Celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day and 50 years of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations in Berlin

Kỷ niệm 80 năm Quốc khánh và 50 năm quan hệ ngoại giao Việt Nam-Đức tại Berlin

Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh (center) takes a souvenir photo with guest ambassadors attending the 80th National Day celebration.

The ceremony was attended by more than 200 guests, including Vice President of the German Parliament Bodo Ramelow; Director General of the German Foreign Ministry Frank Hartmann; ambassadors and charge d'affaires of many countries in Berlin, the diplomatic corps and representatives of Vietnamese associations across Germany.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of the German Foreign Ministry Frank Hartmann quoted President Ho Chi Minh's saying: "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" and said that this has become the truth. Until now, this saying still holds its value in the face of rising national egoism, geopolitical tensions, interference and misinformation, international crises and wars and conflicts.

Freedom and independence also mean the opportunity to choose and maintain partnerships independently. According to Mr. Hartmann, 2025 marks two major milestones: the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam-Germany relations have changed a lot and become increasingly stronger. Diplomatic ties have become a dense network through political relations, economic partnerships, educational cooperation, local twinning, etc.

Besides, it is impossible not to mention the Vietnamese community in Germany, which has deeply integrated into the host society and at the same time built a bridge with the homeland.

Mr. Hartmann expressed his hope that the "next chapter" in bilateral relations would bring the Strategic Partnership to a new level.

According to the German diplomat, 80 years of Vietnam's independence means 80 years of courage, perseverance and the ability to constantly renew itself. 50 years of Vietnam-Germany relations means 50 years of dialogue, respect and trust.

Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh spoke at the ceremony.

In his commemorative speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh recalled that Vietnam and Germany officially established diplomatic relations in 1975, but the foundation of the bilateral relationship had been from unique people-to-people exchanges many decades before.

In the early years of the 20th century, President Ho Chi Minh lived in Berlin. In 1957, as Chairman of the Vietnam Workers' Party (now the Communist Party of Vietnam) and President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, he paid an official visit to the German Democratic Republic.

Since the middle of the last century, tens of thousands of Vietnamese officials, experts, engineers, international students and workers have studied, worked and lived in Germany. On the basis of that profound social exchange, over the past 50 years, the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Germany has developed strongly and comprehensively.

In 2011, the two countries signed the Hanoi Declaration on establishing the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership for the Future. The Vietnam-Germany Strategic Action Plan for the period 2023-2025 identifies five priority areas of cooperation, including: Strengthening the commitment to maintaining a rules-based order and expanding relations in the field of security policy; Deepening economic relations and promoting connectivity, energy and digital transformation; Establishing a promising partnership on climate, energy and environment; Strengthening relations in the fields of education, science, technology and innovation; and Enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

Germany is currently Vietnam's leading trading partner in the European Union (EU) and the 12th largest in the world; and is also Vietnam's 4th largest European investment partner.

The two sides are actively promoting labor cooperation and vocational training to meet the high demand for skilled human resources for businesses and localities in Germany.

According to Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh, the relationship between the two countries has become deeper thanks to the Vietnamese community in Germany. Art activities, exhibitions, cuisine, traditional arts, etc. organized by the Vietnamese community not only promote the image of the country and the traditional cultural identity of the Vietnamese people, but are also beautiful highlights, adding to the diverse and colorful picture of many localities in Germany in general and the capital Berlin in particular.

On this occasion, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh also requested the German government, federal ministries and agencies and the city of Berlin to continue to pay attention, support and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to continue to integrate more deeply, be more successful and actively contribute to German society, becoming an important bridge between the two countries.

Looking to the future, Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh expressed his belief that the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership will continue to grow, contributing to peace, prosperity, sustainable development and innovation.

Speaking at the event, Vice President of the German Parliament Ramelow said that Germany and Vietnam have many differences but their histories have similarities.

Both countries have a history of division and reunification. Moreover, Vietnam and Germany are similar in development management, creating peace and stability internally to develop externally.

The current effective cooperation projects are vivid proof that the two countries are making efforts to move forward together and continue to achieve many good cooperation results.