The Socialist Republic of Vietnam celebrates today its 65th National Day. On this day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the Vietnamese nation.

During this holiday, the people and leaders in Vietnam pay tribute to the national hero Ho Chi Minh and acknowledge his contribution to the independence of Vietnam. This day is also celebrated in all Vietnamese Embassies around the world.

Relations between the Philippines and Vietnam have progressed through the years. The ties date back to pre-colonial times. Evidence of their trade and cultural interaction abounds. Many jars and other relics from Vietnam have been excavated in various parts of the Philippines. Trade through sea routes continued even when the Philippines was colonized by Spain. Philippine ships docked in the old Vietnamese port town of Hoi An engaging in the highly profitable trade in silk, porcelain, mother of pearl, and other precious cargo.

The Vietnamese government opened its Embassy in Manila in 1976 and a year later, the Philippine government opened its Embassy in Hanoi. Since then, there have been frequent exchanges of visits by top officials.

On June 28, 2010, the Philippines and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Bilateral Cooperation in the Field of Fisheries in Hanoi. The agreement aims to set up a framework for the enhancement of cooperation in the exchange of fisheries information and date, aquaculture development, research activities, education and training, post-harvest development and food safety.

We congratulate the government and people of Vietnam led by President Nguyen Minh Triet and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and its Embassy in the Philippines headed by H.E., Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tu, on the occasion of its 65th National Day. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.