Friendship
International Friends Share Their Hopes for Vietnam’s Future
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.”
Friendship
Chinese Friends Share Memories and Affection on Vietnam’s 80th National Day
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.
Friendship
President Ho Chi Minh’s Goddaughter Shares Reflections on Vietnam’s “Extraordinary Resilience”
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.
Affection of International Friends
We must always remember that over the past 80 years, friends from around the world have devoted their blood, sweat, and tears to the cause of defending and building Vietnam.
Florence Cavalier: Motherhood as a Bridge of France-Vietnam Compassion
The three decades of commitment to Vietnam by Florence Cavalier, President of the organization EPVN, began with her journey into motherhood with four Vietnamese children. From maternal love, she expanded her heart, sowed seeds of compassion, and nurtured a strong bond of friendship between the people of France and Vietnam.
Some Reflections on Implementing Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on Vietnam’s People-to-People Diplomacy over the Past 80 Years
Vietnam’s people-to-people diplomacy was formed and developed on the foundation of Ho Chi Minh’s ideology: combining national strength with the strength of the times; making more friends and fewer enemies; solidarity and great unity; taking the people as the root; integrating the comprehensive strength of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. This cause has continuously grown and matured, making worthy contributions to the glorious pages of Vietnam’s modern diplomacy over the past 80 years, and is now standing at the threshold of being reorganized to meet the demands of the new era of nation's rise.
Chinese Ambassador Praises Vietnam’s Achievements and Development Path
On the occasion of the 80th National Day of Vietnam, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei held a press briefing on August 28. He extended congratulations to the Party, the State, and the people of Vietnam, praised the remarkable achievements the country has attained, and affirmed that the bilateral relationship is entering a new stage of profound and comprehensive development.
Belarus Friendship Association, WWF-Vietnam Congratulate Vietnam on the 80th National Day
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, the Belarusian Society of Friendship and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries and the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam) have sent congratulatory messages, expressing respect, pride, and commitment to accompany Vietnam on its path towards sustainable development.
Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh: Vietnam Affirms Its Position with Vitality and Aspiration for National Advancement
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, in an interview with VietnamTimes magazine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh affirmed that Vietnam’s development journey over the past eight decades has demonstrated remarkable vitality and an enduring aspiration to rise, with its position increasingly elevated on the international stage.
Chen Ta Yu: Inspiring Acts Of Kindness And Creating A Circle Of Love In Vietnam
For Chen Ta Yu, Chief Representative of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Vietnam, compassion does not stop at giving but lies in continuity. The children once supported by Tzu Chi in pursuing their dreams have now become those who spread love, contributing to building a harmonious and humane society in Vietnam.
Lee Chang Kun: “Although I Was Born in RoK, My Heart Has Always Been with Vietnam”
For three consecutive terms as Vietnam’s Tourism Ambassador to the RoK, Lee Chang Kun - the 31st-generation descendant of King Ly Thai To has not only served as a cultural bridge but has also tirelessly told Vietnam’s story with his heart and memories. His journeys have brought the image of Vietnam closer to RoK's friends, while also introducing the essence of RoK culture to the Vietnamese people.
Strengthening Vietnam - Indonesia Ties
On August 26, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Indonesia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City held a gathering to celebrate the 80th National Day of the Republic of Indonesia (17/8/1945 - 17/8/2025).
Lao Vice Chairman of National Assembly: Vietnam’s 80-Year Achievements Are Source of Encouragement for Lao People
On the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity Sommad Pholsena sent a congratulatory message to former Member of the Central Committee of the Communist of Vietnam, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, and President of the Vietnam Peace Committee Uong Chu Luu. In his message, he affirmed that the achievements of the Vietnamese people are a great source of inspiration for Laos and expressed his confidence that the great friendship between Vietnam and Laos will remain enduring.
International Friends Extend Warm Congratulations to Vietnam on 80th National Day
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, numerous people-to-people organizations and individuals who are friends and partners of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations sent congratulatory letters and messages to the leaders of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam.
President of Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association: Proud of History, Cherish Today's Success
“I have always held a deep affection for Vietnam and greatly admire the progress you have achieved.” That was the prevailing spirit in the exchange between Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, and the VietnamTimes magazine.
Vietnam Remembers the Wholehearted Support of the Lao People
On August 26 in Hanoi, a delegation from the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, led by Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh, paid a visit to the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association to extend congratulations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day. At the meeting, both sides affirmed that the special Vietnam-Laos solidarity is an invaluable asset that has contributed to the historic achievements of each nation.
Vietnam-RoK Cultural Exchange at “Vietnamese Village” in RoK
The “RoK-Vietnam Global Exchange” event was solemnly held at Chunghyodang Heritage Site in North Gyeongsang Province, where relics of Vietnam’s royal Ly lineage are preserved.
International Friends: Vietnam as an Inspiration for Liberation and Development
On the occasion of the 80th National Day of Vietnam, leaders and politicians from Cambodia, Mexico, Uruguay, and France shared their admiration for Vietnam’s historical journey and development. From the victory of 1945 that opened a new era of independence, to the Doi Moi (Renewal) period and international integration, Vietnam is recognized as a symbol of national liberation, a model for poverty reduction and sustainable development, as well as a trusted partner of the international community.
Vietnam Is a Dynamic Country in Multilateral Diplomacy
From the perspective of Professor Carl Thayer - a leading Vietnam expert at the Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales - Vietnam is a dynamic country that actively pursues robust cultural diplomacy, embraces multilateral foreign policy, and consistently demonstrates warmth and hospitality. These qualities, he noted, have brought significant benefits to the nation.
Vietnam-China Friendship: Affection Spanning Two Centuries
Though 57 years have passed, for Yu Shuhui, former medical staff of Nanxishan Hospital (Guilin, China), the memories of 8 years of her youth spent with wounded and sick Vietnamese soldiers remain vivid. Her story is a living testament to the friendship between Vietnam and China, where blood and tears mingled during the years of resistance against the US.
Vietnam - Singapore Towards a Future of Peace, Creativity and Shared Prosperity
On August 21, the Vietnamese Embassy to Singapore hosted a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s Independence Day (September 2). The event brought together approximately 500 guests, including local officials, members of the diplomatic corps, scholars, business leaders, and representatives of the Vietnamese community.
Sports Exchange Contributes to Enhance Vietnam-Cuba Friendship
On August 23 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association of Hanoi organized the Vietnam-Cuba Open Pickleball Friendship Tournament 2025, along with a donation in support of the Cuban people. This substantial activity was held in celebration of the "Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year," commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's August Revolution and Independence Day (September 2), and looking ahead to the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relation establishment (December 2, 1960 – December 2, 2025).
Kadrinka Kadrinova – Bulgarian Journalist And Two Decades Of Writing About The “Vietnam Miracle”
From childhood memories in Moscow to travels across Vietnam, Bulgarian journalist Kadrinka Velichkova Kadrinova has spent the past two decades writing about the country with love and devotion. Through her books, articles, and stories, she not only reflects on history and transformation but also captures the sincere emotions that bind Vietnam to her heart.
