In the jubilant and festive atmosphere of the historic August days, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic solemnly held a ceremony on the evening of August 28 in Prague to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025) and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic. The event was attended and addressed by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, representatives of various Czech ministries and departments, heads of diplomatic missions, international friends, and the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in the Czech Republic.

In his opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam emphasized that the occasion was a time to reflect on the 80-year journey of fighting for independence, building, and developing the nation, while also affirming the strong bond between Vietnam and the Czech Republic. "We can be proud of the achievements we have made, but more importantly, we are looking toward the future with faith and aspiration," he stated.

The Ambassador reviewed the notable accomplishments of nearly four decades of renewal, including maintaining rapid and sustainable growth with the goal of becoming one of the world's 20 largest economies. He also highlighted the expansion of trade relations with over 220 partners, cooperation with 500 international organizations, and the signing of 17 free trade agreements, including the EVFTA with the European Union, which is a strategic agreement for connecting Vietnam to the European market.

Regarding bilateral relations, 2025 is considered a special milestone as Vietnam and the Czech Republic officially elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Prague earlier this year. This is a significant step forward, opening up prospects for more comprehensive and profound cooperation, based on a foundation of traditional friendship, political trust, and effective collaboration in many fields.

Ambassador Duong Hoai Nam expressed his hope for the early establishment of a direct flight route between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, viewing it as a major opportunity to boost trade, tourism exchanges, and people-to-people connections.

Speaking at the ceremony, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed his honor to attend the special event. He affirmed that Vietnam has always been an important partner in the Czech Republic's foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific region. He praised the strong development of bilateral relations in many fields, from trade and investment to education, culture, and science and technology.

Minister Lipavský also highlighted the role of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, which is now the fourth-largest minority group in the country, as "cultural ambassadors" who contribute to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the two nations.

Czech Ambassador to Vietnam Hynek Kmoníček expressed optimism about the future of the two countries' relationship. He emphasized that the elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership is a testament to the close ties and praised Vietnam's 45-day visa exemption policy for Czech citizens, which facilitates tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Kmoníček proudly mentioned that SKODA cars are now produced in Vietnam and that Vietnamese pilots fly Czech L-39 aircraft over Hanoi during National Day celebrations. He also expressed confidence that a direct Hanoi–Prague flight route will be established soon, which will help effectively utilize the visa exemption policy and bring the people of both countries closer together.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic, on behalf of Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, presented a 10,000 euro donation to the author of the Czech-Vietnamese Dictionary.

The ceremony concluded in a warm, friendly atmosphere with unique traditional art performances and familiar Vietnamese dishes like nem rán (fried spring rolls), bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), xôi xéo (sticky rice with mung beans), bánh rán (fried glutinous rice balls), and sữa chua nếp cẩm (purple sticky rice yogurt), leaving a deep impression on international friends.

The event was not only an occasion to honor the heroic history and great achievements of the Vietnamese people over the past 80 years but also to open a new chapter in the friendship and strategic cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, looking toward a future of sustainable development for the common benefit of both nations' people.

Source: tamdamedia.eu