Party and State leaders held a gala banquet on 1/9 at the National Convention Center to commemorate the 80th anniversary of National Day. Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, along with former Party and State leaders, attended the event, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

Also in attendance were Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, representatives of People's Armed Forces heroes, labor heroes, religious representatives, ethnic minority communities, intellectuals, scientists, artists, youth, businesses, and overseas Vietnamese.

Party and State leaders, former leaders, and delegates attend the gala at the National Convention Center on 1/9. Photo: TTXVN

Party and State leaders, former leaders, and delegates attend the gala at the National Convention Center on 1/9. Photo: TTXVN

The gala was attended by Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, First Secretary; Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez; Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji; Chairman of the House of Representatives of Belarus Igor Sergeenko; Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith; and First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Yakushev, leading their respective delegations. Representatives of political parties and governments of other countries, ambassadors, charges d'affaires, heads of international organizations in Vietnam, and international friends were also present.

Speaking at the event, President Luong Cuong recalled 2/9/1945, when at Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the immortal Declaration of Independence, solemnly proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This ushered in a new era of independence, freedom, and happiness for the Vietnamese people. Since then, the entire Vietnamese nation has united, overcome difficulties and challenges, and risen to achieve great, historic accomplishments.

Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man perform the congratulatory ceremony. Photo: TTXVN

Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man perform the congratulatory ceremony. Photo: TTXVN

The president emphasized the Party, the people, and the army's deep gratitude for the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh; and paid tribute to previous leaders, heroes, martyrs, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, People's Armed Forces Heroes, Labor Heroes, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, relatives of martyrs, those who rendered services to the nation, and compatriots who contributed and sacrificed for the nation's independence, freedom, and the people's happiness.

He also expressed gratitude for the sincere support from international friends, progressive forces, and peace-loving people worldwide during Vietnam's past struggle for national liberation and its current national construction and development.

President Luong Cuong affirmed that with the will and burning aspiration to build a powerful country, along with intellect and resilience, Vietnam will continue to conquer new heights, accelerate innovation, proactively integrate, and spread the flame of reconciliation, unity, and international cooperation.

Party General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man with delegates. Photo: TTXVN

Party General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man with delegates. Photo: TTXVN

In a world full of changes, the president emphasized that the future and destiny of Vietnam are closely linked to the future and destiny of other nations. He stated that Vietnam will continue to strengthen and deepen friendly relations and cooperation with countries and partners worldwide, contributing positively to global politics, the global economy, and human civilization.

Recalling President Ho Chi Minh's words, "The strength, greatness, and resilience of the Vietnamese people are fundamentally based on the unity of the Vietnamese people and the support of the world's people. International solidarity is of great significance to us", President Luong Cuong affirmed that Vietnam will continue to work alongside international friends to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainably developed world.

Huyen Le