TOAST

BY H.E. PRIME MINISTER NGUYEN TAN DUNG

AT THE RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE 69TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL DAY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

(6.30pm, Thursday, August 28, 2014)

Your Excellency Mr. Jorge Rondon Uzcategui, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Vietnam and Acting Head of the Diplomatic Corps,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors, Charge d’Affairs, Chiefs of Representative of international organisations in Hanoi,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear friends,

On behalf of the Party and State and People of Vietnam, I would like to warmly welcome all distinguished guests – dear friends – to the celebration of the 69th anniversary of National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh – the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people – proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Over the past 69 years, the people of Vietnam have been united in overcoming a myriad of difficulties and hardships with brave and resilience to safeguard national independence, freedom and unity, and build Vietnam into a strong country with democratic, just and advanced society, thus contributing to the promotion of peace, friendship and progress in the region and the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world is facing great opportunities thanks to miraculous science and technology achievements. The trend of economic, trade and investment liberalisation is growing strongly. Despite difficulties, the global economy has seen clear signs of recovery. However, complex and unforeseeable developments still remain in the international political and security backdrop, threatening peace and stability in the region and the world.

In those circumstances, thanks to the support of foreign countries and international organisations, the Vietnamese economy has maintained its stability and continued to grow strongly. During the first nine months, GDP expanded by 5.54%, higher than the same period in the previous two years. Progresses were made in economic restructuring, legal and policy frameworks improved. Socio-political stability was firmly maintained. National sovereignty was safeguarded in the peaceful and stable environment. International integration was deepened, creating new momentums for the country’s sustainable development.

We are deeply aware that a country’s development is closely combined with peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world. Dialogue, co-operation, mutual respect on the basis of mutual benefits, international laws and common practices are the most fundamental and effective way to maintain peace, stability for shared development of all countries.

With that, Vietnam has always done its utmost to make active and responsible contributions to addressing security and development issues in the region and the world. We are determined to work with ASEAN countries in accelerating the ASEAN Community building, promoting the regional architecture with ASEAN’s centrality on the basis of international laws and code of conducts in the region.

Vietnam has participated in the United Nations peace-keeping efforts, joined other countries in fulfilling important tasks in UN agencies such as the UN Human Rights Council, the IAEA Board of Governors, and the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee.

Negotiations on six free trade agreements with important partners are underway, which will add substance and efficiency to Vietnam’s international integration.

In today’s cordial atmosphere, on behalf of the Government and people of Vietnam, I would like to express my most sincere thanks to the governments and people of other countries, partners and friends for your trust, valuable support and effective co-operation over the past years.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to emphasise your noble and important role as the representative of countries and international organisations and as a bridge connecting your countries and organisations with Vietnam. I believe that you will continue to play such an important role in accomplishing this special mission. I hope that you and your family have enjoyed every minute of your stay in Vietnam with warm feelings and unforgettable memories.

With that, may I invite you all to join me in a toast:

- To peace, happiness and prosperity of Vietnam and her people;

- To the friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and other countries and international organisations;

- To a world of peace, stability, development and prosperity;

- To the health, happiness and success of you all;

Thank you.