80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy: Connecting overseas Vietnamese, spreading the strength of solidarity

Under authorization of Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang presents the author a Certificate of Merit or outstanding achievements in building and developing the overseas Vietnamese community, always turning toward the homeland. (Photo: Courtesy by author)

Over the past eight decades, along with the nation’s historical transformations, the work concerning overseas Vietnamese (OV) has made remarkable progress.

From the difficult years of hardship, when the greatest mission was to protect the legitimate rights and interests of compatriots abroad, to today, this work has become a strong pillar of the Party and State’s people-centered foreign policy.

The innovative policies on nationality, housing, investment, and repatriation are not just dry administrative documents but bridges of affection connecting overseas Vietnamese with the Fatherland.

They have erased distances, removed barriers, and opened wide doors so that every Vietnamese living abroad can fully live with the two cherished words “dong bao” (compatriot).

At the same time, cultural and educational support programs have kindled national pride among the younger overseas generations. In many countries, Vietnamese cultural centers and language classes are maintained and expanded, planting the seeds of the mother tongue in the hearts of young Vietnamese.

Generations born and raised in Germany still speak Vietnamese fluently — the result of the dedicated efforts of embassies, consulates general, and community associations.

Huong Viet Magazine – the close and familiar voice of the Vietnamese community in Germany – sends special gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam for its steadfast, tireless dedication to overseas Vietnamese work throughout 80 years.

For us, overseas Vietnamese work is not only a journalistic topic but also a source of inspiration and a shared journey for 16 years (2009–2025) with both the community and the homeland.

We are proud to preserve unforgettable memories, such as when organizing cultural promotion programs or exhibitions marking the establishment of Vietnam–Germany diplomatic relations.

These events, brilliantly successful, left a strong impression on international friends. Such achievements would not have been possible without the close support and timely encouragement of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs.

A treasured letter from the Committee, recognizing the efforts of the Huong Viet collective, remains a source of motivation for us to move forward. The joy was doubled when the magazine received a Certificate of Commendation from the Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and a Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. These awards not only acknowledged our efforts but also became promises binding us to ensure that Huong Viet remains a bridge connecting the hearts of Vietnamese in Germany with their homeland.

From trips to Truong Sa to encourage soldiers, to participating in Overseas Vietnamese Conferences and the 50^th Anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, each activity was evidence of the enduring bond and pride of contributing to the building and defense of the Fatherland.

Looking back, the relationship between the State and the overseas community has profoundly shifted — from one-way protection to two-way interaction, from simple safeguarding to joint creation. Overseas Vietnamese affairs have increasingly affirmed their role as a strategic source of soft power, spreading the image of a peace-loving, hospitable, and resilient Vietnam.

On the new path of the nation, the Vietnamese community in Germany and across the globe sends its hopes: to strengthen the role of overseas entrepreneurs as bridges with domestic businesses, expand trade and investment cooperation; simplify administrative procedures, creating the most favorable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to return, connect, and contribute; and further promote cultural and educational support for the younger overseas generations to preserve Vietnamese identity, language, and spirit through time.

Over the past 80 years, overseas Vietnamese work has proven to be not only a part of the diplomatic sector but also a wellspring of emotions and responsibility.

In Europe, we – Vietnamese far from home – send our gratitude to those who have been quietly building this enduring bridge. With steadfast faith in the country’s new stage of development, we wish the diplomatic sector continued success as a trusted support for overseas compatriots.

Though separated by half the globe, we still share the same heartbeat toward the Motherland. Together with the community, we will continue to write the story of unity and pride, so that wherever we are, every Vietnamese carries in their heart the image of the Fatherland – a proud Vietnam rising tall among international friends.