Vietnam is marking a historic milestone this week, celebrating the 80th anniversary of both the August Revolution and National Day. The commemorations, culminating on September 2, 2025, have drawn international praise and high-profile visitors—including Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who will attend the festivities during a state visit, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse, underscores the enduring bonds between Vietnam and its global partners in a rapidly changing world.
For Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, this is not unfamiliar ground. It marks his third official trip to Vietnam—he previously visited in June 2013 as First Vice President and again in November 2018 as President. His consistent message, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency, has been one of deep affection for Vietnam, which he has described as a model of successful socio-economic development. The timing of his visit, coinciding with Vietnam’s major national celebration, is more than symbolic; it is a reaffirmation of the historic friendship between the two socialist nations.
Vietnam and Cuba’s diplomatic relationship stretches back to December 2, 1960. During Vietnam’s resistance war against American troops, Cuba emerged as a beacon of international solidarity, providing valuable and effective support. Even after 1975, as Vietnam embarked on national reconstruction, Havana continued to assist, steadfastly supporting Vietnam’s efforts in defense and development. In return, Vietnam has always considered solidarity with Cuba a matter of principle and conscience. This has translated into practical support, particularly in the fields of rice production, food security, and broader socio-economic cooperation. Bilateral trade, while modest at nearly US$200 million in 2024, is anchored by Vietnam’s rice exports, which account for 50-60 percent of the total value—an indicator of the practical ties that bind the two nations.
But the 80th anniversary celebrations are about more than bilateral ties; they are a global affair. As Vietnam reflects on its journey from colonial subjugation to a modern, dynamic nation, international partners and diplomats have lined up to offer their congratulations—and their perspectives on what Vietnam’s transformation means for the world. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, expressed her joy and pride at joining the Vietnamese people for this milestone. She drew a poignant parallel to the UN’s own 80th anniversary, noting, “Eighty years ago, ‘we the peoples’ pledged that peace was possible if humanity stood united.” Vietnam’s declaration of independence just two months after the UN Charter’s signing, she observed, was a powerful testament to the ideals of peace, reconciliation, and international cooperation.
In a world now marked by geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic instability, Tamesis argued that Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to global integration is more important than ever. She praised Vietnam’s “constructive, principled, and forward-looking approach” to international engagement, highlighting its contributions to UN peacekeeping, multilateral dialogue, and principled stances at forums like the UN Security Council, ASEAN, and APEC. The UN, she said, highly values Vietnam’s enduring contributions to peace, security, human rights, and development—pillars that are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
Vietnam’s journey to independence and beyond has not been easy. Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi, described it as “a tragic yet heroic epic.” From the war against the French, culminating in the 1954 Điện Biên Phủ Victory, to the resistance against the United States that ended with reunification in 1975, Vietnam’s struggle became a global symbol for oppressed peoples everywhere. “Vietnam’s independence became a global symbol of oppressed peoples’ struggle for freedom, proving that a determined nation’s will can triumph over even the mightiest adversaries,” Salama said. That hard-earned understanding of freedom and loss is why, he noted, Vietnam has consistently supported the Palestinian cause—hosting the Palestine Liberation Organisation’s office in Hanoi in 1976 and recognizing the State of Palestine in 1988.
Neighboring Laos has also watched Vietnam’s journey with admiration. Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh highlighted the remarkable socio-economic achievements Vietnam has secured over the past eight decades. Under the Communist Party’s leadership, she noted, the Vietnamese people have demonstrated resilience in overcoming immense hardships. From a nation devastated by war, Vietnam has gained independence, reunified, and carried out sweeping reforms. Today, it stands as the fourth-largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with stable growth, improved living standards, and a sharp reduction in poverty. “On the international stage, Vietnam’s role and position have grown stronger,” Ernthavanh said, expressing confidence that the country will continue on its path toward becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045.
Vietnam’s diplomatic reach has expanded accordingly. Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird pointed out that Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with 194 countries and comprehensive strategic partnerships with more than 30 nations. Its active participation in organizations like the UN and World Trade Organisation (WTO) underscores its growing influence. Bird described Vietnam’s development as “truly extraordinary,” a clear testament to the resilience, innovation, and solidarity of its people. She also emphasized Vietnam’s outward-looking vision and proactive integration into the global economy, including through free trade agreements with Australia and other nations.
New Zealand’s Ambassador Caroline Beresford echoed these sentiments, praising the Vietnamese government’s reform efforts and the country’s success in lifting tens of millions out of poverty since 1990. She noted the ambitious scale and speed of Vietnam’s reform strategy, stating, “What impresses me most is not only the ambitious goals but also the scale and speed with which Vietnam is pursuing its reform strategy.” Beresford expressed confidence in Vietnam’s future, affirming that New Zealand will remain a reliable partner along the way.
Israel’s Ambassador Yaron Mayer added his voice to the chorus of admiration, calling Vietnam’s 80th National Day an important milestone that marks the nation’s proud journey of independence, development, and international integration. He pointed to the country’s remarkable progress since the launch of the Đổi Mới (Renewal) process in 1986—progress that has brought about sustained economic growth, improved social welfare, and enhanced international cooperation. Mayer highlighted the “spirit of innovation and determination” of the Vietnamese people as the foundation for long-term sustainable development.
Despite the celebrations, Vietnam’s leaders and their international partners are keenly aware that the journey is far from over. The country’s aspirations are high: becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045, deepening global integration, and contributing to regional and global prosperity. The world is watching—and, as these voices from Hanoi attest, cheering Vietnam on as it writes the next chapter in its extraordinary story.