“Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” – President Hồ Chí Minh
Edited by Anna Popper
On 2 September 2025, the Embassy of Vietnam in Hungary hosted a solemn celebration in Budapest to commemorate the 80th National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Hungary.
The event took place in the elegant hall of the Honvéd Cultural Centre and brought together nearly 600 distinguished guests, including representatives of the Hungarian Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations; leaders of parliamentary committees; members of the National Assembly; officials from ministries and local authorities; heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations; business leaders; and numerous members of the Vietnamese community in Hungary. Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, graced the celebration as guest of honour.
The ceremony opened with the national anthems of Vietnam and Hungary, performed by Ninh Duc Hoang Long, the acclaimed Hungarian tenor of Vietnamese origin, who has earned recognition on the stages of the Hungarian State Opera and the Operetta Theatre.
This was followed by the address of H.E. Mr. Bui Le Thai, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Hungary:
“Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
it is a great honour and a profound pleasure to welcome you all and to express my sincere appreciation for your presence here today. We gather in the beautiful city of Budapest to solemnly commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (2 September 1945 – 2 September 2025). This is a sacred and heroic milestone of great significance for the Vietnamese people.
Eighty years ago, on 2 September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi’s historic Ba Dinh Square, announcing to the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. In this immortal document, he affirmed the universal and inalienable rights of all peoples – the right to life, the right to liberty, and the right to the pursuit of happiness.
It was the burning desire for independence and freedom that inspired our people to overcome countless hardships: to regain independence in 1945, to defeat colonialism in 1954, and to reunify the nation in 1975. The words of President Ho Chi Minh – ‘Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom’ – have since become a guiding compass and an enduring source of strength for generations of Vietnamese, inspiring them to safeguard and build a peaceful, independent, and globally integrated Viet Nam.
Over the past eight decades, Viet Nam has transformed from a war-torn country into a dynamic, resilient nation. Through our policy of Doi Moi (Renewal), and deep international integration, Viet Nam has emerged as one of the most vibrant economies in the region, and now ranks 35th among the world’s largest economies. With average GDP growth of 6–7% for many consecutive years, Viet Nam has become an attractive destination for international investors. We have made remarkable strides in improving the living conditions of our people, reducing poverty, and advancing key sectors such as education, healthcare, digital transformation, green energy, and sustainable development.
Viet Nam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. We diversify and multilateralize our international relations, striving always to be a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the global community.
To date, Viet Nam maintains diplomatic relations with 194 countries and economic-trade relations with around 230 countries and territories. We have established Strategic Partnerships, Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, or Comprehensive Partnerships with 38 nations, including all permanent members of the UN Security Council and all G7 members. Viet Nam is party to over 500 bilateral and multilateral agreements, including 17 new-generation Free Trade Agreements, highlighting our growing role and prestige in the international arena.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this path of nation-building and development, Viet Nam has always cherished and appreciated the solidarity, support, and valuable assistance of our international friends – especially Hungary, a traditional partner and Viet Nam’s first Comprehensive Partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1950, our two countries have nurtured a deep and enduring friendship based on political trust, mutual understanding, and shared values of peace, independence, freedom, progress, and prosperity. Hungary stood by Viet Nam at critical moments, supporting our struggle for independence and providing valuable assistance in training human resources during post-war reconstruction. Today, many Vietnamese who studied and lived in Hungary are respected scholars, managers, and specialists, making important contributions to the development of both countries.
At present, the relationship between Viet Nam and Hungary continues to grow strongly and substantively, featuring numerous cooperative projects in all fields. The frequent exchange of high-level visits – especially in 2025, the year we commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations – has further strengthened our ties. Notable examples include the visits of Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in March 2025, Mr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary last May, and the upcoming visit of Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly in October 2025 to Viet Nam. All these visits contribute to further deepening the Comprehensive Partnership between our nations.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
On this momentous occasion, on behalf of the Government and people of Viet Nam, I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Hungary for their enduring friendship and the sincere and invaluable support you have given us over the years. Viet Nam attaches great importance to, and wishes to further strengthen, our traditional friendship and Comprehensive Partnership with Hungary.
Your presence here today is a vivid testament to the strong bonds between Viet Nam and all our international partners, especially with our gracious host country, Hungary. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the Vietnamese community in Hungary – our true ‘people’s ambassadors’ – who, day by day, build bridges of understanding and friendship between our nations. Through your dedication to preserving our national identity, promoting Vietnamese culture, integrating into local society, and contributing actively to bilateral relations, you embody the best of our shared values.
May I conclude by extending my best wishes: for the continued prosperity and development of Viet Nam and Hungary; for the enduring and steadfast friendship between our two nations; for the continued strengthening and growth of our Comprehensive Partnership; and for health, happiness, and success to all our distinguished guests present here today. Thank you very much for your attention.”
In his speech, Guest of Honour István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, praised the enduring friendship between Hungary and Vietnam on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence. He noted that this historic occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the shared past and to look ahead to new chapters in the friendship between the two peoples.
Recalling the early days of cooperation, he emphasized that when Hungary established diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1950, “few could have imagined that this step would lead to a three-quarter-century-long relationship based on trust, respect, and mutual appreciation.”
He underlined Hungary’s solidarity during Vietnam’s reunification, recalling that Hungarian doctors, engineers, and teachers contributed to the country’s reconstruction, while thousands of Vietnamese students pursued higher education in Hungary – a tradition that continues today through the Stipendium Hungaricum program. “Thousands of Vietnamese students have graduated from Hungarian universities and continue to serve as a bridge between our countries,” he said, also expressing gratitude to the Vietnamese community in Hungary for enriching the nation’s everyday life and contributing to Hungary’s development and prosperity through their diligence.
Deputy Speaker Jakab placed particular emphasis on parliamentary ties, calling them “exemplary at the level of the speakers, deputy speakers, and representatives.” He pointed to the Hungarian-Vietnamese Friendship Group and the series of legislative seminars as further proof of the strong cooperation between the two legislatures, noting also that the Hungarian National Assembly had already hosted the Vietnamese Women’s Forum twice, in 2023 and in June 2025, in the iconic Parliament building.
Mr. István Jakab also recalled his own memorable visit to Vietnam in 2019.
Hungary has welcomed numerous Vietnamese delegations, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in January 2024 at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Looking ahead, he stressed that “the 75th anniversary is a milestone, but also a new beginning”. In the face of global challenges such as climate change, technological transformation, and sustainable development, Hungary and Vietnam remain “committed to peace, cooperation, and development”.
Concluding, he expressed heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to building bilateral relations over the decades and closed with a toast: “Long live Hungarian-Vietnamese friendship! I wish us all peace, progress, and shared success.”
The celebration continued with a lavish reception in a warm and festive atmosphere, featuring outstanding cultural performances, video presentations, and photo exhibitions that highlighted the Vietnamese people, their rich culture and heritage, their cuisine, and the country’s vibrant tourism potential. Guests enjoyed traditional dishes from both Vietnamese and Hungarian gastronomy.
As part of the event, the historic Heroes’ Square in Budapest provided a striking backdrop for memorable photos for the Vietnamese community, celebrating 80 years of Vietnam’s development and diplomacy, as well as 75 years of Vietnam–Hungary friendship.
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Vietnam and Hungary Celebrated in Budapest
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Hungary hosted a festive event at the historic Pesti Vigadó in Budapest on 29 April 2025, to mark the 75th anniversary of Vietnam–Hungary diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.
The celebration brought together more than 500 guests, including First Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Ms. Márta Mátrai, senior Hungarian officials, diplomats, members of the Hungary–Vietnam Friendship Association, friends of Vietnam, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Hungary.
In his speech, Ambassador Bùi Lê Thái proudly highlighted the 75-year history of bilateral ties nurtured through solidarity, trust, and cooperation, while expressing gratitude for Hungary’s support during Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification. He emphasized Vietnam’s determination to further deepen its traditional friendship and Comprehensive Partnership with Hungary.
Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of national reunification, he described 1975 as a “shining symbol of revolutionary heroism and the truth that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”.
On behalf of the Hungarian Government and Parliament, Ms. Márta Mátrai, as Guest of Honour conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes.
She expressed pride and fulfilment in Hungary’s contribution to Vietnam’s reunification, particularly through its role in the International Commission for Control and Supervision (1973–1975) and praised the Vietnamese community for its contribution to Hungary’s prosperity.
The solemn occasion concluded with traditional Vietnamese cultural performances, exhibitions, and film screenings illustrating the 75 years of friendship and Vietnam’s development since reunification. The event reaffirmed the close ties, strategic partnership between Vietnam and Hungary, and opened new chapters for cooperation in the coming years.
Source: Embassy of S.R. of Vietnam in Hungary
Photos from the Embassy of S.R. of Vietnam in Hungary, Facebook account of the Embassy of S.R. of Vietnam and DPA
