HÀ NỘI — For Palestine, a land still in search of independence, the two words “Việt Nam” had become a symbol of the spiritual struggle for peace, Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama said at a ceremony held on Thursday in Hà Nội to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Palestine and Việt Nam.

“It is a privilege to be able to celebrate this historic occasion with our friends in Việt Nam, a country that holds a place dear in the hearts of the Palestinian people,” he said.

The ceremony also celebrated the International Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29).

It was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Việt Nam, UNDP Resident Representative, the Hà Nội Union of Friendship Organisations, Việt Nam’s Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, members of the foreign diplomatic corps, and Palestinian students in Việt Nam.

A photo exhibition was also held showing moments of friendship between the two countries and introducing Palestine’s country and people.

“Our leaders have forged a close bond during the struggle of both our peoples against occupation and colonialism,” said Salama.

“Official and friendly visits to Việt Nam of our late President Yasser Arafat and other members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) before and after the liberation of Việt Nam, as well as the establishment of a PLO Representative Office in Hà Nội in 1976, are strong messages of solidarity and support to the friendly people of Việt Nam.

"Over the years, the friendship and co-operation between the two countries have strengthened.

“Việt Nam suffered lots of sorrow and losses in the past during their struggles against invaders, but nowadays it has become an independent and self-reliant nation. In both wartime and peace time, Việt Nam always stands by the Palestinian people and consistently supports our just cause, which has become a strong motivation for the two countries and peoples.”

He said that the victories of Việt Nam over the years provided not only invaluable lessons but also inspiration and an enormous encouragement for the Palestinian people to continue their enduring and difficult struggle for national independence and freedom.

Hồ Anh Dũng, chairman of the Committee for Solidarity with the Palestinian People, said along with state diplomacy, people’s associations in Việt Nam had implemented various activities to promote mutual understanding, solidarity and friendship between the two peoples.

To mark the celebrations, many activities such as film festivals, exhibitions, cultural and information exchanges have been held.

“Through the films provided by the embassy, we have come to understand more about the context of Palestine and the just struggle for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” he said.

On the occasion, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng also sent a message to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, expressing strong support for the struggle for justice and fundamental national rights of the Palestinian people. — VNS