Botz László - Hungarian officer and international mission in Vietnam

In 1973, at the age of 29, young officer Botz László arrived in Vietnam as part of the Hungarian delegation of the International Commission for Control and Supervision (ICCS) tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Paris Agreement. That peacekeeping mission opened the door to his lifelong attachment to the S-shaped country - a loyal affection that he has continued to nurture for more than half a century.

Believe in the justice of the Vietnamese people

In a conversation with the press in 2023, Mr. Botz László said: "The feeling when I first set foot in Hanoi exactly 50 years ago has followed me throughout my life. It was love at first sight for the country and the Vietnamese people. Therefore, throughout all the time, from the time I was on duty in Vietnam until the following years, I have always been willing to return to Vietnam at any time to meet and interact with wonderful people."

On January 26, 1973, the military plane carrying the first Hungarian observation group in ICCS landed at Gia Lam airport. At that time, officer Botz László could not have imagined that this mission would shape his career and life.

Officer Botz László (standing 5th from left) with the delegation and Vietnamese soldiers. (Photo: KT)

Hungary was one of four countries (Hungary, Poland, Canada, Indonesia; Iran replaced Canada in October 1973) participating in the ICCS. Before coming to Vietnam, Mr. Botz only knew a little about the war that the US was waging. In Hanoi, he witnessed the streets, houses, and buildings destroyed by B-52 bombings. Amidst the devastation, what remained in his memory was the smiles and faith in peace of the capital's people.

When the Hungarian delegation arrived in Saigon, their mission was to monitor, inspect, and prevent violations of the Paris Agreement. Three Hungarian detachments were deployed throughout the South, including many war zones in the Central Highlands and the South.

Having sympathy for Vietnam, during his work, Lieutenant Botz László also collected useful documents and images to provide to the Vietnam People's Army. In response, our troops informed him when they shot down enemy planes that crashed in the forest or discovered activities that violated the terms of the Agreement.

He still remembers the time he met the soldiers in Kon Tum: "There are some who have not returned home for more than 10 years, and have not even heard any news about their families for many years. Life and fighting are extremely difficult and fierce, but they are still brave, resilient, wholeheartedly following the revolution, firmly believing in victory even though they know that victory will never come. Hearing that, I admire and respect them very much. The faith of Uncle Ho's soldiers is so strong, it becomes the driving force and strength to help them overcome all obstacles and dangers to realize the great aspiration to liberate their homeland and unify the country."

From January 1973 to May 1975, Hungary sent a total of 636 soldiers, border guards, civilians and diplomats to Vietnam on missions. Two of them died in April 1973 while on duty. For Mr. Botz, these contributions were a testament to international solidarity and the Vietnamese people’s belief in the just cause:

"We are honored to support and help you during these difficult years, and we are also honored to be your friends," he said.

Persistently nurturing Hungary - Vietnam friendship

After leaving Vietnam, Mr. Botz continued to serve in the Hungarian army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant General. In 1989, he and his comrades founded the Hungary - Vietnam Friendship Association (the Association). During his more than 30 years as President of the Association, he was the leader in many cultural exchange activities, educational cooperation, local connections and support for the Vietnamese community.

Chairman of the Hungary - Vietnam Friendship Association Botz László presents books to Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations Do Viet Ha, May 26, 2025. (Photo: Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper)

The Association closely cooperates with the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary and the Vietnamese Association in Hungary to organize many major events: Vietnam Cultural Day, President Ho Chi Minh's birthday celebration, National Reunification Day April 30, scientific forums, photo exhibitions... Mr. Botz and his colleagues also published the book Magyar katonák Dél-Vietnámban 1973-1975 (tentatively translated: Hungarian soldiers in South Vietnam 1973-1975), a collection of valuable documents about the period after the Paris Agreement.

On March 27, 2025, Mr. Botz was awarded the Friendship Medal - a noble award of the State of Vietnam - together with Vice President of the Association Váraljai Márton, in recognition of his lasting contributions to the Vietnam - Hungary friendship.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai affirmed that the two men are loyal friends and a solid bridge between the two peoples, contributing to spreading the image of Vietnam in Hungary and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai presented the Friendship Medal to Mr. Váraljai Márton and Mr. Botz László. (Photo: KT)

At the ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Hungary and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day held in Budapest in early May 2025, Mr. Botz expressed the respect and affection of the Hungarian people for Vietnam, including generations of Vietnamese people who studied in Hungary who always love Hungary, especially Hungarian culture and language. He affirmed that the Association will continue to contribute to promoting relations between the two countries in all fields.

Previously, he repeatedly expressed his wish that more Vietnamese and Hungarian people would understand each other's country and history. "Let's visit each other's country more often to inspire future generations," he said.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/botz-laszlo-si-quan-hungary-va-su-menh-quoc-te-tai-viet-nam-215570.html