55th anniversary ceremony: Friendship meeting to strengthen traditional relations between Vietnam and Chile
WVR - On March 25, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association, in collaboration with the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam, organized a friendship meeting to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile.
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| Delegates attending the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Speaking at the event, VUFO President Phan Anh Sơn emphasized that 55 years of Vietnam-Chile relations is not just a timeline but a journey crystallized from trust, empathy, and ethical choices of both nations. During the most challenging times in history, the two countries supported each other and today continue to be reliable partners in a new phase of development.
Despite being located on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, Vietnam and Chile are close due to shared ideals and values. As early as the 1960s, the solidarity movement with Vietnam in Chile was strong. The Chile-Vietnam Cultural Institute was established in 1965, and thousands of Chilean students took to the streets to support the just struggle of the Vietnamese people.
Notably, President Salvador Allende's visit to Vietnam in 1969 became a symbol of support that transcended all distances, demonstrating a choice to stand on the side of righteousness. On this foundation, in 1971, Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
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| Delegates performing the flag salute ceremony. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
According to VUFO President Phan Anh Sơn, from a solid historical foundation, the bilateral relationship has continuously developed comprehensively. The establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2007 and a Free Trade Agreement in 2011 has created a long-term cooperation framework.
Currently, bilateral trade reaches nearly 2 billion USD annually, with increasingly complementary structures. The two countries also effectively utilize multilateral frameworks such as the CPTPP, while expanding cooperation into new areas like green growth, digital transformation, clean energy, and strategic mineral exploitation.
In a world of many fluctuations, the Vietnam-Chile relationship is also a testament to the effectiveness of South-South cooperation and the increasingly proactive role of developing countries. However, according to him, the most sustainable factor remains the affection between the peoples of the two countries. People-to-people exchanges, though quiet, have helped create a solid foundation for bilateral relations.
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| VUFO President Phan Anh Sơn speaking. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Addressing the younger generation, VUFO President Phan Anh Sơn emphasized that the future of Vietnam-Chile relations will depend on the connection, understanding, and sharing of today's youth. While geographical distance cannot change, the gap between the two nations can be shortened through proactivity and friendship.
Affirming the significance of the 55-year milestone, he expressed confidence that the Vietnam-Chile Comprehensive Partnership will continue to develop strongly, substantively, and effectively, contributing positively to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
At the event, Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Nasly Bernal Prado expressed her honour to attend the 55th-anniversary ceremony of diplomatic relations between the two countries and sincerely thanked VUFO for coordinating this meaningful program.
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| Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Nasly Bernal Prado speaking. (Photo: Đinh Hòa) |
The Ambassador emphasized that the 55-year milestone is evidence of a journey built on solidarity, friendship, mutual respect, and strong cooperation. This relationship originated from the historic meeting in 1969 between President Ho Chi Minh and Chilean Senate President Salvador Allende, establishing a connection between two geographically distant nations sharing common values and aspirations for peace and development.
On March 25, 1971, Chile became the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, amid a turbulent international context. Since then, the relationship between the two countries has matured, becoming trustworthy and strategic, continuously strengthened through open political dialogue and increasingly extensive cooperation in various fields.
The Ambassador also highly appreciated recent high-level visits that have contributed to enhancing political trust and opening new areas of cooperation. As Vietnam continues to assert its position as a dynamic economy in Asia and Chile promotes integration policies, the two countries have many opportunities to develop deeper relations.
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| The song "El Derecho de Vivir en Paz" performed by Vietnamese students at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
She affirmed that Chile and Vietnam share a commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law, and the promotion of sustainable development. This is an important foundation for the two countries to continue contributing to a fair and inclusive international order.
Looking to the future, the Ambassador believes that the two countries have much potential for cooperation in areas such as innovation, energy transformation, sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, education, and cultural exchange.
Additionally, there is still significant room to expand trade and investment, bringing practical benefits to both sides. She believes that with the friendship nurtured over the past 55 years, Chile-Vietnam relations will continue to grow strongly, further connecting Latin America and Southeast Asia.
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| Delegates viewing the photo exhibition on the sidelines of the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
The friendly meeting took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere with the participation of numerous delegates, guests, representatives of agencies, organizations, businesses, and international friends. It was not only an occasion to reflect on 55 years of cooperation but also a bridge to enhance exchanges and connections between the peoples of the two countries.
At the event, many special cultural exchange performances were presented by students from Chu Van An Secondary School and students from the Spanish Department, Hanoi University.
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| All delegates attending the Friendly Meeting commemorating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile taking a commemorative photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Notably, the song El Derecho de Vivir en Paz (The Right to Live in Peace), one of the most iconic songs by Chilean singer-songwriter Víctor Jara, was inspired by the pioneering rock musical Vietrock by American playwright Megan Terry. This work is considered the first rock musical in history and the first major anti-war work opposing the unjust war in Vietnam.
With a spirit of solidarity, the Friendly Meeting opens new expectations for the next phase of cooperation between Vietnam and Chile.
