Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that during the national struggles of liberation and reunification, Vietnam consistently received wholehearted and faithful support and assistance from fraternal countries and international friends, particularly the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, Laos and Cambodia.
He stressed that Vietnam’s victories in its resistance wars were not only sourced from the ardent patriotism, self-reliance, resilience and the indomitable fighting spirit of the entire nation, but also the result of the great, sincere and steadfast support from fraternal socialist countries and progressive friends worldwide.
Under different historical circumstances and in various forms, invaluable support, both material and spiritual, ranging from equipment, technology, personnel training and experts, to political and diplomatic backing, and even the sacrifice of blood by international friends, has become a powerful symbol of special, enduring and heartfelt international solidarity.
The Party and State of Vietnam directed the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense to construct the symbolic complex, featuring five groups of monuments honoring the significant contributions to the Vietnamese revolution made by the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, Laos and Cambodia.
After more than five months of construction, the entire project has now been completed on schedule, meeting requirements in terms of quality, aesthetics and artistic value, and fully conveying the message of international solidarity, friendship and gratitude.
On behalf of the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien highly appreciated the close and effective coordination of agencies and units inside and outside the military, diplomatic missions of partner countries, as well as the tireless efforts of artists, sculptors, craftsmen, engineers, officers, soldiers and relevant forces directly involved in the project’s construction.
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Delegates at the ribbon-cutting ceremony |
According to Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, the inauguration of the symbolic complex coincides with the 79th anniversary of the National Resistance Day (December 19, 1946 – 2025), serving as a profound expression of Vietnam’s gratitude to its friends, while also reminding present and future generations of their responsibility to preserve, nurture and promote solidarity, friendship and cooperation, for peace, stability and prosperity in each country, the region and the world at large.
He affirmed that the complex is not only a cultural and historical landmark, but also a clear and consistent message from Vietnam to the international community: Vietnam cherishes its past, values loyalty and gratitude, and remains steadfast on the path of peace, cooperation and development.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed his belief that from this site, the spirit of international solidarity will continue to spread, inspiring responsibility and aspiration among today’s and future generations, while further strengthening and deepening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and its international partners.
Addressing the ceremony, Russian Ambassador Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko highlighted that the Soviet Union was among the first countries to officially establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1950 and actively supported Vietnam during its resistance wars. He expressed his gratitude to Vietnam for preserving the shared historical memory between the two nations, affirming that this stands as clear evidence of sincere friendship and a high level of political trust between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, the successor state of the Soviet Union.
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Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Stepanovich Bezdetko addresses the ceremony. |
Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes noted that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba was forged in the flames of war. Throughout the arduous revolutionary struggle, the peoples of the two countries stood shoulder to shoulder, sharing hardships and challenges.
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Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes speaks at the event. |
Over the decades, the faithful and enduring Vietnam–Cuba friendship, nurtured by the Parties, States and peoples of both nations, has continued to be strengthened and developed comprehensively, for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace and progress worldwide.
The Cuban Ambassador expressed deep emotion and gratitude to the Party, State, Government and Vietnam People’s Army for building the symbolic complex as a profound gesture of appreciation toward international friends, thereby contributing to the further cultivation of solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and its partners.
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Delegates lay flowers at the monument clusters. |
At the ceremony, delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the International Solidarity, Friendship and Gratitude Symbolic Complex, and laid flowers in remembrance at the monument clusters honoring international advisors and soldiers from the Soviet Union, Cuba, China, Laos and Cambodia.
Translated by Trung Thanh