungarian people's admiration for President Ho Chi Minh’s ideological legacy. “President Ho Chi Minh was not only a brilliant national leader but also a distinguished cultural figure of Viet Nam and a symbol of peace, compassion, and the yearning for freedom. We are deeply thankful to the government and people of Zalaegerszeg for preserving this meaningful monument as part of the city’s cultural heritage,” the Ambassador shared emotionally.
Following the flower offering ceremony, Ambassador Bui Le Thai and Mayor of Zalaegerszeg Zoltán Balaicz co-chaired the seminar on President Ho Chi Minh’s ideals of peace, independence, freedom, and happiness.
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Thai highlighted: “More than a century ago, Ho Chi Minh embarked on his journey to seek national salvation, not only for Viet Nam’s independence but also in pursuit of the universal values of humanity: peace, independence, freedom, and happiness. His immortal statement: ‘Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom’ is not only the declaration of the Vietnamese people but also an eternal aspiration of humankind. This truth remains relevant today – not only for Viet Nam but for all peace-loving nations across the globe.” He also affirmed that President Ho Chi Minh’s noble ideals continue to inspire many other nations, including Hungary – a country that also endured historical upheavals to secure its freedom and independence.
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| Mayor of Zalaegerszeg Zoltán Balaicz speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary) |
Mayor Zoltán Balaicz praised the initiative of organising the seminar and affirmed that it helped the Hungarian people, especially younger generations, gain a deeper understanding of President Ho Chi Minh – a hero of national liberation, a great thinker of the world, and a distinguished cultural icon of Viet Nam. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the profound, timely, and practical values of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology regarding peace, independence, freedom, and happiness, emphasising that in today’s world still facing conflict, inequality, and instability, these ideals remain highly relevant. President Ho Chi Minh’s vision was ahead of his time, reflecting the insight of a great figure in history.
Following the seminar, a vibrant cultural performance took place featuring songs honouring President Ho Chi Minh as well as Hungarian melodies, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and friendship. Songs about beloved Uncle Ho were performed in both Vietnamese and Hungarian, deeply moving many in the audience. The Deputy Mayor in charge of culture in Zalaegerszeg shared: “I don’t understand all the lyrics, but I can feel the love and pride the Vietnamese people hold for Ho Chi Minh. It’s a sacred sentiment.”
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| The delegates visit the exhibition showcasing 75 years of Viet Nam-Hungary relations. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary) |
In parallel with the cultural programme, a video presentation and photo exhibition showcased 75 years of Viet Nam-Hungary relations, highlighting the country, its people, and key milestones in the bilateral friendship. The footage and images depicted Hungary’s role in training thousands of Vietnamese students, historic moments when Hungarian citizens took to the streets in solidarity with Viet Nam under banners reading “Viet Nam, we stand with you,” and high-level visits and cooperation projects across various fields.
The commemorative day concluded with a warm and engaging Viet Nam-Hungary culinary gathering, where traditional Vietnamese dishes were introduced and enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere.
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| A performance marking the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary) |
The flower offering ceremony, seminar, and accompanying events in Zalaegerszeg marking the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh were not only a tribute to a great leader and a celebration of his timeless ideals of peace, independence, freedom, and happiness, but also an opportunity for the peoples of both nations to share cultural and historical values and further strengthen the enduring Viet Nam-Hungary friendship.
