Hanoi officials and representatives of Vietnam friendship associations planted trees at Hoa Binh Park in Hanoi's Cau Giay District on January 14. The event will promote friendship between Vietnamese and other peoples of the world and make the celebration of Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam more joyful.
International delegates and Hanoi officials planted trees at the Hoa Binh Park in Hanoi on January 14 to commemorate the Paris Peace Accords. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
The act was intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords that restored peace in Vietnam (January 27, 1973-January 27, 2023).
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Hanoi Construction Department Vo Nguyen Phong, representing Hanoi - City for Peace, expressed his honor and pride to welcome the international delegation visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the anniversary of the Paris Agreement and plant trees of remembrance in Hoa Binh Park - a work built on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi.
He hoped the event would promote friendship between Vietnamese and other peoples of the world, promote environmental protection in the city, and make the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration in Vietnam in 2023 even more joyous.
The representative of Hanoi said the Paris Peace treaty resulted from the tireless and resilient struggle carried out by the Vietnamese people to restore national unity and peace.
"The Vietnamese people always appreciate the support of international friends. The assistance was one of the key reasons that helped the Vietnamese achieve unification after 20 years of struggle," Phong said, adding, "The victory brought joy to both the peace-loving Vietnamese people and the international community."
Phong stated that the victory of the Paris Accords had encouraged the whole Party and the people of Vietnam to be more confident to successfully achieve the goals set out in the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress on foreign affairs and international cooperation; enhance integration capacity, effectively implement international commitments and free trade agreements; further, promote cultural diplomacy, make practical contributions to strongly promote the national image and strengthen the country's synergy.
On behalf of the international delegates attending the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Paris Agreement, Anda Tasaki, Coordinating Chief of the World Trade Union Center, welcomed the signing of the Agreement and affirmed that Vietnam is always the role model for other nations to fight for their independence and freedom.
She also called on the delegates to continue fighting for world peace and stability in the future.
Paris Agreement - a symbol of Vietnam's international friendships
The Paris Peace Accords, signed on January 27, 1973, epitomize the friendship between Vietnam and international communities, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a meeting on January 13.
Speaking at a reception welcoming 25 international delegates from 15 countries coming to join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, President Phuc said the peace treaty was one of the most glorious milestones in Vietnam's history.
He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people always honor and respect the valuable support lent by the international community to the signing of the Accords.
President Phuc hailed international support as one of the main sources of encouragement that propelled Vietnam to regain its national unity, freedom, and independence.
"The signing of the Paris Peace Accords was a reason for joy both for the Vietnamese people and for international friends, who have been on the side of Vietnam during the 20 years of fighting," he said.
"The agreement has strengthened the faith of all peace lovers worldwide and has inspired other nations to fight for their sovereignty," he said.
"It also demonstrated that tyranny and violence are no match for the love of peace and unity of the international community."
"The victory has motivated the Vietnamese people to make remarkable achievements over the past 50 years," the President added.
Vietnam has become a middle-income economy and the third-largest economy in ASEAN. Vietnam's GDP growth in 2022 was estimated at 8.02%, and GDP per capita was $4,110.
The rate of poor households by UN standards in 2022 was 3.6%, a huge drop from 58% in 1993.
The country has established diplomatic relations with 190/193 UN members, including 17 strategic partners and 13 comprehensive partners.
Vietnam is also an active member of more than 70 international organizations and forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, and WTO.
President Phuc also pointed out the need for a sustainable, peaceful, and just world for all nations, saying that Vietnam, through difficulties and wars, always cherishes the values of peace and honors the principles of the UN Charter and international laws on independence, the sovereignty of each nation, and hopes that all conflicts will be resolved in honor of international laws.
He affirmed that Vietnam is always a good friend, a trusted partner, and a responsible member of other nations and international communities in respect of a win-win relationship, and the country will always stand on the side of international friends to fight for peace, independence, and freedom.
Son Nguyen