Vice minister Hoang Xuan Chien, on behalf of the Ministry of National Defense, thanked the governments and defense ministries of the participating countries for sending their troops to Vietnam. He emphasized that their presence demonstrates international solidarity and cooperation. He also expressed his appreciation for the soldiers who arrived just hours before the meeting.
"I hope the delegations will overcome any challenges related to jet lag and living conditions to successfully complete the mission entrusted to them," the vice minister said.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien greets Chinese soldiers who arrived in Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Phong |
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien greets Chinese soldiers who arrived in Vietnam. Photo: Hoang Phong
The four international contingents invited to participate in the parade include those from Russia, China, Laos, and Cambodia, who arrived in Vietnam between 15/8 and 29/8. The 120-member Chinese delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport on 29/8. The Russian, Lao, and Cambodian delegations arrived earlier and have already participated in two joint rehearsals and a preliminary review at Ba Dinh Square.
The international contingents comprise 120 soldiers from China, 120 from Cambodia, 110 from Laos, and 33 from Russia, along with support staff. These contingents will join the Vietnamese army, police, and civilian groups for the final rehearsal at 6:30 a.m. on 30/8 at Ba Dinh Square.
According to the plan, the parade on 2/9 will begin with a traditional torch procession, ceremonial artillery fire, and a flyover by the air force. Following this will be 43 parade formations: 26 from the army, 17 from the police, four from international militaries, a military artillery vehicle formation, and a police special vehicle formation. A naval parade in Khanh Hoa will be broadcast live to Hanoi. There will also be 13 civilian marching formations.
Supporting elements include honor guards, 29 stationary formations, and 4,600 people forming images and letters on the grandstand. The entire ceremony will be broadcast live for the nation to watch.
Hoang Phuong
