Peace must be built together with nature: Colombian Ambassador
WVR - On the morning of November 19, the Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam organized a ceremony to give 25 samanea trees to Hanoi at Peace Park.
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The ceremony was attended by Ms. Camila María Polo Flórez, Ambassador of Colombia to Vietnam; Mr. Reinaldo Rafael Espinal, Ambassador of Dominica to Vietnam; Mr. Dao Duy Phong, Vice Director of Hanoi Department of Construction; Mr. Ngo Ngoc Vi, Vice Chairman of the Popular Committee of Xuan Dinh district; Mr. Nguyen Minh Quyet, Vice Director General of the Park of Peace, together with representatives of diplomatic missions, domestic and international organizations, and leaders and officials of Vietnamese ministries and agencies.
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| Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Flórez delivered remarks at the ceremony. (Photo: The Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam) |
Delivering a speech at the event, Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez affirmed that the samanea trees are not only a gift from the people of Colombia on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025), but also a tribute to the “City for Peace” and an expression of admiration for the achievements Vietnam has attained.
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Drawing a parallel between planting trees and the journey of building peace, she emphasized that both must be nurtured with perseverance and patience in order to “grow strong and resilient.”
The event also coincided with the 9th anniversary of the signing of Colombia's Final Peace Agreement (September 26, 2016 – September 26, 2025). The Ambassador described this Agreement as “a historic step towards peace, reconciliation in dignity, and a beacon of hope where wounds may be healed and bonds strengthened.”
“Peace must be built together with nature, with the rivers that sustain life,” Ambassador Polo Flórez shared.
She expressed her hope that each tree planted would not only contribute to a greener and more sustainable urban environment, but also serve as a powerful reminder that peace, friendship, and sustainable development are cultivated step by step, through “each action, each gesture, each tree.” This message, she noted, further strengthens the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Colombia, while inspiring future generations towards a green, peaceful, and sustainable future.
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| Vice Director of Hanoi Department of Construction Dao Duy Phong delivered remarks at the ceremony. (Photo: Pham Tien) |
Continuing the meaningful messages of peace and friendship, Mr. Dao Duy Phong, Vice Director of Hanoi Department of Construction, speaking on behalf of the city’s leadership, stressed: “Today’s tree-planting ceremony is not only a commemoration, but also a call to action, continuing the fine tradition of solidarity between nations and international friends with Hanoi in the citywide tree-planting movement.”
He highlighted that 2025 is a pivotal year in realizing the target of planting 500,000 urban trees during the 2021–2025 period under Program 03 of the Hanoi Party Committee and People’s Committee. This milestone will lay the foundation for broader objectives in developing Hanoi’s urban greenery system during 2026–2030, ultimately aiming to build a “Green – Clean – Beautiful Hanoi.”
Mr. Phong outlined four strategic directions as follows: Firstly, promoting international cooperation in developing green cities; secondly, enhancing socialization of tree planting and care; thirdly, encouraging organizations, individuals, and the public to actively participate in environmental protection; fourth, raising community awareness of the value of trees in urban life.
He called upon: “Every organization, family, and individual should actively plant trees, decorate gardens, and inspire the younger generation to preserve a green, clean, and beautiful city.”
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| Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez and Deputy Director Đao Duy Phong together planted a samanea tree at Peace Park. (Photo: Pham Tien) |
The choice of the samanea tree – a native species of South America – was intended to introduce a part of Colombia’s nature and cultural heritage to Viet Nam. The tree is not only adaptable and environmentally friendly, but also symbolizes vitality, hope, and sustainable development, reflecting the spirit of peace that Colombia has striven to build since the signing of the Peace Agreement.
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| Ambassador of Dominica to Vietnam Reinaldo Rafael Espinal at the monument to Professor Juan Bosch Gavino – a writer, thinker, and fighter for the liberation of the Dominican people. (Photo: Pham Tien) |
Having an interview with The World and Viet Nam Report, Ambassador of Dominica Reinaldo Rafael Espinal emphasized that this was a significant event, strongly promoting friendship between Vietnam and Colombia.
He also underscored that the friendship between Dominica and Vietnam is a beautiful model. The Ambassador expressed deep emotion when recalling the symbol of this relationship - Professor Juan Bosch Gavino. “The monument to Professor Juan Bosch Gavino, located at Peace Park, is a historical symbol of the bond between Vietnam and Dominica. As early as 1966, Professor Bosch recognized and admired the resilient spirit and love of peace of the Vietnamese people. That admiration became a symbol of the friendship between our two nations,” the Ambassador stated.
| Known in Colombia as the “Tree of Drifting Rain,” the Samanea is characteristic of tropical forests. Beyond its ecological importance, it holds profound cultural value, as some indigenous communities regard it as sacred. For this reason, its image was engraved on ancient Colombian coins. |
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