TEHRAN – The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Iran hosted a distinguished ceremony on the evening of Thursday (September 18) to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day. The event, held at the embassy premises in Tehran, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, foreign ambassadors, and Iranian government officials in a celebration of bilateral friendship and cooperation.

The guest of honor was Mr. Farshad Moghimi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade, whose presence underscored the importance of the economic and diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

The ceremony commenced with a video titled “Viet Nam - An 80-year journey for independence, freedom and happiness (1945-2025),” which showcased the nation's remarkable progress and patriotic spirit, also powerfully depicted Vietnam's recent grand military parade, held in honor of the eight decades since its declaration of independence.

His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Luong Ngoc, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Iran, then addressed the assembled guests. In his speech, he reflected on Vietnam's profound historical journey and its contemporary achievements.

The following is the text of Mr. Ambassador’s speech.

"- Dear H.E. Mr. Farshad Moghimi, Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade of Iran,

- Representatives from esteemed ministries and agencies of Iran,

- Ambassadors, diplomatic friends, members of the Iran-Viet Nam Friendship Association, Iranian friends and the Vietnamese community in Iran.

- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Today, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Iran is very honored and delighted to organize a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam with the participation of many distinguished guests.

    During these days, all Vietnamese people are joyfully organizing many activities to celebrate the National Day with great pride, deep gratitude, excitement and confidence in the bright future of the country.

    September 2, 1945 was a momentous day in our nation’s history when President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. To this day, Viet Nam has gone through an 80-year journey for national independence, peace and development with proud results, a part of which was shown in the video you just watched.

    Dear distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Due to historical circumstances, our country has always been invaded by foreign forces which triggered the Vietnamese people to stand up to defend the country. With heroic spirit, iron will, passionate patriotism, a burning desire for independence and freedom in the blood of every person and the spirit of great solidarity of millions of people as one, we overcame countless pains, difficulties and adversities to fight for national independence and to regain peace in 1975.

    The seemingly insurmountable difficulties after the war, notably poverty, backwardness, along with the harsh policy of siege and embargo, did not discourage us at all. Fierce conditions combined with a strong will to rise and a creative spirit, not backing down, led to comprehensive Renovation Process launched in 1986. The most important thing is that we have renewed our thinking about the way we look at the world and the path the country must take.

    The achievements of 40 years of the Renovation Process have proven that Viet Nam's path is the right one. During that process, we always remember the past with peace, altruism, optimism as well as having less blame for circumstances to aim the highest goal of bringing Viet Nam to keep pace with other countries. During the war, every Vietnamese person sacrificed everything they had to protect the Motherland. In peacetime, Viet Nam always harmonizes development with social justice and is determined to leave no one behind.

    Distinguished Guests,

    Looking back at the journey of national protection and construction over the past 80 years, we always feel fortunate to receive from international friends, progressive forces and peace-loving people from across the 5 continents, support such as weapons, oil, financial assistance, economic aid, goods, projects of essential for industry and people’s living. From the bottom of our hearts, the State and all Vietnamese people will forever remember and be grateful for that great, valuable and sincere support and assistance.

    Dear friends,

    We are witnessing a world in a very special period, full of turmoil and unpredictability both naturally and socially, with conflicts in many places and many unprecedented challenges, while at the same time opening up many great opportunities. As a nation that has experienced countless pains due to war, the Vietnamese people deeply understand the value of peace, so they earnestly wish to contribute their best to preserving that peace for a global prosperity.

    In that context, with the aspiration for national development, Viet Nam is determined that this is a ripe opportunity to enter into a decisive "era of national rise", considered as the second Renovation Process. We are racing against time with many profound reforms, aiming to create breakthroughs to overcome the middle-income trap, moving towards the goal of becoming a modern industrial, high-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2045.

    We realize that we still have many limitations and are in the process of exploring new development directions suitable for the country. Therefore, Viet Nam always wishes to learn and share development experiences and strengthen cooperation with other countries and the international community, including Iran.

    Dear friends,

    Viet Nam - Iran relations have a history of exchanges dating back to the 10th century and officially established diplomatic relations in 1973. Since then, bilateral relations have developed well, in which a series of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations (1973-2023) is a memorable milestone. Viet Nam and Iran share many similarities. The people of both countries are hard-working, friendly, intellectual and peace-loving. There is yet much more room to promote bilateral cooperation.

    During the 7 months of living and working in the beautiful country of Iran, I have felt that potential more and more clearly. I believe that in the coming time, bilateral cooperation will have new developments in many fields, especially in politics, economics, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges..., thereby better taking advantage of the inherent potential of the two countries, contributing to building a peaceful and prosperous world community.

    On this occasion, allow me to express my gratitude for your kind and sincere words on Viet Nam in recent days as well as for the presence of Deputy Minister H.E. Mr. Farshad Moghimi and all of you. In the intimate atmosphere tonight, we feel your warm eyes and smiles, your sincere handshakes. That is a great encouragement for us.

    We wish an everlasting peace in the world and forever lasting Viet Nam – Iran friendship!

    We wish you good health, success and a pleasant evening!

    Thank you very much."

Following the ambassador's remarks, Deputy Minister Moghimi took the stage to convey the congratulations of the Iranian government to the nation and people of Vietnam. In his address, he eloquently framed the significance of the day.

"This day not only commemorates Vietnam's rich history and culture of independence," stated Mr. Moghimi, "but also serves as an opportunity to renew the friendship and cooperation between our two nations."

He further emphasized the durability of the bilateral relationship, noting, "The friendly relations between our two countries have now entered their fifty-second anniversary." He credited the sustained strength of these ties to their foundation on "mutual respect, the pursuit of common interests, ongoing consultations, and close cooperation in regional and international organizations," as well as the warm personal relationships between high-ranking officials.

A symbolic highlight of the evening followed as Ambassador Nguyen and Deputy Minister Moghimi were joined by the ambassadors of five other nations to jointly cut a celebratory cake adorned with the flags of Vietnam and Iran.

The formal program transitioned into a reception where guests were treated to a culinary experience featuring beloved Vietnamese dishes such as "Pho" alongside traditional Iranian cuisine. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by a visually stunning video clip showcasing Vietnam's natural beauties and cultural attractions, all set to a soundtrack of traditional Vietnamese music, providing a fitting end to an evening of diplomatic camaraderie and mutual respect.