80th anniversary of Vietnam People's Army marked in US
The Vietnamese Embassy and Defence Attaché Office in the US held a ceremony in Washington DC on December 9 (local time) to commemorate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024).
Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Washington DC (VNA)ꩲ – The Vietnamese Embassy and Defence Attaché Office in the US held a ceremony in Washington DC on December 9 (local time) to commemorate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024).
The event gathered more than 200 guests from the Department of Defence, the Department of State and armed forces of the US, along with ambassadors of ASEAN countries, and defence attachés of other countries in the US.
In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung recalled the pride-worthy history of the VPA.
He also affirmed the efforts that the defence ministries of Vietnam and the US have been making to enhance dialogue and jointly address war consequences, which have significantly contributed to the recent promotion of the two countries’ relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Vietnamese Defence Attaché in the US Col. Do Van Dang emphasised that during the Doi moi (renewal) period, the VPA has been upholding its heroic tradition, constantly improving the overall quality, strength, capabilities and combat readiness, and properly fulfilling its role as an army responsibile for combat, work, and production, thereby further beautifying the image of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers".
Brig. Gen. Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs attends the event. (Photo: VNA)
Brig. Gen. Ricky Mills, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs, affirmed that the cooperation in war aftermath settlement continues to play an important role in bilateral defence ties as well as the enhancement of trust and cooperation between the two countries.
He informed that the US Department of Defence will send Adm. Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, to attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.
Col. Thomas Stevenson, former US Defence Attaché to Vietnam, said that Vietnam has comprehensive strategic partnerships with most major powers in the world, and also good relations with all powerful nations. Its economy is growing at a pace that many countries must admire. Vietnam's policies are working effectively, and this also means the US - Vietnam relationship will keep flourishing.
In addition to the cooperation in war aftermath settlement, the Vietnam - US defence ties have recently achieved positive results in many fields such as delegation exchanges, dialogue - consultation, training, UN peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, cyber security, military medicine, and maritime security./.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on December 10 for a delegation of the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) led by its Chairman John Neuffer.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam on December 10 received General David Petraeus, a Partner at the Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) global investment firm and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
