REVOLUTION
Echoes of Dien Bien Phu: A continuing legacy in modern nation-building
TDS
7 May 2024
The national-level celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024) takes place in the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien today, May 7th. The program features a flag-hoisting ceremony, drum performances, artistic presentations, and the announcement of decisions on recipients of orders and commendations... Its highlight is a military parade involving over 12,000 participants, including those from the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, and Dien Bien province.
The program begins with 21 rounds of canons on the background of the National Anthem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The performance of 9 helicopters carrying the Vietnamese Communist Party (CPV) flag and the Vietnamese National flag flying over the ceremony platform is followed.
The military parade is another important highlight at the 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024) to contribute to affirming the meaning, stature and historical value, the greatness of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the continuous development and growth of the Vietnam People's Army, Militia and Self-Defense Force and People's Police over the past 70 years under the CPV's leadership.
The event also aims to educate patriotism and revolutionary traditions; arouse pride and deep gratitude for the generations who sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation, construction and defense of the Fatherland; continue to strengthen absolute confidence in the CPV's leadership. Besides that, the event is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the people's armed forces and the spirit of national solidarity; Affirming the determination of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army to successfully carry out the work of building and firmly defending the Fatherland.
Attending this event, in addition to Vietnamese government officials, the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the Vietnamese people, there are many regional and international friends, including delegation from Laos, Cambodia, Algeria among others.
The first time a French minister officially participated in this commemorative event in Vietnam is also a special mark. French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu represents France to attend the event marking 70 years since the French expeditionary force was defeated by Vietnamese troops at Dien Bien Phu. On Sunday, May 5, Minister of Defense of Vietnam - General Phan Van Giang had welcomed Minister Sébastien Lecornu, calling this a "very important" trip, carrying the spirit of "closing the past, towards a good future".
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 6 received French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, who is in Vietnam to attend celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. Appreciating the French minister’s acceptance of the invitation to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary, PM Chinh considered the visit as important to promoting the two countries’ strategic partnership.
Not only since the Dien Bien Phu victory but since its establishment in 1930 until now, CPV has still led the country step by step forward and developed. From a poor, backward, undeveloped colonial country, Vietnam has successively defeated the colonialists and imperialists to liberate and unify the country. After that, nearly 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi policy turned Vietnam into a dynamic and active country in the international arena.
For African countries, if the Dien Bien Phu victory encouraged the wave of national liberation in the 1960s, Vietnam's current development achievements are also a reference model for African countries in development and improving the socio-economy. Vietnam has left the group of low-income countries since 2008 and will become a high-middle income country by 2030 (about 7,500 USD). Vietnam is one of the leading countries in achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals.
Vietnam's economy ranks 5th in ASEAN and 35th among the 40 largest economies in the world with GDP in 2023 reaching 430 billion USD. Vietnam has become the world's number 22 trading partner as participating in 19 bilateral and multilateral FTAs with most economies in the world. Of these, 16/19 FTAs have taken effect with more than 60 partners, covering all continents, with a total GDP accounting for nearly 90% of global GDP.
Vietnam today has expanded and deepened diplomatic relations with 193 countries. Currently, Vietnam has established a comprehensive strategic partnership, also known as strategic partnership, with all 5 permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, while expanding its economic and trade relationship with 230 countries and territories.
Always be "a trusted friend, partner and an active and responsible member of the international community", Vietnam nowadays is continuing to build-up the country on the legacy paid by the sacrifices of generations of heroes.