Also attending were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Sao Mai, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei, as well as over 30 Chinese veterans, advisors, and their families.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien delivering his speech |
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son addressing the event |
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Mr. Zhang Wen Bin sharing his memories |
Speaking at the event, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that Vietnam and China are neighboring countries with a traditional relationship and are united by shared socialist ideology, a bond nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, Chairman Mao Zedong, and generations of leaders of the two sides. He acknowledged the immense support Vietnam received from China during its struggles for national independence and reunification, including weapons, logistics, technical assistance, and training for military personnel.
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Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien with Chinese veterans and their families |
He expressed Vietnam’s deep gratitude to the Chinese Party, government, people, and military for their timely and significant supports, as well as the sacrifices made by Chinese veterans and military advisors. The contribution played a crucial role in Vietnam's victories in the national liberation and reunification efforts.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien laying flowers at President Ho Chi Minh’s statue at the Vietnamese Embassy in China |
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien announced that Vietnam is currently restoring cemeteries and memorials for Chinese martyrs who died supporting the country's revolutionary cause. He wished the Chinese veterans and their families good health and encouraged them to continue serving as role models for younger generations, helping to promote the long-standing traditional friendship between Vietnam and China. He also invited them to visit Vietnam for celebrations of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of the Whole-People Defense Festive Day.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son praised the significance of the event, describing it as a vivid expression of Vietnam’s tradition of gratitude. He noted that the presence of over 30 Chinese veterans at the meeting demonstrated the enduring bond between the two nations.
Mr. Zhang Wen Bin, on behalf of the Chinese veterans and military advisors delegation, recalled his time standing by Vietnamese comrades in the struggle for the national independence and liberation. He recounted the commitment of three generations of his family to fostering Vietnam-China friendship. Zhang called the event a testament to Vietnam’s appreciation for the contributions of Chinese veterans and a symbol of the continued flame of friendship being passed down through generations. He expressed hope for even closer ties between the two nations in the future.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien presenting a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh to the Vietnamese Embassy in China |
Later in the day, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien led a delegation from the Vietnam Ministry of National Defense to visit the Vietnamese Embassy in China. During the visit, the delegation laid flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh located in the embassy compound.
Translated by Song Anh