Vietnam hosts a double celebration
The Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary held a formal ceremony in the Pesti Vigadó in downtown Budapest on the evening of April 29, 2025, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Hungary (February 3, 1950-February 3, 2025) and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2025). More than 500 distinguished guests enjoyed a solemn and warm atmosphere.
The attendees included the First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Mrs. Márta Mátrai; Deputy Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Kovacs Katalin; Deputy Prosecutor General, Mr. Tibor Ibolya; Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Stifter Adam; President of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association, Mr. Botz László; along with numerous senior officials, representatives of ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, Hungarian friends and the Vietnamese community in Hungary.
This occasion not only revisited the proud historical journey of bilateral relations, affirming the strong and traditional friendship between the two nations, but also instilled pride in the Vietnamese community in Hungary for their homeland's cause of national construction and defence. It further recalled the heroic and arduous struggle of the Vietnamese people, culminating in the great Spring Victory of 1975, which completely liberated the South and reunified the country, ushering Vietnam into a new era of independence, freedom, happiness, civilisation, prosperity and elevated international standing.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bui Le Thai emphasised that the 75-year diplomatic relationship has been a proud journey, nurtured by solidarity, trust and sustainable cooperation. He expressed deep gratitude for the valuable support extended by the Government and people of Hungary during Vietnam's struggle for independence and reunification, as well as in its current process of renovation and development.
The Ambassador affirmed that, despite geographical distance and ongoing global changes, the Party, Government and people of Vietnam always value and wish to further develop the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two countries. Ambassador Bui Le Thai and First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Márta Mátrai at the celebration
Looking back on half a century since the liberation and reunification of the country, Ambassador Bui Le Thai said it was not only a great victory of the Vietnamese nation but also a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, the spirit of independence and resilience, great national unity, international solidarity and the truth that 'Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom… Today, Vietnam is entering a new era, a period of national revival marked by confidence, self-reliance and national pride,' he emphasised.
The Ambassador said Vietnam and Hungary will continue to write new chapters in their traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation, with 75 years of history in friendly cooperation, a solid foundation of strong bilateral relations, high political trust between the two countries' leaderships, mutual understanding between the two peoples, shared values of peace, progress, and prosperity, and the determination from both sides.
On behalf of the Government and National Assembly of Hungary, First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Márta Mátrai conveyed the warm congratulations of Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, and of the entire Parliament and Government of Hungary to the people of Vietnam on the double milestone being celebrated.
She congratulated Vietnam on its achievements since 1975 and expressed pride that Hungary had contributed to its struggle for national liberation, particularly through Hungary's participation in the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) from 1973 to 1975. Mrs. Mátrai highly appreciated the traditional multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially parliamentary cooperation — one of the key pillars of the bilateral relationship — through high-level visits, committee exchanges, and legislative experience-sharing dialogues.
She announced that Speaker Kövér has accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam, expected to be in October this year. She recognised the valuable contributions of the Vietnamese community in Hungary to the country's development and affirmed the Government and Parliament of Hungary will continue to create favourable conditions for their successful integration.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Bui Le Thai presented a special commemorative publication jointly produced by the Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary and Eurasia magazine to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
In addition to the formal program, the celebration featured rich cultural experiences. The guests enjoyed traditional Vietnamese musical performances, cuisine and exhibitions, including a photo display and film screenings recounting the 75-year history of bilateral friendship and Vietnam's 50 years of national development.
The celebration left a profound impression on all attendees, hopefully inspiring both nations to continue jointly writing new chapters in their joint history.
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