Confident Strides on Path of National Independence and Socialism for Global Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development
President Vo Van Thuong
and other delegates at flag raising ceremony
during Vietnam's National Day celebrations, August 31, 2023.
On August 31, Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse hosted a ceremony in Hanoi marking the 78th National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945-2023). The president spoke with great pride of the Vietnamese people's achievement under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in winning national liberation, sovereignty and independence. Addressing leaders of the Communist Party, state, and Fatherland Front of Vietnam as well as assembled diplomatic guests, his remarks, titled "Confident Strides on the Path of National Independence and Socialism for Global Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development" expressed well the lofty nation-building project of the Vietnamese people and the proletarian internationalist outlook of the Party and state.
President Vo Van Thuong began by saying: "The victory of the 1945 August Revolution is one of the most glorious chapters in the history of Vietnam. It underscores the remarkable strength of the great national unity, and ushered in a quantum leap for the Vietnamese nation – an era of national independence aligned with socialism." He reflected on the solemn words of President Ho Chi Minh in proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on September 2, 1945, when he announced to the world: "Vietnam has the right to enjoy its freedom and independence and it has, in fact, become a free and independent country. The entire people of Vietnam are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and properties to safeguard the said freedom and independence."
Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom, President Vo Van Thuong said.
The president noted that from a country that had yet to make itself known on the global stage, "Vietnam has now established diplomatic ties with 192 countries. It has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific, and affirmed its role as an important part of numerous economic linkages, free trade agreements, and production chains in the region and the world. Vietnam is indeed a country of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, and a beautiful, safe, friendly, and hospitable destination."
The president hailed the people's patriotism, great national unity, unwavering resolve and bravery, relentless pursuit of self-reliance and resilience, and burning aspiration for independence, freedom, peace, and happiness as an invaluable asset and significant source of strength for Vietnam to overcome all challenges.
Vietnam, he said, is striving to fulfill the aspiration to become a developed, high-income country by 2045. To this end, he continued, "we remain steadfast in promoting the holistic and comprehensive implementation of Doi Moi (renovation) and engaging in extensive and comprehensive international integration. Vietnam also continues to improve as a socialist law-governed state and a socialist-oriented market economy."
President Vo Van Thuong stressed that in the international arena, "Vietnam has always conducted a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of external relations. Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community for peace, stability, cooperation and development worldwide."
"Vietnam has successfully assumed numerous positions at multilateral forums, and joined hands in realizing the goals of promoting development, protecting human rights, and contributing to the maintenance of global peace. Vietnam's efforts have earned the recognition and affection from international friends."
"On the occasion of Vietnam's momentous celebration, on behalf of the Party, state and people of Vietnam, I would like to once again extend my sincere gratitude to friends, partners, and the progressive people worldwide for having stood with Vietnam and offered us your affection, trust, and invaluable support and friendship over the past 78 years."
Turning to current conditions, President Vo Van Thuong reiterated Vietnam's commitments to peace, friendship, cooperation and development."We are living in a world of uncertainties and complexities, wherein countries are facing greater risks and challenges. Global, traditional, and non-traditional security issues continue to evolve in a complicated manner, and threaten stability and sustainable development. Conflicts and divisions are still occurring in many regions. Geo-political tensions continue to escalate. Multilateralism and international law are confronted with various challenges."
"For common peace and prosperity for all countries to be maintained, Vietnam is of the view that we need to stand united, bolster cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and observe the UN Charter and international law. Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge to facilitate cooperation and dialogue, reinforce multilateralism, and promote peaceful settlement of disputes based on the UN Charter and international law. Vietnam shall always remain a close and loyal friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community."
President Vo Van Thuong
and his wife at National Day celebration, August 31, 2023.
(Photos: Nhan Dan)
This article was published in
Volume 53
Number 9 - September 2023
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2023/Articles/M5300911.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca