Speaking on the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2), State President Vo Van Thuong highlighted the role of unity in building the nation and defending sovereignty.

"One of the most brilliant golden chapters in the history of the Vietnamese people is the triumph of the August Revolution in 1945, which confirmed the great strength of national unity, marked a significant turning point, and propelled the Vietnamese people forward," President Vo Van Thuong said at the ceremony commemorating the Independence Day (September 2, 1945-2023).

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, foreign representatives, and heads of missions.

The President said that the Vietnamese people have persevered through numerous extraordinarily bloody and protracted battles, making millions of sacrifices to free their country, unify it, build, and defend the Fatherland in the spirit that "nothing is more precious than independence and freedom."

Vietnam's foreign policy has always been steadfast in independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralization, and being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam has effectively fulfilled many obligations at multilateral forums, worked together to realize development objectives, defended human rights, and actively contributed to maintaining international peace. Vietnam has received love, encouragement, successful collaboration, and sincere assistance from friends around the world at every stage of its development, the President said.

"I believe that ambassadors, charge d'affaires, and chief representatives of international organizations will continue to serve as bridges and bearers of goodwill, sincerity and trust, making practical contributions to solid cooperative ties between Vietnam and international partners," President Thuong emphasized.

Speaking at the event on behalf of heads of missions, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama, who is also dean of the diplomatic corps, expressed his impressions on the achievements that Vietnam has made over the past time to maintain its rapid development to be among the top fastest-growing economies.

The results have listed Vietnam as the 32nd among 100 strong nation brands. In 2023, the country moved up 12 notches in the United Nations' Global Happiness Index.

Leaders of Vietnam and foreign representatives at the ceremony commemorating the 78th anniversary of the National Day held in Hanoi on August 31. Photos: VNA, Thanh Nien

Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong welcomes foreign guests.

President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse greet the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, Yamada Takio.

Foreign guests at the ceremony.

Vietnam's high-ranking officials greet foreign guests.

President Vo Van Thuong speaks at the ceremony.