Edited by Anna Popper
Independence, Freedom, and Happiness are among the most fundamental human rights as recognized in the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Human Rights. However, these rights can only be fully realized in an independent nation. Guided by these high-minded ideals, progressive forces throughout history – including the Vietnamese people – have willingly sacrificed and struggled to achieve these aspirations, staying steadfast in their commitment to this noble goal.
On the 79th Anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, celebrated every year on 2 September, Her Excellency Mrs. Nguyen Thi Bich Thao, Ambassador of S.R. Vietnam to Hungary, hosted a celebration with great solemnity and cultural program at the Military Cultural Centre in Budapest.
The event welcomed nearly 500 guests from Hungarian, Vietnamese and the international communities, including high-ranking Hungarian officials, a large number of ambassadors and chargé d’affaires of the diplomatic corps, representatives from ASEAN embassies in Hungary, and numerous members of various associations and the Vietnamese community residing in Hungary. The attendees included illustrious Guests of Honour: Mr. István Jakab, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary; Mrs. Boglárka Illés, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; Mrs. Dr. Katalin Kovács, Vice-President of the Curia of Hungary; and Mr. Dr. Tibor Ibolya, Deputy Prosecutor General.
Following the national anthems of Vietnam and Hungary,
H.E. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Bich Thao delivered a speech highlighting Vietnam’s achievements in economic and social development and foreign affairs amid various international and domestic challenges:
“Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great pleasure and honour to warmly welcome esteemed guests, friends, members of the National Assembly, the Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other Hungarian organisations, as well as colleagues from the diplomatic corps, distinguished representatives of the Vietnamese community in Hungary, and honoured guests from Vietnam to this celebration on the 79th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
On the 2nd September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh – our beloved leader – read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This historic moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Vietnam’s history.
‘Independence, freedom and happiness’ represent a profound desire and a significant source of motivation for the Vietnamese people as they overcome challenges and hardships to fight for independence, national reunification and the construction of a strong, democratic and prosperous Vietnam. This commitment also contributes to promoting peace, cooperation and development in the region and around the world.
In the face of numerous global and national challenges, Vietnam has worked diligently to overcome obstacles and make significant progress. The macroeconomic foundation remains stable, with inflation controlled at 2.75%. In the first seven months of this year, GDP growth increased by 6.5% compared to the same period last year, while import-export turnover reached nearly USD 440 billion, marking a 17.1% year-on-year increase. Foreign investment totalled over USD 18 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.9%. Additionally, nearly 10 million international arrivals were recorded, reflecting a 1.9% increase compared to the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, vibrant foreign affairs activities have expanded and strengthened relations and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and international partners.
Despite changes in the global landscape and geographical distances, the Vietnam-Hungary Comprehensive Partnership – built on a rich history of 74 years of robust development – has been increasingly strengthened. This connection has deepened following the successful visits of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Hungary in January 2024 and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Mr. Tran Quang Phuong in March 2024, as well as the visit of Mr. István Jakab, First Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, to Vietnam in April 2024. These developments provide a solid foundation for the Vietnam-Hungary relationship to serve as a ‘role model’, as noted by senior Hungarian leaders during their recent meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister in Budapest.
Regarding bilateral economic and trade relations, in the first six months of 2024, two-way trade turnover exceeded USD 400 million. A delegation of nearly 30 Hungarian businesses attended the Forum on Connecting International Supply Chains held in Ho Chi Minh City last June. In addition, both sides are preparing for the upcoming meeting of the Joint Economic Committee, scheduled to take place in Hanoi at the end of this year.
Education is a traditional area of cooperation between our two countries. Vietnam was among the first countries to participate in the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program. Since 2017, Hungary has granted 200 annual scholarships to Vietnamese students, and currently over 1,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Hungary, with 50% of them holding Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships. The Vietnamese government greatly values the Hungarian government’s support in developing high-quality human resources for Vietnam’s future.
On this occasion, on behalf of the State of Vietnam, I would like to express our gratitude for the support and facilitation provided by the State and Government of Hungary to the Vietnamese community in Hungary, enabling them to live, study, work, and integrate into the local society. This community serves as an important bridge connecting our two countries. I am proud to share Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s remarks about the Vietnamese community during his discussion with the Prime Minister of Vietnam last January: ‘With a population of approximately 6,500, the Vietnamese community in Hungary is hardworking, law-abiding, well-integrated, and contributes significantly to Hungary’s development.’
Excellencies, distinguished guests, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Hungarian friends, this is my final National Day reception in Hungary, as I will conclude my term in just a few months. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hungarian Government, the National Assembly, various ministries, and especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as to my Hungarian friends present here today, for your tremendous support and assistance throughout my tenure.
I also want to thank my colleagues in the Diplomatic Corps in Budapest; our collaborative efforts over the past three years have left me with cherished memories. Additionally, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association for being a steadfast companion and supporter of both me and the Embassy in our most significant activities.
Dear compatriots and members of the Vietnamese community in Hungary, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to all of you who have integrated into your second homeland over many generations, while preserving and fostering the friendship between Vietnam and Hungary. Your contributions to the development of Hungary reflect the hardworking, loyal, dynamic, and creative spirit of the Vietnamese people, embodying our commitment to not forget our roots.
Thank you for your support, affection, and partnership with me, the Embassy, the Association of the Vietnamese Community in Hungary, and other organisations in making impactful events during my term, such as Vietnam’s Cultural Day in Zalaegerszeg, the Vietnamese Women’s Forum in Europe, the European Overseas Vietnamese Business Conference, Vietnamese Cultural Night, and many others. Your willingness to share and support Vietnamese people from Ukraine seeking refuge in Hungary, as well as your spiritual and material assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, are deeply appreciated.
The relationship between Vietnam and Hungary has stood the test of time, and I firmly believe that our ties will continue to strengthen in the coming years as they align with the foreign policies and aspirations of both our peoples.
May I propose a toast to the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Hungary! I wish you all good health and happiness.”
In her speech, Ms. Boglárka Illés, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, representing the Hungarian government, emphasized that Vietnam is an important partner for Hungary in the Southeast Asian region, being one of the first countries with which Hungary established diplomatic relations in 1950.
Since then, cooperation between our two countries has consistently developed. Hungary takes pride in the strong relationship that has flourished despite the geographical distance, culminating in the elevation of our partnership to a comprehensive level in 2018 during the visit of the late General Secretary Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away in July 2024.
Since 1 July, Hungary holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this role, Hungary is committed to strengthening relations between Vietnam and the EU, with one of the key outcomes being the entry into force of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.
Vietnam is a crucial partner for Hungary in Southeast Asia and a cornerstone of the Hungarian government’s ‘Opening to the East’ strategy. Our political relations are strong and balanced, grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
Concluding her address, Ms. Boglárka Illés also extended congratulations and best wishes to the leaders and the people of Viet Nam on this momentous occasion.
After the official proceedings, the audience enjoyed a vibrant artistic program featuring dancers from the Sen Viet Club, performances of the opera singer Ninh Duc Hoang Long, who has found great success in Hungary, the community singer Trinh Lan Huong, and the spectacular Vietnamese Lotus Club, adding a vivid cultural element to the celebration.
The reception offered a delightful selection of Vietnamese and Hungarian culinary specialties and provided the invitees with a gastronomic experience.
A captivating photo exhibition complemented the evening, showcasing the breath-taking landscapes and diverse natural beauty of Vietnam. The warm atmosphere and friendly conversations allowed participants to engage in meaningful interactions. Guests immersed themselves in the festivities, fostering a sense of community and celebration throughout the night. This National Day reception, a remarkable and historic event, became the largest celebration of its kind in Hungary, leaving a lasting impression on all present.
Long live Vietnam and Hungary, as we approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025!
Source: Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Budapest
Photos by Nguyen Anh Tu
