Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu recalled the historical day of September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Over the past 78 years, the Vietnamese Party, State and people have tirelessly fought for the nation’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination, making contributions to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development, he said.
Vietnam has played an increasingly important role in the Indo-Pacific, and become a trustworthy partner and responsible member of the international community, Hieu highlighted, adding the country wants to join hands with foreign friends to promote globalisation and international integration towards inclusive and sustainable development in the world.
Touching on the Vietnam – Japan relations, Hieu stressed that the ties have developed in all fields, especially after they set up their bilateral extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in 2014.
He said he believes that with high political trust, coupled with supplementary strengths, the bilateral ties will bear more fruits in the time to come.
The diplomat also expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Japan will strengthen solidarity, and make contributions to developing the bilateral relations for mutual benefits, as well as peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
For his part, Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei Shunsuke read Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s congratulatory message on the occasion of the Vietnam’s National Day which emphasised the robust ties between Vietnam and Japan.
Vietnam is a key partner of Japan to realise its Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, he said, adding the two sides should work together for regional and global peace and prosperity amidst complicated global situation.
He stressed Vietnam is a promising destinations for Japanese investment in ASEAN, while the 500,000-strong Vietnamese community in Japan is making great contributions to the Japanese economy.
* Also on September 6, the Vietnamese Embassy in Australia organised a ceremony to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (February 26, 1973-2023).
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh (left) hands over a souvenir to Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts. (Photo: VNA) |
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Tat Thanh said that over the past 78 years, Vietnam has overcome many difficulties and challenges to develop comprehensively.
Highlighting Vietnam and Australia share a partnership that is based on friendship and strategic trust, he said Vietnam wishes to enhance relations in important areas, such as digital transformation and climate action.
The ambassador expressed his confidence that together, Vietnam and Australia will make every effort to uphold international law and strengthen the rules-based order, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
As Asia-Pacific neighbours, the two countries have to get closer together not only economically but also culturally, he said, adding that by doing so, they are stronger and more confident.
Addressing the event, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts said the regular mutual visits by the two countries' high-ranking delegations reflects their progressing relationship and the growing political trust between the two countries.
Watts expressed his hope that the nations will continue to cooperate on important issues to each country and the region as well, including continued collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
