Commemorating 47th Anniversary of Triumph of Sandinista People's Revolution: Expanding Vietnam-Nicaragua People-to-People Exchanges

	Ruling parties of Vietnam, Nicaragua enhance ties
	Vietnamese, Nicaraguan Friendship Serves as Foundation to Promote Bilateral Relations

The event was attended by VUFO Vice President Dong Huy Cuong; Ambassador of Nicaragua to Viet Nam Mario José Armengol Campos; representatives from central government ministries and agencies, socio-political organizations, research institutions, friendship organizations, associations, and businesses; former ambassadors and officials who had worked in Nicaragua; as well as friends of Nicaragua.

Delegates watch a documentary highlighting the major achievements of the Sandinista Revolution and the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Viet Nam - Nicaragua: Profound historical affinity

Speaking at the gathering, VUFO Vice President Dong Huy Cuong emphasized that July 19, 1979, marked a turning point in Nicaragua's history, when the Nicaraguan people overthrew the dictatorship, took control of their own destiny, and ushered in a new era of national independence, sovereignty, social justice, and aspirations for prosperous development.

According to Dong Huy Cuong, the victory of the Sandinista People's Revolution was of historic significance to Nicaragua and also served as a source of inspiration for national liberation movements and struggles for peace, independence, democracy, and social progress across Latin America and around the world.

He noted that although Viet Nam and Nicaragua are geographically distant and speak different languages, the two nations share a profound historical affinity. Both peoples endured prolonged, arduous struggles and made tremendous sacrifices to achieve independence, freedom, and the right to self-determination. These shared historical experiences and their common appreciation for the value of peace have provided a strong spiritual foundation for the solidarity and friendship between the peoples of the two countries over nearly half a century.

Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Vice President Dong Huy Cuong delivers remarks at the friendship gathering. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Vice President Dong Huy Cuong recalled that immediately after the victory of the Sandinista People's Revolution, Viet Nam was among the first countries in the world to recognize the Revolutionary Government of Nicaragua and establish diplomatic relations with the country. In particular, the visit to Managua by the late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong in September 1979, just weeks after the revolutionary victory, laid the first solid foundations for the traditional friendship between the two countries.

According to Dong Huy Cuong, the visit was not merely a diplomatic activity but "a handshake between comrades," reaffirming the steadfast, loyal, and enduring friendship between the two countries and their solidarity during the most challenging periods of history.

The Vice President expressed his pleasure at Nicaragua's socio-economic achievements over the past 47 years, noting that the country's development policies have consistently placed people at their center. He expressed confidence that the Nicaraguan people would continue to achieve new successes on their chosen path of development.

Ambassador of Nicaragua to Viet Nam Mario José Armengol Campos stated that the victory of the Sandinista People's Revolution was the result of a long struggle, the unity of the people, and the sacrifices made by workers, farmers, women, students, young people, and Nicaragua's revolutionary forces.

The victory on July 19, 1979, brought an end to the Somoza dictatorship, opened a new chapter in Nicaragua's history, and encouraged peoples around the world in their struggles for freedom, independence, social justice, and the right to self-determination.

Nicaraguan Ambassador to Viet Nam Mario José Armengol Campos delivers remarks at the friendship gathering. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Ambassador stressed that Viet Nam has always held a special place in Nicaragua's heart. The two nations share histories forged through resilient struggles, the defense of sovereignty, patriotism, and the conviction that national independence is a sacred and inviolable right. The Nicaraguan people will always remember Viet Nam's early recognition of the Revolutionary Government of Nicaragua and the visit to Managua by the late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong as enduring symbols of the sincere friendship between the two countries.

During the 1980s, Viet Nam-Nicaragua relations continued to reach important milestones, including the establishment of diplomatic missions in each other's capitals, the visit to Viet Nam by Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega, and the establishment of the Viet Nam-Nicaragua Friendship Association.

According to Ambassador Mario José Armengol Campos, bilateral relations have been built on mutual trust, mutual respect, solidarity, the protection of national sovereignty, and the shared aspiration for a fairer, more balanced, and multipolar world.

New opportunities for people-to-people exchanges

Vice President Dong Huy Cuong noted that the international landscape is undergoing rapid and complex changes, profoundly affecting the global security and political environment and presenting significant challenges for developing countries such as Viet Nam and Nicaragua.

According to him, both countries must remain steadfast in safeguarding their independence, self-reliance, and national sovereignty while simultaneously pursuing rapid and sustainable development. In this context, strengthening self-reliance, enhancing internal capacity, and diversifying as well as deepening substantive relations with like-minded partners are of particular importance.

"The Republic of Nicaragua's official reopening of its Embassy in Hanoi in 2024 marks a significant milestone, creating favorable conditions for us to translate our strong political trust into practical cooperation programs that deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries," Dong Huy Cuong said.

Delegates pose for a commemorative group photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

According to him, the Embassy of Nicaragua in Hanoi has also created new opportunities for people-to-people exchanges, expanded cooperation in culture and education, strengthened ties between localities, scholars, and businesses, and, in particular, fostered closer connections between the younger generations of the two countries.

As the core organization responsible for Viet Nam's people-to-people diplomacy, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to work closely with the Embassy of Nicaragua in Viet Nam and Nicaraguan partners to implement a broader range of practical, diverse, and meaningful cooperative activities.

These exchange activities and friendship gatherings are expected to enhance mutual understanding, trust, and close ties between the peoples of the two countries, thereby further deepening the substance of the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Nicaragua.

Ambassador Mario José Armengol Campos stated that bilateral friendship has made significant positive progress in recent years. The cooperation agreement between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) for the 2020-2025 period has contributed to strengthening political dialogue, promoting exchanges between the two Parties, enhancing cooperation among relevant agencies, and further consolidating bilateral relations.

According to the Ambassador, Nicaragua's reopening of its Embassy in Hanoi in 2024 reflects the Nicaraguan Government's strong commitment to strengthening relations with Viet Nam, advancing cooperation programs, and maintaining the long-term presence of the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two countries.

Nicaragua will continue to coordinate with Viet Nam at multilateral forums and support Viet Nam's initiatives and candidacies in the international arena. The Ambassador described Viet Nam as a responsible, reputable, and constructive voice within the international community.

"The friendship between Nicaragua and Viet Nam belongs not only to the past but continues to be nurtured, strengthened, and oriented toward the future," Ambassador Mario José Armengol Campos affirmed.

During the gathering, participants watched a documentary introducing the Sandinista People's Revolution, along with presentations highlighting Nicaragua's achievements in socio-economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

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