General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam delivered an address at the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

A grand parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) was held solemnly and impressively in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 on April 30 morning, with the participation of more than 13,000 people.

The delegation offered incense and laid wreaths at the respective museums of the revered leaders in HCM City on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

The shortening of the parliament's 15th tenure and the date for the election of deputies to the 16th-tenure NA and all-level People's Councils for 2026–2031 will also come under discussion at the approaching ninth session of the NA.

Vietnamese and Japanese Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh and Ishiba Shigeru, and their spouses visited the Vietnam National Museum of History which is preserving more than 200,000 documents and artifacts of Vietnamese history and culture, spanning from prehistoric times to the present.

Vietnam considers Japan as one of the leading and long-term partners, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said, proposing strengthened cooperation in the four priority areas of economy, human resources development, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality collaboration.

The President affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the relationship with Japan, supports Japan in promoting an increasingly active role, and jointly contributes to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Welcoming the Japanese PM's visit as Vietnam is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, the Vietnamese Party chief affirmed that the visit will open a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Chairman Man expressed profound gratitude and deep respect for the great sacrifices of the fallen heroes who gave their youth, courageously fought, and sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation and the happiness of the people.

Historian Alain Ruscio affirmed that this anniversary provided an opportunity to revisit the reasons behind Vietnam’s victory and the strong international solidarity shown during the war, particularly the extensive anti-war movement in France which offered political, material, and moral support to Vietnam.

Economic cooperation will be a central focus of the Japanese PM's coming visit, with both sides aiming to improve the investment environment, strengthen supply chain resilience, and expand market access.

Since 1986, Vietnam has developed along a new path, known as Doi Moi (Renewal) policy. The JCP believes that the path of socialist-oriented market economic development is a reasonable and feasible choice.

Sisoulith warmly welcomed Cuong's first visit in his new role from April 24-25, saying that the visit reflects the importance that the Vietnamese Party, State, and President himself attach to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.

Party General Secretary To Lam urged the Philippine Ambassador to focus on promoting several areas of bilateral cooperation, including enhancing political-diplomatic cooperation through facilitating high-level exchanges and contacts; boosting economic connectivity for the goal of 10 billion USD in bilateral trade; strengthening collaboration in security-defence, and maritime and oceanic matters; and promoting cooperation in other fields such as culture, sports, tourism, education and training, climate change adaptation, and disaster mitigation.

The Party chief underlined that the EU remains a top partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy and noted with satisfaction the dynamic and comprehensive growth of the bilateral ties across all areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago (1990–2025).

To achieve the ambitious targets for this year and beyond, the PM has highlighted the priorities of boosting economic growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and guaranteeing major economic balances.

The 15th NA’s 9th session is scheduled to open on May 5, 2025, and will be divided into two phases to review and make decisions on a large number of issues.

The victory showcased the Party’s visionary strategy, the effectiveness of the people’s war doctrine, and the deep-rooted patriotism driving Vietnam’s quest for unity, Giang noted. Its lessons have continued to inspire future generations to innovate and contribute to national development and defence.

General Secretary Lam affirmed that the US remains one of Vietnam’s most important strategic partners.

Party leader To Lam highlighted France’s role as the first EU nation to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, a testament to its commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.