HCM City gathering marks 44th anniversary of January 7 victory
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a gathering on January 9 in celebration of 44 years since the victory of the fight to defend the southwestern border and, together with the Cambodian army and people, defeat the Pol Pot genocidal regime (January 7, 1979).
A performance at the gathering in HCM City on January 9. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – The Ho Chi Minh City Union ofFriendship Organisations (HUFO) held a gathering on January 9 in celebration of44 years since the victory of the fight to defend the southwestern border and,together with the Cambodian army and people, defeat the Pol Pot genocidal regime (January7, 1979).
Phung Cong Dung, Chairman of the HCM City Committee forOverseas Vietnamese Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam - Cambodia FriendshipAssociation of HCM City, recalled Cambodia’s painful history under the rule of the Pol Pot genocidal regime.
In response to the urgent appeal from the Cambodian peopleand the Kampuchea United Front for National Salvation, volunteer Vietnamese soldiersstood side by side with the revolutionary armed forces and people of Cambodiato topple the Pol Pot regime and liberate Phnom Penh on January 7, 1979 tobuild a new society.
The dateJanuary 7, 1979 went down in history as a milestone of the faithful solidarityand special friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia as it was the day when theCambodian people escaped from the scourge of genocide and entered a new era –the era of independence, freedom, and revival, and it also heralded a newchapter in the two countries’ neighbourliness, he noted.
Dunghailed Cambodia’s enormous achievements obtained over the last more than 40years under the leadership of the Royal Government ruled by the CambodianPeople’s Party and the Royal Family.
He also highlighted the two countries’ Friendship Year 2022,when a number of activities were held to mark the 55th founding anniversaryof diplomatic relations (June 24).
Addressing the gathering, Cambodian Consul Generalin HCM City Sok Dareth affirmed that the victory on January 7, 1979 was ahistoric event of great significance to the Cambodian people and bilateralties.
The Cambodianpeople always keep in mind the sacrifice by volunteer Vietnamese soldiers tohelp liberate the country from the Pol Pot genocidal regime and prevent thereturn of this regime. They also treasure the Vietnamese people’s wholeheartedassistance for the reconstruction and development of Cambodia, he went on.
The diplomatheld that in the time ahead, the two countries should maintain cooperation, solidarity,fraternity, good neighbourliness, and high political trust; strongly promote bilateraltrade, investment, and tourism; and respect and effectively implement all thesigned agreements for the sake of common interests and their prosperity. They should also encourage young people to shareexperience and build up friendship so as to solidify the close-knit relationsbetween the two nations' people./.
Cambodia’s January 7 Victory reflected the pure and sincere international solidarity between Cambodian and Vietnamese people, opening a new page in the nations’ fine friendship and good neighbourliness, said Uch Leang, deputy head of the Department of Asian, African and Middle Eastern Studies under the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC)’s Institute of International Relations.
Myriad activities have taken place in Cambodia over the past days to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the Victory over Genocide Day (January 7, 1979-2023).
Cambodia's daily newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea (Light of Cambodia) has run an article that highlighted the deep friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, emphasising the significance of the January 7 victory 44 years ago as well as the role of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in the liberation and revitalisation of Cambodia today.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
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.
A performance at the gathering in HCM City on January 9. (Photo: VNA) 
