Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and government officials at the ceremony on Thursday evening. — VNA/VNS Photos Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and his spouse chaired a ceremony in Hà Nội on Thursday evening to celebrate the 79th anniversary of the National Day of Việt Nam (September 2).

Attending the event were former and incumbent Party, State, National Assembly and Government leaders, as well as officials of ministries, agencies, socio-political organisations, and localities in and around Hà Nội.

International delegates included the head of the diplomatic corps in Hà Nội - Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, and foreign ambassadors, chargés d'affaires and chief representatives of international organisations in the capital city.

In his speech, Lâm recalled the historic moment on September 2, 1945 when President Hồ Chí Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam.

Under the Party leadership over the past 79 years and inspired by President Hồ Chí Minh's call for independence, the entire Vietnamese people have united as one, along with pure international solidarity, and won victory after victory, liberating and reunifying the country, successfully implementing the renewal process and firmly advancing toward socialism.

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm delivers a speech at the ceremony.

The leader highlighted that from a war-devastated country, Việt Nam has risen to become a destination of investors and international travellers, and from an underdeveloped economy to one of the top 40 global economies, with its trade volume ranking among the top 20 countries worldwide.

The nation is now a key player in 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) connecting with 60 major economies regionally and globally. Once isolated, Việt Nam has now established diplomatic ties with 193 countries and forged strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 30 nations, including all permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council and major global powers, and served as an active member of over 70 global and regional organisations.

Making the well-being and happiness of its people the ultimate goal, Việt Nam has been recognised by the UN and international friends as a success story and a beacon in poverty reduction, he said.

Lâm attributed those great accomplishments to the patriotic spirit, great national unity, self-reliance, and strong desire for independence, freedom and happiness of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, adding that they are also a testament to the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, a Party dedicated to serving the people, committed unwaveringly and infinitely to the interests of the nation and its citizens.

International delegates at the event.

Looking ahead, he underlined the ongoing efforts to accelerate progress and realise the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress with the major development goals to 2030 - the 100th anniversary of the Party, and to 2045, the centenary celebration of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, transforming Việt Nam into a prosperous, high-income nation where all citizens enjoy a high-quality life.

The Vietnamese Party, State and people wish for continued support and close cooperation with friends, partners and peace lovers worldwide, with diplomats, heads of international organisations and foreign investors in Việt Nam playing the bridging role, he said.

"I firmly believe that together, we will overcome all challenges, seize opportunities, and work toward building a peaceful and sustainable world, shaping a fair international political and economic order based on the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law," the leader said.

Palestinian Ambassador to Việt Nam Saadi Salama, speaking on behalf of the ambassadors, chargés d'affaires, and heads of international organisations in Hà Nội, extended congratulations to Việt Nam on the occasion, stressing that the sacred moment at Ba Đình Square 79 years ago will forever be a glorious milestone that is not only remembered by Vietnamese people but also a source of great encouragement for nations struggling for national liberation and for justice in the world.

Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps in Hà Nội, addresses the event.

He praised Việt Nam's "bamboo diplomacy" symbolising flexibility, resilience and consistency in the current situation with unpredictable uncertainties, and noted that Việt Nam's steadfast commitment to settling global issues based on the principles of the rule of law, humanity, equality, and mutual respect has strengthened its voice at global and regional forums.

Expressing gratitude for the support from the Vietnamese State and relevant agencies, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Salama reaffirmed his commitment to further developing the multifaceted friendship and cooperation between Việt Nam and countries and international organisations via fostering peaceful and mutually beneficial partnerships for a world of peace, freedom, equality, prosperity and sustainable development.

An art performance at the celebration event.

The ceremony concluded with a special music show featuring musical pieces and songs by renowned composers from Việt Nam and around the world, honouring President Hồ Chí Minh and the Vietnamese revolution and showcasing the rich culture and spirit of the Vietnamese people. — VNS