In a meeting with parliamentarians from the Asian Dialogues Group of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) last June, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Do Hoa Binh affirmed that Vietnam - Germany relations are strong and Vietnam always considers Germany a leading partner in Europe. Indeed, high-ranking visits between the two countries in recent years have promoted cooperation on a broader scale on the basis of equality, mutual trust, understanding and support in multilateral and international arenas.
In 2010, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany officially celebrated the 35th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (September 23, 1975 - 2010). On this milestone, the two governments chose 2010 as the “Vietnam Year in Germany" and "Germany Year in Vietnam”. For the last 35 years, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Germany have been continuously consolidated in various fields like political diplomacy, economy, culture, education, science and technology. This relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship. This was demonstrated by the visit of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem to Germany, as well recent talks between Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in New York.
The "German Year in Vietnam" and "Vietnam Year in Germany" are yearlong projects encompassing more than 50 events under the sponsorship of Former German President Horst Kohler and Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet. These large events include political, economic and cultural exchange activities, which are also opportunities to introduce the history, culture and people of each country, thus helping the peoples of the two nations understand each other and strengthen friendly and cooperative relations.
According German Ambassador to Vietnam Rolf Schulze, in the current context of critical change and redirection, the partnership with Germany has many important and attractive things to offer, without a historical burden. The Germany Year in Vietnam 2010 will portray relations through a symphony of different events reflecting pride in achievements and expressing opinions about common issues and new challenges. To welcome this event, Germany held over 60 events of different fields to enhance mutual understanding between the two countries. Events during the “German Year in Vietnam” focused on two main themes, Climate Change and Urban Development. Diverse cultural programmes included shows, friendly soccer matches, chess competitions, beer festivals and classical concerts.
On the Vietnamese side, Ambassador Do Hoa Binh said on the occasion of the "Vietnam Year in Germany", the Embassy of Vietnam hosted around 30 events to introduce and promote Vietnam in the European nation, and strengthen relations of the two countries’ organizations and peoples. The two most outstanding events were the Vietnam Festival from August 28 to 29 and a large reception to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in September.
To date, events in the framework of the "German Year in Vietnam" and the "Vietnam Year in Germany" have been successfully carried out, highlighting central tenants of the Vietnam-Germany cooperation. Through such events, the two countries have strengthened the relationship, introduced a diversified image of Germany to Vietnamese citizens and an image of a beautiful, hospitable Vietnam to Germans.
Hong Hoa
Vietnamese
