Mexican journalist Pedro Estrada Vega. VNA/VNS Photo

MEXICO CITY — Mexican journalist Pedro Estrada Vega has described the victory of the August Revolution in 1945 as a historic milestone of great significance to Việt Nam and an inspiration to peoples worldwide in their struggles for independence and self-determination.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Mexico on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of Việt Nam's August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), Estrada said the revolution’s historical values continue to be reflected in today’s image of a peaceful, dynamic and increasingly integrated Việt Nam.

He said the August Revolution, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam and President Hồ Chí Minh, led the nationwide uprising to victory and marked a decisive turning point in Việt Nam’s history. The victory paved the way for President Hồ Chí Minh to read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square on September 2, 1945, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam (now the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam).

According to the Mexican journalist, the significance of the August Revolution extended beyond Việt Nam, inspiring peoples fighting colonialism and seeking self-determination. Việt Nam demonstrated that anation, even when materially weaker, can still win and defend its independence through determination, unity, and unwavering faith in its goals.

Estrada described President Hồ Chí Minh as one of the most influential leaders in the 20th century, saying his revolutionary thought and activities not only shaped Việt Nam’s struggle for national liberation but also inspired anti-colonial movements across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

He also referred to UNESCO’s 1987 recommendation that member states join in commemorating the centenary of Hồ Chí Minh’s birth, recognising his contributions to national liberation, peace, national independence, democracy and social progress.

Pedro Estrada said that President Hồ Chí Minh has been well known in Mexico for decades, citing former Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río (1934–1940), who once compared President Hồ Chí Minh with Mahatma Gandhi - two prominent leaders of the struggle for national independence in Asia and exemplars of integrity, dedication, selflessness, and wholehearted service to their people.

Turning to Việt Nam today, Estrada said he is particularly impressed by the country’s transformation in recent decades. While Việt Nam was once often portrayed internationally through images of war and the struggle for independence, the “S-shaped country” is now increasingly known for its dynamism, development and proactive international integration.

The journalist said he has witnessed these changes firsthand during three visits to Việt Nam over the past three years, each lasting about a month. He praised the country’s achievements in economy, society, culture, science, education and tourism, saying its people had left an equally strong impression on him.

Estrada further said that he had made friends with many Vietnamese people and received their support and warmth during his travels, giving him a closer watch on the country he has spent years studying and writing about. “I love Việt Nam, I love the Vietnamese people,” he said, adding that Việt Nam and its people will always remain in his heart.

He also noted that despite their geographical distance, Việt Nam and Mexico share historical experiences, with both peoples having fought for independence and undergone difficult periods of economic and social transformation. Such shared experiences have fostered mutual understanding and provided a foundation for bilateral friendship.

Recalling the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Mexico diplomatic relations in 2025, Estrada praised the positive development of bilateral ties over more than half a century. He expressed his admiration for Việt Nam, describing it as “a beautiful country, a model of development and fairness” and saying he hopes to return many more times.

Eighty-one years after the autumn of 1945, Việt Nam has travelled a long road from winning independence and safeguarding sovereignty to national development and international integration. Through the eyes of a Mexican journalist who has visited the country repeatedly, today’s Việt Nam is defined not only by its proud history but also by its development achievements, people and increasingly close friendship with Mexico. — VNA/VNS