Palestinian Ambassador to Việt Nam Saadi Salama (right) presented the Grand Collar Medal of the State of Palestine to the late General Võ Nguyên Giáp, received by his son Võ Hồng Nam at a ceremony in Hà Nội on June 19. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam and Palestine on Friday held a ceremony to posthumously award the Grand Collar Medal of the State of Palestine to General Võ Nguyên Giáp, recognising his enduring contributions to national liberation movements and his steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.

Addressing the ceremony, Palestinian Ambassador to Việt Nam Saadi Salama said the prestigious decoration pays tribute to General Giap’s historic stature and remarkable revolutionary legacy, describing him as a close friend of the Palestinian people.

According to the ambassador, the award honours the General’s contributions to the struggle for independence and freedom of oppressed nations, as well as his unwavering support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. It also reflects appreciation for the close relationship between General Giáp and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, a lasting symbol of solidarity and friendship between Việt Nam and Palestine.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang thanked the Palestinian State and President for honouring General Giáp, former Vice President Nguyễn Thị Bình and other prominent Vietnamese figures as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Palestinian representative office in Việt Nam. He said the gesture highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and traditional ties between the two nations.

Deputy PM Phan Văn Giang, representatives of General Võ Nguyên Giáp's family at the ceremony to award the late general with Grand Collar Medal of the State of Palestine. — VNA/VNS Photo

Giang noted that President Hồ Chí Minh and General Võ Nguyên Giáp have long been respected and admired by Palestinian leaders and people, while Việt Nam's struggle for national independence has inspired generations of Palestinians.

Reaffirming Việt Nam's consistent position, he stressed the country’s continued support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate cause and a two-state solution in line with international law.

The Deputy PM expressed confidence that bilateral relations will continue to expand, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples while contributing to peace and cooperation regionally and globally.

Accepting the medal on behalf of General Giáp's family, Võ Hồng Nam said he was deeply moved and honoured that the ceremony was held in a solemn and warm setting at the General’s residence, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of his birth.

On the occasion, the family also presented President Mahmoud Abbas, through the Palestinian Ambassador, with an Arabic translation of General Võ Nguyên Giáp’s book "Điện Biên Phủ". — VNA/VNS