Leaders of the Party, State, Government, National Assembly and Vietnam Fatherland Front hosted a banquet in Hanoi on September 1st to celebrate the 70th anniversary of National Day (September 2nd).

In his opening remarks, State President Truong Tan Sang recalled the September 2nd, 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, declaring the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the past 70 years, the Vietnamese people have stayed united and overcome adversities to defend national independence, freedom and territorial integrity.

At the banquet (Source:VNA)

From its humble beginning as an underdeveloped and war-torn country, Vietnam has grown into a middle-income nation with improving stature on the international stage, he said.

Vietnam has worked actively together with neighbouring and regional countries in maintaining peace and stability in the region, settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law and successfully building an ASEAN Community and post-2015 ASEAN Vision as well.

He also took the occasion to convey thanks to diplomats and representatives from international organisations for strengthening friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between Vietnam and countries around the world.

On behalf of distinguished guests, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui lauded Vietnam for its achievements and core role in regional development as an active and responsible member at ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the Mekong River Commission and other organisations.

He firmly believed that Vietnam will keep moving toward industrialisation and modernisation in the time ahead.

Guests to the function included Lao Vice President Bounnhang Vorachith and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam On, among others./.

VNF/VNA