80 years of National Day: Peace is beautiful! So is Vietnamese diplomacy!
WVR - The spirit of celebrating 80 years of National Day (A80) radiates fervently across the nation, and the spirit of Vietnamese diplomacy burns brightly in the hearts of every diplomat as they look forward to the momentous day.
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| Autumn 2025 retains the gentle charm of previous peaceful autumns, but this year is particularly special. (Photo: Thach Thao) |
Autumn 2025 can be felt as a historic season. While it retains the gentle charm of previous peaceful autumns, this year is especially significant. The atmosphere evokes memories of Autumn 1945, 80 years ago, filled with flags and flowers. Millions of Vietnamese hearts beat in unison, looking forward to National Day on September 2nd.
As one looks toward Ba Dinh Square, it is as if the image of President Ho Chi Minh once again comes into view — solemnly reading the historic Declaration of Independence, proclaiming before the nation and the world the birth of a new Vietnam: independent, free, and happy. Over the past 80 years of growth and development, Vietnamese diplomacy has always borne in mind the teachings, honouring the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh — the eminent diplomat and the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
“The homeland in the heart, peace in every breath” – never have these seemingly intangible, colorless values become so tangible, close, and easy to grasp! I see it in everyone I meet, in every story I hear, in the eyes and smiles encountered everywhere, at any time.
"After so many years, we finally have a day of peace
Even though that peace cost so much of our people's blood and bones"…
The lyrics of the song "Con gi dep hon" (Is there anything more beautiful), inspired by the film Mua Do (Red Rain), widely screened nationwide these days, have stirred the emotions of Gen Y and Gen Z, fostering a deeper love for their homeland and the beautiful, sacred word “peace”.
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| People gather to watch soldiers rehearse ahead of the first combined rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Amid this shared joy, we have another reason to celebrate – the 80th anniversary of the founding of the diplomatic sector, born in that historic autumn (August 28, 1945 – August 28, 2025). Diplomacy has been present at every pivotal moment of the nation over the past eight decades, silently sowing hope and faith in victory, through years of war and peace, renewal, and integration. Those who have watched Mua Do and cried with the film's emotional flow will understand the profound impact felt at the Paris negotiations or the "fiery furnace" of the Quang Tri Citadel, where pain, resilience, and heroism resonate deeply.
Peace is beautiful! On the journey to preserve and nurture this precious peace, from history to the present and looking to the future, diplomacy is ever-present, playing a crucial role in every moment.
We take pride in historical milestones: the Preliminary Agreement on March 6, 1946, the Provisional Agreement on September 14, 1946, the Geneva Agreements linked to the Dien Bien Phu victory, the Paris Agreement with the strategy of "fighting and negotiating"…
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| Opening of the ehibition honouring Vietnam courageous and resilient diplomacy. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
With peace restored and the nation unified, diplomacy continues to safeguard this peace with its unique mission, leading Vietnam to integrate with the world, gradually "venturing into the vast ocean". Vietnam has become a member of major international multilateral organizations and forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (1976), the United Nations (1977), ASEAN (1995); from a country once isolated, Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with 194 countries, establishing a network of 38 comprehensive partnerships or higher, such as stategic or comprehensive strategic partnershíp, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, all ASEAN countries, all G7 members, 18 out of 20 G20 economies. Vietnam is an active member of over 70 international organizations; Vietnam has twice served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (terms 2008-2009 and 2020-2021), twice as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (terms 2014-2016 and 2023-2025), participating in 6 out of 7 key UNESCO governance mechanisms...
Alongside these achievements are the significant contributions of outstanding diplomats such as Pham Van Dong, Le Duc Tho, Nguyen Duy Trinh, Xuan Thuy, Nguyen Thi Binh, Nguyen Co Thach… who have become symbols of the courage and intellect of Vietnamese diplomacy.
I resonate with the reflection of former Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy at a recent event, where he stated that "maintaining a peaceful environment for development" is the most important task of diplomacy, especially as the country enters a new era. It is a monumental mission, for with peace, everything is possible!
Indeed, peace is beautiful! Today's peace may seem as natural as breathing, but it is not a given; every Vietnamese understands the price of peace. We are truly proud that Vietnamese diplomacy is a "shining" part of this proud peace.
The spirit of celebrating the 80 years of National Day radiates fervently across the nation, and the spirit of Vietnamese diplomacy burns intensely in the hearts of every diplomat these days, inspiring love for oneself, the profession, the homeland, peace, and a commitment to endless dedication!.
