Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia commemorates the 136th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh
WVR - On May 18, at the Town Hall of Horné Saliby, Trnava Province, the Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia organized a ceremony to commemorate the 136th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh.
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The event was attended by Pavol Dobosy, Mayor of Horné Saliby, Honorary Consuls of Vietnam in Slovakia, representatives of the Vietnamese Association, the Vietnamese Women's Association, and the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Slovakia.
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| Mayor of Horné Saliby Pavol Dobosy receives Ambassador Pham Truong Giang. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia) |
At the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Truong Giang once again expressed appreciation for the Horné Saliby town authorities who, nine years ago, proactively built and preserved a bronze plaque as well as maintained archival images commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the town (1957).
The bronze plaque has become a testament to the friendship between Vietnam and Slovakia, reflecting the Slovak people's respect for President Ho Chi Minh.
According to Ambassador Pham Truong Giang, over the years, the friendship and people-to-people relations between the two countries have become increasingly strong, especially after upgrading the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Vietnam in April 2026.
This was also the first foreign head of state delegation to visit immediately after Vietnam consolidated its key leadership apparatus for the 2026-2031 term. Based on this solid foundation, the Ambassador expressed confidence that future generations of the town and the Vietnamese community in Slovakia will always remain connected, continue to inherit and promote the fine tradition of exchange, and maintain the close bond between the peoples of the two sides.
On this occasion, Ambassador Pham Truong Giang shared information about the upcoming Vietnam Day event organized by the Vietnamese community in Slovakia on July 5 in Trnava.
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| Mayor of Horné Saliby Pavol Dobosy and Ambassador Pham Truong Giang. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia) |
In response, Mr. Pavol Dobosy, Mayor of Horné Saliby, affirmed that being visited by President Ho Chi Minh in 1957 was a great honour. He also expressed his respect for the Embassy delegation and Vietnamese compatriots from all over Slovakia who came to the town to remember the life and great contributions of President Ho Chi Minh – a historical figure and the only foreign head of state to have visited the place. The close, simple, and friendly image of President Ho Chi Minh left a deep impression on the local people.
According to Mr. Dobosy, he had his first meeting with Vietnamese friends about placing a bronze plaque of President Ho Chi Minh in the town 12 years ago. He is very proud to have contributed to the close friendship between the peoples of the two countries and expressed confidence that the two sides will become increasingly close, with the Vietnamese community becoming more stable and contributing positively to Slovak society.
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| Mayor of Horné Saliby Pavol Dobosy receives Ambassador Pham Truong Giang. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia) |
Mr. Nguyen Kim Dang, Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Slovakia, emphasized that the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries have been formed and nurtured from the time of Czechoslovakia to the present. According to him, the people are the bond connecting the two countries, and Horné Saliby is a highlight as President Ho Chi Minh once visited, leaving a profound mark.
He stated that Vietnamese compatriots always remember the teaching "drink water, remember the source", preserve national identity, look towards the roots, and cherish the affection and assistance of the Slovak people, especially in recognizing the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority in Slovakia, which is a testament to the community's efforts.
Accordingly, he expressed the desire for annual visits to the town to include more meaningful activities, continuing to contribute to strengthening the bond between the peoples of the two countries.
Mr. Jan Cipov, Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Slovakia, also expressed deep interest in the revolutionary life and great career of President Ho Chi Minh. He believes that the visit of Prime Minister Robert Fico to Vietnam holds significant diplomatic meaning and opens up many opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
Vietnamese expatriates and Slovak friends unanimously affirmed the importance of the traditional friendship partnership between Vietnam and Slovakia, hoping that cultural exchange activities and meetings between the two sides will continue to be maintained and expanded, thereby further strengthening the friendship and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. Additionally, they extended an invitation and expressed goodwill to support Mr. Dobosy in visiting Vietnam at the earliest opportunity.
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| Bronze plaque commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Horné Saliby in 1957. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia) |
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| Book preserving images and writings of President Ho Chi Minh. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia) |
The ceremony took place in a warm, emotional atmosphere filled with friendship. Both sides raised a toast to celebrate the close, enduring, and historically significant relationship between Slovak friends and Vietnamese expatriates.
