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.
August 27, 2025 | 22:09
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Affirming the historical significance of the August Revolution

In a letter addressed to General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son, and President of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu, Professor, Doctor of Economics V.P. Buyanov, President of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association, emphasized:

“Among the events of the 20th century, Vietnam’s August Revolution was one of the greatest. It was one of the first anti-colonial uprisings in which an oppressed people achieved victory. The independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam was founded, ending the feudal rule of the Nguyen dynasty. With the success of the August Revolution, the Vietnamese people contributed to the global struggle against fascism. The victory of the August Revolution had a profound impact on anti-colonial and anti-imperialist movements around the world, particularly in French colonies.”

Russian servicemen rehearse the second parade and march (August 24, 2025) in preparation for the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. (Photo: VnExpress)
Russian military delegation rehearses the second parade and march on August 24, 2025, in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of Vietnam on September 2. (Photo: VnExpress)

All the letters affirmed that the decisive factor in this victory was the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by President Ho Chi Minh, with his “visionary genius” in seizing the opportune moment to take power swiftly and almost bloodlessly.

From a colonial nation to a dynamic economy

The message from the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association highlighted: After 80 years, Vietnam has transformed from a poor, backward, agrarian country into a nation with a middle level of economic development. Today, Vietnam holds a leading position globally not only in rice, coffee, tea, and many other agricultural products, but also in electronics, footwear, textiles, and various industrial goods. Vietnam is recognized as an active member of 70 international organizations and has been elected multiple times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

On behalf of all its members, Professor V.P. Buyanov affirmed: “The Russian people are glad to see that throughout the historical journey of an independent Vietnam, we have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people, both during the years of struggle against foreign aggression and in the years of building a new social regime (…) We wish for the Russia-Vietnam friendship to remain strong, constantly consolidated and developed; and for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Vietnam to further expand and deepen.”

In his letter to President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son, and President of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu, Professor Buyanov underscored the important role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering solidarity. He affirmed that the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association is “trusted friends and comrades” of Russian friends.

War memories and eternal camaraderie

In a letter to General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, Nikolai Kolesnik, Chairman of the Russian War Veterans Association, who used to work in Vietnam, expressed deep emotion: “On this great occasion, all former Soviet military experts who once worked in Vietnam cannot help but recall our Vietnamese friends, with whom we fought side by side, built missile and air defense forces, repelled US air raids, and shared both the joy of victory and the pain of loss during those difficult years of war. We bow our heads in tribute to our comrades and brothers who sacrificed their lives (…). Our fraternity in the war was sacred and will forever be preserved in our hearts.”

Continuing a strong bond of friendship

International friends expressed their hope that Vietnam will continue to move forward firmly on the path of international integration, building a strong and prosperous nation, and making more significant contribution to peace, cooperation, and the development of humanity.

International Friends Extend Warm Congratulations to Vietnam on the 80th National Day
Hanoi adorned with flags and flowers to celebrate the 80th National Day (Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper)

President of the Finland-Vietnam Friendship Association (FVFA) Mauri Raveala, wrote:

“On behalf of the Finland-Vietnam Friendship Association, I extend our warmest congratulations on its 80th Independence Day to the Party and State of Vietnam (…) May this special day be filled with joy, celebration, and pride. Wishing your country continued peace, prosperity, and growth.”

In a letter dated August 19, Chairman of the Danish Vietnamese Association Nils Bull, remarked:

“This momentous day is an occasion to reflect on Vietnam’s impressive development and the incredible progress achieved since 1945, especially since the Doi Moi reforms. We admire the tenacity, strength, and vision that have shaped Vietnam into the dynamic and forward-looking nation we know today.”

He expressed his desire to further strengthen the friendship and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as to continue activities supporting disadvantaged children and youth; while also looking ahead to the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Denmark diplomatic relations (2026) and the 50th anniversary of the Danish Vietnamese Association.

The congratulatory messages were sent in various forms: official letters, official telegram, and emails. Notably, many personal mementos were also presented to Vietnamese leaders, demonstrating the sincere affection and close bonds of international friends.

Dr. Keijo Varis, a member of the Board of the Finland-Vietnam Friendship Association, sent General Secretary To Lam miniature military medals and photographs of his uncle, Jaakko Kettunen.

The letter read in part:

“(…) I decided to present you with the miniature military medals of my uncle Jaakko Kettunen along with two photos of him. Jaakko Kettunen was not only my mother’s brother, but he was also a ‘child soldier’ and ‘mascot’ - public relation tool of the Finnish army. He left his poor family to become a musical student in the Finnish army at the age of 13, and ended up with the Finnish army on the Soviet side of the front in Petrozavodsk for the years 1941-1942. There, at the age of 14, he received his first medal of honor in the war. The accompanying picture of him (photo 1) with a little girl (pikkulotta) was published in Suomen Kuvalehti (Finland’s most significant photo magazine) on August 30, 1941, just before he left for the front.

However, child soldier Jaakko did not use a weapon; his ‘weapon’ was music. He served in the army orchestra as a flutist. Later, he studied music at university, became the conductor of two different Finnish army orchestras, and served them 30 years (photo 2).

May the miniature models of my uncle Jaakko’s medals be a reminder to you and Vietnam of what our children are capable of, if only we believe in them and encourage them to reach their full potential.”

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