This unique event was a highlight of the celebration for the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, organized by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth. The sight of the vibrant red flag with a yellow star illuminated in the heart of Perth brought immense pride and emotion to the Vietnamese community in Western Australia, serving as a powerful affirmation of Vietnam's standing and identity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnam's national flag was illuminated on two sides of Perth town hall on the evening of 2/9. Video: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Consul General Pham Hai Anh presided over the ceremony, which gathered nearly 200 guests. Attendees included Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, alongside leaders from state and city government agencies, diplomatic representatives from various nations, and delegates from businesses, universities, and community organizations.

Consul General Pham Hai Anh underscored the profound historical significance of 2/9/1945, a moment that ushered in an era of independence and freedom for the Vietnamese people. For 81 years, this spirit has continued to guide the nation's aspiration to build a peaceful, unified, democratic, prosperous country deeply integrated with the world.

Globally, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 nations and maintains 99 overseas representative agencies. The country has forged 45 comprehensive or higher-level partnerships and is a member of 70 international organizations. Vietnam engages in trade and investment relations with 230 countries and territories, and participates in 17 free trade agreements.

Consul General Pham Hai Anh and community members outside Perth town hall on the evening of 2/9. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bilateral relations between Vietnam and Australia are developing robustly, particularly following the state visit of General Secretary, President To Lam to Australia. This visit resulted in several key cooperation documents and agreements across areas such as sustainable agriculture, maritime law enforcement, border cooperation, vocational education, digital economy, health, and aviation.

The Vietnamese community in Western Australia has actively contributed to bilateral relations, while also working to preserve its cultural identity and maintain strong ties with its homeland.

Premier Roger Cook affirmed the positive trajectory of relations between Vietnam and Western Australia. He highlighted ample opportunities to boost two-way trade and investment, especially in resource extraction, energy transition, sustainable agriculture, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Consul General Pham Hai Anh hosted the 81st Vietnam National Day celebration in Perth on the evening of 2/9. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cook expressed his admiration for Vietnam's economic growth and dynamic development, viewing it as a crucial foundation for new cooperation opportunities for businesses from both sides. He emphasized Vietnam's pivotal role in Western Australia's strategy to strengthen engagement with Southeast Asia.

He also commended the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in Western Australia across economic, educational, scientific, and agricultural sectors, as well as their role in preserving the state's cultural diversity.

Thanh Danh