50 years of Vietnam - Greece relations: Traditional friendship is constantly strengthened and developed

Photo caption — Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong and Greek Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis at the ceremony. Photo: VNA

According to VNA correspondent in Southern Europe, the ceremony was attended by First Vice President of the Greek Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis, Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Parliament, Communist Party, local authorities, businesses, universities, scholars, reporters from Greek news agencies and Greek friends, along with many guests including Ambassadors, Charge d'Affaires of various countries, representatives of diplomatic corps in Athens and the Vietnamese community in Greece.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Thi Thu Huong emphasized the historical significance of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, and the achievements that Vietnam has achieved over the past 80 years. From a war-torn country, Vietnam has risen to become a symbol of peace , stability and hospitality with more than 17 million international visitors each year. From a backward economy, Vietnam has risen to the top 32 countries in the world in terms of GDP size, and the top 20 countries with the largest trade scale and foreign investment attraction. GDP growth in the first 6 months of this year reached 7.52%, a record in the past 15 years.

With a geostrategic location in the heart of the dynamic Southeast Asia region, with a population of over 100 million people, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for investors around the world . From a besieged and isolated country, Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with 194 countries, established a network of strategic partnerships and comprehensive partnerships with 38 countries and is an active member of more than 70 international organizations. Among those successes, Vietnam always remembers with deep gratitude the valuable support and assistance of international friends, including Greek friends.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on April 15, 1975, the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Greece has been continuously strengthened and developed in many fields. The two sides regularly exchange high-level delegations and support each other at regional and international forums. Vietnam highly appreciates the important role of Greece in the European Union and the Mediterranean region. Believing that with common aspirations for peace, stability and sustainable development, along with complementary strengths and a common vision, Vietnam and Greece will continue to strengthen cooperation, especially in the fields of trade, maritime transport, tourism, education and cultural exchange, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, First Vice President of the Greek Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis sent his congratulations to Vietnam on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as well as the achievements that Vietnam has achieved in socio-economic development, helping to bring a better life to the people. According to the Vice President of the Greek Parliament, the image of Mr. Kostas Sarantidis, a Greek with the Vietnamese name Nguyen Van Lap, wearing Vietnam's military medals and being awarded the title of Hero of the Vietnamese People's Armed Forces is a testament to the relationship between the two countries as well as the love and admiration that the Greek people have for Vietnam.

With similarities in love for peace based on upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), pride in the historical and cultural traditions and economic development of both countries in recent times, the Vietnam-Greece friendship promises to be further consolidated and developed, especially in areas with great potential for expanding cooperation in economics, trade and technology. Mr. Ioannis Plakiotakis expressed his belief that the upcoming official visit of Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Duc Hai to Greece will contribute to further tightening inter-parliamentary relations, thereby contributing to promoting relations between the two countries.

In a friendly and cordial atmosphere, the guests visited the photo exhibition introducing the country and people of Vietnam, watched video clips celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Greece, enjoyed a special traditional art program, directly interacted with artists and also enjoyed dishes with bold Vietnamese flavors.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/50-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-hy-lap-quan-he-truyen-thong-huu-nghi-khong-ngung-duoc-cung-co-va-phat-trien-20250924202925867.htm