A national flag-hoisting ceremony was held at Ba Dinh Square in the capital city of Ha Noi this morning to mark the 75th anniversary of Viet Nam's Independence Day. 

On the Second of September, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, the great statesman of our nation, proclaimed the independence of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam – now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

On this historic occasion, the Oath to Independence resounded in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese. We pledged to stand united, to join our strength and be one mind, to hoist high the flag of yellow star upon red field in our revolutionary march, to overcome countless hardships and make needed sacrifice in order to secure our independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, right to self- determination and the right to pursue happiness.

Such are the inalienable rights of all nations – yet we have had to undergo untold losses and ordeals to claim. Long been engraved in our hearts is the teaching of esteemed President Ho Chi Minh – “Nothing is as precious as independence and freedom.”

The revolutionary path over the past 75 years has been marked with glory. Viet Nam has taken great strides toward the goal of “wealthy people, strong nation, and democratic, just and cultured society”. Important achievements, including strong and sustained economic growth, higher living standards, secured social and political stability, safeguarded national defense and security, and improved laws and institutions, expanded international relations with proactive international integration, and active and responsible contributions to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

These momentous successes of historic significance bear testimony to the strong will-power of our people and Viet Nam’s role as a trusted friend and partner of the international community. Such achievements bear the hallmark of the effective and invaluable assistance given by countries, friends, and international community, represented by many of you here. We will always remember and value such generous support.

On August 27, Viet Nam receives a congratulatory message from the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, highlighting Viet Nam’s contributions to the United Nations since its membership in 1977. The Secretary General commends Viet Nam on its leading role in fulfilling the United Nations Development Goals and maintaining peace and security.

Secretary General Guterres stresses: “The 75th anniversary of Viet Nam’s Independence coincides with your Chairmanship of ASEAN and membership of the Security Council, demonstrating your strong presence on the global stage.”

Viet Nam is moving towards achieving the development tasks and targets set for 2020 and the period of 2016-2020, and preparing for the 13th National Party Congress, which shall set key strategic guidelines for national development until 2025 and 20230 with a vision to 2045. We remain fully committed to fulfilling our international roles, including those related to ASEAN this year and the UNSC in 2020-2021 tenure.