International Friends: Vietnam's Story Did Not End in 1975

Mr. Pallab Sengupta, President of the World Peace Council, said that Vietnam's story did not end in 1975, but over the past 50 years, Vietnam has risen from the ashes...

International delegates are those who have supported and contributed to Vietnam during the period of fighting for national independence and unification. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

On the afternoon of April 30, in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, received an international delegation who supported and contributed to Vietnam during the struggle for national independence and reunification, who were visiting Vietnam to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Expressing deep gratitude for the sentiments of international friends for Vietnam in the two resistance wars for national independence and reunification, as well as in the current cause of renovation, construction and protection of the Fatherland, Mr. Do Van Chien affirmed that Vietnam always keeps in mind the noble international solidarity and valuable support of international friends in the most difficult and arduous years; becoming an important part of the history of the Vietnamese people in the struggle for independence, freedom as well as in the movement for peace, justice and reason around the world .

Mr. Do Xuan Chien said that in the context of the world going through many changes, the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front hopes that friends from all over the world will continue to promote the noble spirit of international solidarity, support and assist Vietnam on the path of protecting, building and developing the country; hope that international friends, especially American friends, will continue to accompany Vietnam to join hands to overcome and resolve the consequences of war in the spirit of closing the past and looking towards the future.

“With a consistent stance as a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, Vietnam always adheres to the goal of peace, national independence, democracy and social progress, together with other countries maintaining a peaceful, friendly and cooperative environment for development in the region and the world,” said Mr. Do Van Chien.

Connecting hearts of Vietnam-Cuba

Ms. Alicia Corredera Morales, Director of the Asia and Oceania Department, Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

At the meeting, Ms. Alicia Corredera Morales, Director of the Department of Asia and Oceania, Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples, recalled that when the special news announced the complete victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, "the entire university hall burst into choking hugs.

Teachers and students gathered around a simple but warm cup of tea. We were all moved and understood that: “Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one”.

Not only that, the image of a group of Cuban students in Hanoi rushing to the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake with guitars, tumbadora drums and trumpets also became her best memory of April 30 in Vietnam.

“We walked around the lake to the sound of lively music. Hanoians were initially surprised by the strange dance, but then joined in with joyful applause. It was the common language of victory.”

This victory is an epic of Vietnamese patriotism, a powerful testament to President Ho Chi Minh's truth: "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom," said Alicia Corredera Morales.

Ms. Alicia Corredera Morales said that for Cuba, April 30 is not only the victory of the Vietnamese people but also the common joy of all peoples fighting for justice.

“We Cubans are always deeply grateful for the solidarity that Vietnam has given us; we respect and admire the Vietnamese people,” said Alicia Corredera Morales.

Like the Red River that flows endlessly into the ocean, the solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba continues to be written with new stories, where people like the members of today's delegation silently connect the hearts of the two peoples.

It is unimaginable to witness a Vietnam today.

Mr. John McAuliff, Executive Director of the Foundation for Reconciliation and Development (FRD) in the US. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Among the 100 international friends attending today’s meeting was Mr. John McAuliff, Executive Director of the Foundation for Reconciliation and Development (FRD) in the US. He is a long-time friend of Vietnam and the Vietnamese Mission to the United Nations.

John McAuliff recalled that when the war ended 50 years ago, most Americans were happy that the bloodshed had stopped and supported humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, officials were negative.

Heart wounds and suspicions caused both sides to miss the opportunity to normalize relations in the late 1970s. American public opinion gradually deteriorated over the continuing wave of boat people, the re-education camps holding former US allies, hypocrisy over Cambodia, and illusions about China.

Who could have imagined 50 years ago that we would see a Vietnam like today - with a construction boom, economic growth and public energy, or believe that enemies once filled with hatred and suspicion could become Comprehensive Strategic Partners after 30 years.

Mr. Pallab Sengupta, President of the World Peace Council, Vietnam's struggle inspired national liberation movements around the world.

Mr. Pallab Sengupta, President of the World Peace Council. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

“But Vietnam’s story did not end in 1975. Over the past 50 years, your country has risen from the ashes of war to become one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia,” said Pallab Sengupta.

As Vietnam commemorates this momentous milestone, the country sends a powerful message: the past was built on sacrifice, the present is the result of resilience, and the future will be shaped by peace and development.

During their visit to Vietnam, the international delegation met with Ambassador Ton Nu Thi Ninh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Foundation; visited the War Remnants Museum; attended a reception hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee; and attended the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day.

The international delegation of more than 100 people is a member of the US Veterans for Peace (VFP), the US Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FRD), the US National Council on Aging (NCOS); and solidarity organizations with Vietnam from India, the Philippines, France, Japan, Hungary, etc.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ban-be-quoc-te-cau-chuyen-cua-viet-nam-da-khong-ket-thuc-vao-nam-1975-312860.html