Happy 75th Independence Day Viet Nam
2 September 2020
Address by H.E. Mr. Hoang Van Loi, Ambassador-Designate of Viet Nam to South Africa on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of Viet Nam
Excellencies, colleagues and friends,
On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2020), I would like to convey my warmest greetings and best wishes of sound health, peace and prosperity.
Photo: Ambassador-Designate H.E. MR. HOANG VAN LOI and his spouse LUONG THI THU HA
On this day, 75 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The Declaration called upon all the Vietnamese peoples to stand united in the fight for freedom, unity and development of the motherland. Since that day, Viet Nam has embarked on a long journey, from a country ravaged by war, economic embargo and political isolation to the one that is now thriving, dynamic and interconnected with the global community.
Today, Viet Nam is in pursuit of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification and multilateralization of external relations and active international integration. To continue to raise the banner of peace, cooperation and development, Viet Nam is a friend, a reliable partner of all countries and an active and constructive member in the international community, striving for peace, cooperation and sustainable development, actively participating in regional and international cooperation. The year 2020 is very important for Viet Nam’s foreign affairs, especially in implementation of multilateral diplomacy. Viet Nam takes on Chair of ASEAN and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, holding the two responsibilities together for the first time. With the theme “Cohesive and Responsive” for the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020, and “Viet Nam: Trusted Partnership for Peace and Sustainability” as non-permanent member of UNSC, Viet Nam is working with international friends and partners to foster multilateralism, the rule of law; enhance ASEAN’s centrality role in the regional structure; and further promote cooperation between ASEAN and the UN.
The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a big threat to all countries in the world, Viet Nam is not exceptional. Since the pandemic broke out, Viet Nam has tirelessly worked to control the disease, protect its citizens and ensure its socio-economic stability, showing its fundamental strength and resilience. So far Viet Nam has garnered international praise for its swift and effective response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Although the country’s economy is not immune to the global economic downturn, its prospects for recovery remain positive and are brightest among Asian countries.
Distinguished colleagues and friends,
For decades, Viet Nam and South Africa have nurtured close cooperation and strong friendship. The Leaders of the two countries first met in 1955 at the Bandung Conference in Indonesia, sowing the seeds of solidarity between the two countries’ national liberation movements. Viet Nam’s establishment of diplomatic relations with South Africa before the formation of the post - Apartheid government showed that times of hardship brought about the greatest sense of unity, cooperation and friendship between the two countries. Through bitter wars for national independence and freedom in the past as well as national building and development in times of peace, Viet Nam and South Africa have always stood side by side with the other.
In recent years, Viet Nam and South Africa have stepped up exchanges of delegations, especially at high level, creating dynamism for the strengthening of bilateral cooperation towards greater depth, substance and effectiveness, and bringing about concrete benefits for the two peoples. In 2020, Viet Nam and South Africa both assume the non-permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council. The two countries have shared views on many key issues and worked closely together to foster peace, security and development around the world. As the ASEAN Chair 2020, Viet Nam, together with other ASEAN member countries, have enthusiastically endorsed South Africa’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), scheduled to take place at the end of this year. The TAC would solidify the foundations of the two countries’ bilateral relations and at the same time, elevate it to new heights.
Once again, in this time of pandemic hardship, Viet Nam continues to stand united with South Africa. The Government and the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Embassy in South Africa have provided medical supplies to South Africa via various channels. Both countries have been working closely with each other to expedite the repatriation of their respective citizens. In this regard, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the South African Government and Department of International Relations and Cooperation for helping us bring our citizens home safely.
Distinguished colleagues and friends,
The year 2020 marks the 27th anniversary of bilateral relations between Viet Nam and South Africa. With our time – honored partnership and close cooperation and friendship cultivated by generations of the two countries’ leaders and peoples, we are confident that Viet Nam and South Africa, together with our partners around the world, will overcome current challenges and achieve even greater prosperity.
Happy 75th Independence Day of Viet Nam.
To a world of peace, stability and prosperity,
To the evergreen friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and South Africa.
Thank you.