Vietnam Celebrates 80th Anniversary of People’s Army in Venezuela and Mexico
The Vietnamese Embassies and Defence Attaché Offices in Venezuela and Mexico observed the 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army and the 35th All-People Defence Festival. Key officials highlighted the historical significance and ongoing defense collaboration between Vietnam and these nations while setting the stage for the growth of diplomatic relations, particularly in defense, trade, and joint military endeavors.
On December 4, Vietnamese Embassies and Defence Attaché Offices in Venezuela and Mexico commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA), founded on December 22, 1944, as well as the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defence Festival. During the ceremony in Venezuela, Ambassador Vũ Trung Mỹ recalled the VPA’s historical achievements while underscoring the importance of the All-People Defence Festival. He emphasized the strengthening defense cooperation between Vietnam and Venezuela since 2013, which includes delegation exchanges focused on military strategy and the provision of Vietnamese language courses for Venezuelan military personnel.
Venezuela’s Vice President Jorge Marquez praised the VPA’s doctrine, referencing its inspiration for the Venezuelan armed forces, as advocated by prominent leaders, including the late Hugo Chávez and current President Nicolás Maduro. He reiterated his commitment to fostering the enduring friendship between both nations, especially in defense sectors. In addition to formal ceremonies, the Vietnamese officials facilitated discussions, seminars, and exhibitions in Venezuela to illustrate Vietnam’s defense foreign policy and the evolution of the VPA.
In Mexico, on December 5, the Vietnamese Embassy celebrated the same milestones, with over 200 attendees. Ambassador-Designate Nguyễn Hải Vân highlighted Vietnam’s dedication to international integration and defense diplomacy, including participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Major General Jose Filiberto Nuñez Salina of the Mexican Ministry of Defence acknowledged shared historical struggles between Mexico and Vietnam for national liberation, illustrating the strong potential for collaboration in governance, defense, and trade.
Moreover, on December 2, the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico inaugurated a new Defence Attaché Office, coinciding with the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2025.
The Việt Nam People’s Army was established on December 22, 1944, and has played a significant role in Vietnam’s defense and sovereignty. The All-People Defence Festival, initiated in 1989, underlines the collective involvement of the populace in national defense. Over the years, Vietnam has fostered international defense cooperation, notably with countries like Venezuela and Mexico, which share similar historical challenges related to national liberation and independence. These celebrations also reflect Vietnam’s continued efforts in defense diplomacy and international peacekeeping operations.
The events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army and the 35th All-People Defence Festival in Venezuela and Mexico exemplify Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing international defense cooperation. The observance in both nations highlighted shared histories and a mutual desire for continued collaboration in defense and other sectors. The inauguration of the Vietnamese Defence Attaché Office in Mexico signifies further deepening of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mexico as they approach their 50th anniversary of formal relations.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
