A journey tracing President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy in Almaty, Kazakhstan
WVR - On the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth and the 66th anniversary of his historic visit to Kazakhstan (July 1959 - July 2025), the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan organised an event titled “Following in Uncle Ho’s footsteps” in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan.
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| A journey tracing President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy in Almaty, Kazakhstan: A still image from the documentary on President Ho Chi Minh’s 1959 visit to Almaty, produced by Kazakhstan Television. |
Joining the commemorative journey were Ambassador of Vietnam to Kazakhstan Pham Thai Nhu Mai, Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Kazakhstan Tu Minh Tuan, members of the Vietnamese community, students studying in Almaty and staff of the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan.
The event was not only a tribute to the great leader of Vietnam, but also a reflection on two historic milestones in Vietnam–Kazakhstan relations: President Ho Chi Minh’s visit in 1959, which laid the foundation for the long-standing friendship between the two nations; and General Secretary To Lam’s visit in May 2025, which elevated the partnership to a new height, Vietnam’s first strategic partnership in Central Asia.
The journey, themed “Following in Uncle Ho’s footsteps”, was inspired by a documentary produced by Kazakh Television on the 1959 visit. Participants visited key sites once visited by President Ho Chi Minh, including the Monument to Kazakh national hero Amangeldy Imanov, a symbol of resilience and independence shared by both nations; the former Government House of Kazakhstan (now Satbayev University); the Kazakhstan Academy of Sciences; and the Issyk Nature Reserve.
A significant step forward in bilateral ties was the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2024 between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to scientific cooperation and sustainable development.
A highlight of the journey was a flower-laying ceremony at the monument to Dinmukhamed Kunaev, former First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, who received President Ho Chi Minh during his 1959 visit.
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| A journey tracing President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy in Almaty, Kazakhstan: Ambassador Pham Thai Nhu Mai and Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Kazakhstan Tu Minh Tuan laid flowers at the memorial to Dinmukhamed Kunaev, former First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan, who hosted President Ho Chi Minh during his 1959 visit. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan) |
In his diary, Mr Kunaev wrote with deep admiration: “A prominent figure in the international labour and communist movement, Mr Ho Chi Minh, visited us... During his visit, he toured collective and state farms, industrial enterprises and cultural institutions in Almaty and the surrounding area.
We often spoke at length about the matters that concerned him. Before leaving, he wrote a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude for the chance to learn about Kazakhstan.
I recall this particular detail: Ho Chi Minh was provided with Soviet funds for his visit. However, when it ended, he returned the full amount unused. He left me with the enduring impression of a humble, captivating and wise man”.
President Ho Chi Minh’s principles and distinctive diplomatic style, grounded in international solidarity and friendship, continue to inspire mutual respect and form the basis for strong people-to-people ties.
To preserve and share these valuable memories, the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan is working with the Kunaev Foundation and Kunaev Museum to organise an exhibition of photographs and artefacts relating to President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Kazakhstan. Other commemorative activities will also be held to honour his legacy among Kazakh friends.
During his official visit to Vietnam in 2023, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that a street in Almaty would be named after President Ho Chi Minh, a symbolic gesture of lasting friendship between the two nations.
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan)
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