Turning efforts into remarkable achievements, seeking Vietnam’s experience and knowledge on humanitarian issues, and continuing to address the consequences of war - these are the aspirations and expectations of international friends at the “Meeting and Tribute to International Friends on the Occasion of the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.”

On the occasion of the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a reporter from VietnamTimes had the chance to speak with Chinese friends who had once been closely connected with Vietnam during the years of resistance, as well as those who are now contributing to preserving and promoting this friendship. Their touching stories and sincere wishes once again affirmed the friendly neighborly ties, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term stability between the two countries.

At the age of 80, Elisabeth Helfer Aubrac - the goddaughter affectionately called “Babette” by President Ho Chi Minh - returned to Hanoi on the occasion of the 80th National Day anniversary. Speaking with Vietnam Times reporters, she recalled memories of her godfather, the special friendship between President Ho Chi Minh and her father, Raymond Aubrac, as well as her profound belief in Vietnam’s extraordinary resilience.

Attending the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day on the morning of September 2 at the historic Ba Dinh Square, Lao Minister of Technology and Communications, President of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara expressed his emotion and deep impression of the growth, rich cultural identity, and solidarity of the Vietnamese people.