Vietnam - Turkey: A model of cooperation between two nations sharing a vision for peace and prosperity

WVR - On the evening of October 29 in Hanoi, the Turkish Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to celebrate the 102nd National Day of Turkey (October 29, 1923 - October 29, 2025).
Vietnam - Turkey: A model of cooperation between two nations sharing a vision for peace and prosperity
Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Korhan Kemik delivers the opening speech. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Attendees included: Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van, Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Korhan Kemik, Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, representatives from embassies, international organizations, and friends and citizens of both countries.

In his opening speech, Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Korhan Kemik stated that despite the geographical distance, the people of both nations share a patriotic spirit. The leadership and ideals of the late Turkish President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and President Ho Chi Minh played a crucial role in each country's struggle for independence and development. On this solid foundation, Turkey and Vietnam have found deep connections and have continuously strengthened cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations in 1978.

According to the Turkish Ambassador, mutual trust has paved the way for significant economic cooperation. Bilateral trade surpassed the $3 billion mark last year, making Vietnam one of Turkey's key trading partners in Southeast Asia. Turkish businesses actively operate in Vietnam in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, high technology, and logistics, reflecting a shared goal of sustainable growth.

Vietnam - Turkey: A model of cooperation between two nations sharing a vision for peace and prosperity
Overview of the 102nd National Day of Turkey celebration. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Ambassador Korhan Kemik affirmed: “The true strength of Turkey-Vietnam relations lies in people-to-people exchanges. Both countries share values of hospitality and respect for tradition – foundations that make cultural and educational cooperation more meaningful.”

This year, the Turkish Embassy organized Turkish Cuisine Week, bringing the country's rich flavors to the Vietnamese public. The Embassy is striving to establish the Turkey-Vietnam Friendship Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and is implementing a project to translate Turkish children's books into Vietnamese to enhance cultural understanding among the younger generation.

In the field of education, the Turkish government's scholarship program continues to play an important role in connecting the people of the two countries. As a result, many Vietnamese students have studied in Turkey, bringing back not only knowledge but also lasting friendships.

Vietnam - Turkey: A model of cooperation between two nations sharing a vision for peace and prosperity
Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van affirms: “Vietnam always values its relationship with Turkey, not only as a potential partner but also as a sincere and trustworthy friend.” (Photo: Xuan Son)

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van emphasized that Turkey – with its rich history and beautiful landscapes, from the tranquil capital Ankara to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where the Bosphorus Strait connects two continents – holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

“We admire Turkey not only for its magnificent cultural and architectural treasures like the Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace but also for the country's persistent spirit of innovation and progress,” the Deputy Minister shared. He expressed joy and admiration for the vision of the “Century of Turkey” and the green transition commitment through initiatives like the Hydrogen Valley Project, showcasing the determination and foresight of a nation looking confidently and hopefully towards the future.

“Vietnam always values its relationship with Turkey, not only as a partner with significant potential but also as a sincere and trustworthy friend,” the Deputy Minister emphasized. He recalled the image of Atakule Tower in Ankara illuminated in the red of the Vietnamese national flag on Vietnam's National Day, September 2, calling it a “strong and beautiful gesture of friendship.”

“Tonight, as we celebrate Turkey's National Day, the colors of that friendship shine once more – not from a tower, but from the hearts of all of us present here. May the light that once illuminated Ankara now shine warmly in Hanoi, reflecting the sincere feelings and mutual respect between the two peoples,” he said.

Vietnam - Turkey: A model of cooperation between two nations sharing a vision for peace and prosperity
Guests enjoy Turkish cuisine. (Photo: Xuan Son)

According to Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van, after 47 years of friendship and cooperation, the two countries continue to strengthen cooperation across all channels: Party, State, Parliament, and people-to-people exchanges. The official visit to Turkey by Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai in September reaffirmed mutual trust and opened new horizons for bilateral cooperation.

Both sides are working towards a bilateral trade target of $4 billion, while Turkish investors continue to bring experience and innovation to Vietnam. There is great potential for cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, green energy, digital transformation, and cultural exchanges.

Turkey's new Asia initiative and “Distant Countries” strategy, in which Vietnam is identified as a key partner, promise to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights, enhancing the bridge between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

On the foundation of friendship, mutual understanding, and the will of the leaders and people of both countries, Deputy Minister Ngo Le Van expressed confidence that Vietnam-Turkey relations will continue to thrive, becoming a model of cooperation between two nations with a shared resilient history and a vision for peace and prosperity.

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