Mexico City (VNA) - Deputy Minister of Culture of Venezuela Alí Alejandro Primera has said he will perform renowned songs praising President Ho Chi Minh, along with other artists, during an art programme titled “Forever Ho Chi Minh” on the occasion of his 135th birthday (May 19, 1890 - 2025).

The performance is a heartfelt tribute from the Venezuelan people to the great leader of the global revolutionary movement.

The Venezuelan official made the statement at a working session held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela on May 1.

Deputy Minister Alejandro Primera said the Venezuelan Government has directed relevant agencies to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy to finalise preparations for the “Forever Ho Chi Minh” programme, which is scheduled to take place at the Bolivar Theatre in Caracas on May 21.

Extending his congratulations to the heroic Vietnamese people on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 –2025), Alejandro affirmed that Vietnam's victory was also the victory of the Venezuelan people. He stressed that for Venezuela, President Ho Chi Minh is seen as a shared revolutionary leader of all humanity.

As a famous musician in Venezuela, Alejandro Primera expressed his deep admiration and special affection for Vietnam and its leader, great President Ho Chi Minh. From a young age, he was profoundly influenced by songs praising Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh, composed and performed by his grandfather - a revolutionist and People’s Artist of Venezuela Ali Primera.

Although he hasn’t visited Vietnam, through iconic songs composed by late People’s Artist Ali Primera such as “Inolvidable Ho Chi Minh” (Forever Ho Chi Minh), “La figura de Ho Chi Minh” (The Portrait of Ho Chi Minh), and “La Mujer de Vietnam” (The Woman of Vietnam), he has been able to image a resilient country and people, and to appreciate President Ho Chi Minh as a shining example of patriotism, selflessness, and compassion. He dedicated his entire life to the struggle for national liberation, reunification, and the freedom and happiness of the Vietnamese people.

Speaking about the upcoming “Forever Ho Chi Minh” programme, the Deputy Minister shared that the event will feature many famous artists and the National Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.

In particular, he and other Venezuelan artists will perform historic songs honouring President Ho Chi Minh by late composer Ali Primera, as well as famous works by international composers such as “Right to Live in Peace” by Chilean musician Victor Jara and “The Ballad of Ho Chi Minh” by British songwriter Ewan MacColl, which was translated into Spanish by late Chilean musician Rolando Alarcón.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My expressed sincere gratitude for the special affection that Deputy Minister Alí Alejandro Primera and his family have long shown towards President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people. He emphasised that this is a vivid testament to the enduring admiration of the Deputy Minister’s family, the Venezuelan people, and the global community towards President Ho Chi Minh.

ꦕ The Ambassador noted that, to mark the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth, the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela is continuing to promote the “Honouring President Ho Chi Minh, a national liberation hero and an outstanding cultural figure abroad” project. This project aims to uphold and disseminate the ideological values, ethics, and personality of President Ho Chi Minh, while honouring the country and people of Vietnam in Venezuela and the Latin American region./.