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Delegates at the event

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, recalled Vietnam’s 80-year journey since President Ho Chi Minh declared independence on September 2, 1945. He affirmed that Vietnam values its relations with the U.K., noting that over 50 years of diplomatic ties and 15 years of strategic partnership, cooperation between the two countries has grown stronger across many fields, including finance, high technology, energy conversion, and climate change response. He emphasized that amidst global uncertainties, Vietnam remains committed to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, and that now is a favorable time for both countries to elevate their strategic partnership, deepen political trust, and expand practical cooperation for regional and global peace and development.

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Comrade Nguyen Xuan Thang speaking at the celebration

On the U.K. side, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Seema Malhotra highlighted the thriving strategic partnership between the two nations, with enhanced cooperation in combating organized crime and addressing illegal migration. She confirmed the U.K.’s willingness to share expertise with Vietnam in developing an international financial center, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening collaboration on net zero, digital transformation, and green finance.

Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle described Vietnam as one of the world’s fastest-growing countries, a “new tiger” of Asia. He noted that the celebration of Vietnam’s National Day in London reflected the country’s rising stature and promising future on the international stage, as shown by the strong attendance of ambassadors from many nations.

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Delegates attending the event

Assessing the positive trajectory of Vietnam – U.K. relations, Hoyle emphasized that the 15-year strategic partnership represents not only cooperation, but also friendship, solidarity, and a shared responsibility for global security. He added that while the two countries have worked closely together and invested in each other, there remains vast potential to expand cooperation in trade, education, and pharmaceuticals.

Speaking to the People’s Army Newspaper, Robert Griffiths, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain, expressed his admiration for the patriotism and spirit of the Vietnamese people in the new era, especially after attending the recent grand parade in celebration of the National Day in Hanoi. He affirmed that the Communist Party of Britain, with its long-standing ties to the Communist Party of Vietnam, will continue to contribute to strengthening the bridge between the two nations and to fostering new achievements in economic, cultural, and social development.

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Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.K. Do Minh Hung (right) and guest at the celebration
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Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.K. Do Minh Hung with students at the celebration

At the celebration, guests also had the opportunity to view paintings by young artist Xeo Chu, enjoy musical performances by international artists, and experience the richness of Vietnamese cuisine.

Translated by Ninh Vinh – Hoang Truong