Vietnamese Embassy in Chile celebrates Lunar New Year, marks 55 years of diplomatic ties
WVR - On February 28 in the capital city of Santiago, the Vietnamese Embassy in Chile organized a gathering to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse, with the participation of representatives of the Vietnamese community, embassy staff and their families, and a number of Chilean friends.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Chile Nguyen Viet Cuong speaks at the event. |
The gathering provided an opportunity for the community to meet at the beginning of the year and share the Vietnamese Tet atmosphere with local friends.
Attending the Lunar New Year of the Horse celebration were Mr. Mauro Tamayo, Mayor of Cerro Navia District; Cuban Ambassador Oscar Cornelio Oliva and his spouse, along with Cuban Embassy staff; Ms. Patricia Abarzúa Muñoz, President of the Chile-Vietnam Cultural and Friendship Institute; and members of the Vietnamese community.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Viet Cuong presents a gift of gratitude to Ms. Patricia Abarzúa Muñoz, President of the Chile-Vietnam Cultural and Friendship Institute, for her many years of contributions to the friendship between the two countries. |
In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Nguyen Viet Cuong recalled the 55-year milestone of Vietnam-Chile diplomatic relations (March 25, 1971 - March 25, 2026): “Back then, amidst the flames of war, Chile was one of the first South American countries to extend a hand to Vietnam. More than half a century has passed, and that bond remains unbroken.”
The Ambassador also provided updates on the country's situation: In 2025, Vietnam's economy grew by 8.02%, surpassing 514 billion USD; the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam was a great success, setting the direction for a new phase.
Addressing the Vietnamese community, the Ambassador reiterated President Luong Cuong's remarks during his meeting with the Vietnamese community in Santiago in 2024: “Wherever Vietnamese people are, there are descendants of Lac and Hong.”
In response to the Ambassador's speech, representatives of the Vietnamese community in Chile expressed deep affection for their homeland and joy at the country's recent developmental achievements. The community representatives affirmed that, despite living far from the homeland, they always look towards their home, actively participate in community activities, and maintain close ties with the Embassy.
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| Some Chilean guests attending the Year of the Horse celebration. |
The gathering was attended by the Cuban Ambassador and his spouse, as well as embassy staff. In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Viet Cuong mentioned the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, built and nurtured over more than six decades. For Vietnamese people, Tet is a time for family; the presence of the Cuban Ambassador at the ceremony reflects the close ties between the two nations.
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| The Mayor of Cerro Navia District speaks at the event. |
Mayor Mauro Tamayo, Ms. Patricia Abarzúa Muñoz, and representatives from the Chile-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce extended New Year greetings to the Vietnamese community, expressing their desire to participate in activities commemorating the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Chile diplomatic relations this year.
The gathering took place in a traditional Tet atmosphere, featuring familiar homeland dishes and the "Lucky Wheel" program, creating a warm connection between generations. As the Ambassador shared: “Outside is the vibrant summer of Chile, but right here, the Vietnamese Spring is present.”
Some images from the Lunar New Year of the Horse celebration at the Vietnamese Embassy in Chile:
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| Community representative speaking. |
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| Ambassador Nguyen Viet Cuong and representatives of the Chilean Artists Association. |
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| Ambassador Nguyen Viet Cuong and his spouse with the Cuban Ambassador and his spouse. |
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| Ambassador and staff, spouses of the Vietnamese Embassy in Chile. |
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Chile)
