Austrian diplomats and officials, foreign ambassadors, representatives from international organisations, business community, and overseas Vietnamese attended the event, creating an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity.
The ceremony opened with the flag-salute ritual and the national anthem performed by the Vietnamese – Austrian youth choir, evoking the historic moment of September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Documentary footage was then screened, highlighting the 80-year journey of national construction and defence together with the nation’s aspirations for innovation, international integration, and development.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang laid stress on the significance of the celebration, affirming the Vietnamese people’s pride in their glorious past, joy in current achievements, and confidence in the future.
He expressed his gratitude to international partners and friends for their enduring support, reaffirming Viet Nam’s determination to pursue renewal as well as a persistent foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations to become an active and responsible member of the international community.
On behalf of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chief of Protocol at the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs Maximilian Hennig delivered a congratulatory message to President Luong Cuong and the Vietnamese people. He expressed hope for stronger and more substantive Viet Nam–Austria relations, while commending the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Austria.
Representatives of international organisations in Vienna praised Viet Nam’s growing role and standing, recognising its resilient struggle for independence and impressive socio-economic achievements gained through nearly four decades of reform.
Beyond diplomacy, the event offered a vibrant cultural showcase, with a fashion show blending traditional and modern designs by Vietnamese-Austrian designer La Hong, and the flavours of 'nem' and 'pho' paired with Austria’s renowned wines.
