Sun. Jan 12th, 2025 1:19:19 AM

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung underscored the need to bring into full
play the spirit of the great Victory of 1975 spring and strive for a
more prosperous country in his speech delivered at a commemoration
ceremony of the 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and
National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2015).

Following is the full text of the PM’s speech.

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“Leaders,
former Leaders of the Party, State and Fatherland Front of Vietnam,

Revolutionary Veterans,
Vietnamese Heroic mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces,

Foreign Guests,

Compatriots and Comrades

Delegates,


Today, amidst the glorious ambience
of the historical April days, the entire Party, people and army of Vietnam are
joyfully and proudly organizing a solemn celebration to commemorate the 40th
anniversary of the liberation of the South and reunification of the country.

On behalf of the Party, State and
Vietnam Fatherland Front, I would like to convey to  revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese heroic
mothers,  heroes of the armed forces;
officers and soldiers of the People’s Army and the People’s Public Security;
international guests, fellow countrymen and comrades across the country, my
warmest greetings and congratulations.

Dear Compatriots and Comrades,
Delegates,

The great victory of 1975 Spring
is a glorious chapter in our great  history of national construction and defense.
With that victory, we accomplished a historic mission of liberating the South
and reunifying the country, bringing Vietnam into a new era – the era of
independence and reunification and building the socialist Vietnam into a strong
nation with wealthy people, democratic, just and civilized society.

At this very sacred and touching
moment, the Party, State and people and army pay tribute with deepest gratitude
to our great President Ho Chi Minh – the 
genius leader, the  hero of
national liberation and the  cultural
figure of the world – the man who brought glory to our nation.

We have always enshrined in our
hearts the gratitude to outstanding leaders of the Party and country; heroic
martyrs, comrades and compatriots who sacrificed and dedicated their whole life
to the struggle for national independence, freedom and reunification.

We are also grateful to the revolutionary
veterans, Vietnamese heroic mothers, heroes of the armed forces, war invalids,
martyr families, families with meritorious contribution to the country,
veterans, former youth volunteers, battlefield civil workers, as well as
compatriots and comrades all over the country and abroad for devoting their
sweat and blood, wisdom, talent, energy, and wealth to the great war of
resistance.

At this solemn ceremony, once
again, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the people of  socialist countries, especially the Soviet
Union and China; and to  peace-loving and
progressive, governments, movements, organizations and individuals across the
world for their whole-hearted support and assistance, both spiritual and
material, to  the legitimate struggle for  national independence and reunification  of Vietnam.

Dear Compatriots and Comrades,
Delegates,

After gaining the victory in the
struggle against French colonialists, the people of Vietnam had the right to
realize their sacred aspiration to live in a peaceful, unified, independent,
free, and prosperous country that enjoyed equal relations and friendship with
all nations in the world. Yet, US imperialists imposed neocolonial regime to
turn South Vietnam into a US military base, brutally repressed the revolution
in the South and waged devastating war in the North. They committed countless
barbarous crimes, causing immeasurable losses and pains to our people and country.
Our Homeland had to undergo extremely serious challenges.

However,
the people of Vietnam did not fear. Nothing is more precious than independence
and freedom.
 We would rather endure and sacrifice than lose the
independence and be slaves.
 President Ho Chi Minh’s call became the sacred imperative
in the heart and mind of every Vietnamese.

Under
the wise leadership of the Party and our beloved Uncle Ho, the army and people of the
entire nation overcame numerous hardships and difficulties and remained resilient,
 creative to conduct heroic battles,
made sacrifice to bring about the final resounding victory. Under the motto
 drive the American away, defeat
the Nguy,
the1975 spring general offensive and
uprising was ended with the triumph of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign to
accomplish the liberation of the South and reunification of the
 North – South of Vietnam. Our people
were overwhelmed with joy on this day of victory.
 This great victory was also
rejoiced whole-heartedly by our friend
s near and far and by the peace
loving people around the world.

The
victory of the war against America is the victory of the ardent patriotism, the
burning desire for peace, independence, freedom and unification of our
compatriots; and to the  military policy
and art of Vietnam under the brilliant and creative leadership of the Party;
 of the synergy of our great national unity; of the absolute loyalty and the fighting
and winning spirit of our people’s armed forces with the excellent leadership
of talented commanders; of the friendship and valuable support by international
friends; of the alliance of the peoples of three countries, Vietnam, Laos,
Cambodia, to fight shoulder to shoulder against the common enemy.

The
1975 Great Spring Victory, the liberation of the South and national unification
are of great historical significance. In the Political Report presented at the
Fourth Party Congress on December 14th 1976, Comrade General
Secretary Le Duan reaffirmed that “Time will pass by, but the victory
of our people in the cause of resistance against  America will ever go down in the history of
our nation as one of the  most glorious
pages, a shining symbol of a triumph thanks to the revolutionary heroism and
humanity intelligence, and
this  will go down in the
world history as a great victory
of the twentieth century, a landmark event of great international significance
and of the time
“.

Compatriots and Comrades,
Delegates,

After accomplishing
the liberation of the South and national unification, our country had to
confront with a multitude of challenges. Under the leadership of the Party,
the management of the State, the solidarity and unified
efforts of our people and army, we have exerted
great efforts to overcome the severe consequences of the war, break the embargo,
and bravely fought to protect the northern and southwestern borders, helped the
people of Cambodia escape from the genocidal regime and carried out the reform
for national development and defense.

After 30 years of
reform, we have recorded ​​great achievements of historical significance. From an
underdeveloped nation, we have become a middle income developing country with
annual average growth of 7percent. The economic structure has seen positive
transformation.
 Industries and services have accounted for 83percent
of the total GDP.
The economy kept growing; GDP and export expanded by 7 folds
and 200 folds respectively. GDP per capita in 2015 amounts to 2,200 USD
dollars. Economic and social infrastructure has strongly developed with many
modern projects to create a new image for the country.

Social progress,
justice, cultural development and the cause of new rural building also achieved
positive results. Social security was basically ensured, social welfare and people’s life
was greatly improved. Poverty rate fell sharply to less than 6percent. More
than 98percent of households have used electricity from the national grid. Life
expectancy increased from 64.8
 in 1986 to 73.5 in 2015. Vietnam has fulfilled ahead of schedule most of the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

National defense and
security were reinforced, national sovereignty firmly safeguarded. Foreign affairs and international
integration were actively promoted, achieving encouraging results.
 To date, our country has
established diplomatic, trade and investment relations with almost countries
and territories around the world;
 at present, Vietnam has attracted more than 18,200
FDI projects with total registered capital of 256 billion dollars.
 Our country’s role
and
the position
in the international arena were increasingly enhanced. We are grateful and look
forward to the continued support and effective assistance from the
international community.

The building of the
Party, rule of law and political system has been stepped up and socialist
democracy widely promoted. Our great national unity was further consolidated.

In the past years,
given the adverse impacts of the global financial crisis and economic
recession, we have been able to control inflation, maintain macroeconomic
stability and economic growth at a reasonable level and improve social
security.

Achievements in
various fields in the last 40 years have provided an important and precious
basis and premise for our country to continue with more comprehensive reforms
in the new period.

Besides the achievements
and progress made, we are also aware that: Socio-economic development is not
commensurate with our potentials. We have not created a platform to turn our
country into an industrial nation. The growth quality, business environment and
the economy’s competitiveness remained limited. The socialist-oriented market
institutions have not really become strong driving force for socio-economic
development. The quality of human resources and socio-economic infrastructure
has yet met the requirements. The gap in economic development compared to many
countries in the region was not narrowed down as expected. There remained
weaknesses in the cultural, social areas and environmental protection that have
not been addressed properly. Rich and poor gap was widened. The socio-economic management
remained ineffective in various aspects. The political system was not reformed comprehensively,
its capacity and performance were not commensurate with the entrusted mandate.
The degradation in political ideology, ethics and lifestyle of a number of
cadres and Party members, as well as redtape, corruption, wastefulness were not
removed. Our socialist building and national defence still encounter various
difficulties and challenges.

Compatriots and Comrades,
Delegates,


In the new development
phase, the national construction and defence are presented with both
opportunities and challenges. To bring into full play the spirit of the Great
Victory in the Spring of 1975, the entire Party, people and army are committed
to joining hands together and striving to take advantage of opportunities –
advantages and overcome all difficulties – challenges, to translate our beloved
Uncle Ho’s desire into reality to build a more prosperous nation, a united
socialist country, and a strong country with wealthy people, democratic, just
and civilized society. We are also committed and determined to safeguarding
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity to be worthy of the noble
sacrifice of our comrades, fellow heroes and martyrs.

The whole Party,
people, army – each of us, please join hands together to bring into full play
our patriotism spirit; step up the comprehensive reform process; strengthen our
great national unity; to build a strong Party, state and political system, ensure
political and social stability, and promote rapid and sustainable
socio-economic development, thus creating a more solid foundation to soon turn
our country into an industrial and modern nation.

We should continue
improving the institution and operation of the socialist- oriented market
economy, maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating the three strategic
breakthroughs associated with the restructuring of the economy, the
transformation of growth model, improving productivity, quality and competitiveness.
We should also mobilize and utilize resources at home and abroad, promote the
development of Vietnamese businesses, create favorable conditions for the people
to do business freely and creatively. Besides, we need to improve our economy’s
self-reliance.

Economic growth should
be closely linked with social progress, justice, cultural development,
environmental protection, climate change response and the promotion of new
rural building. To ensure social security, we should constantly improve social
welfare, material and spiritual life of the people. Also, we should attach
importance to the implementation of policies for persons with great
contributions to the nation.

Focus
should be placed on building our Party cleaner, stronger, truly ethical and civilized as Uncle Ho ever
wished; enhancing the Party’s leadership capacity, combat spirit, and reforming
the leadership and ruling methodology. It is important to further improve the
socialist rule-of-law State; ensure human and citizen rights; and strongly promote
democracy and freedom of the people. Steps should be taken to accelerate
administrative reform; develop a modern, professional, dynamic, and responsible
administration that puts highest priority to serving the people, businesses and
national interests. In addition, we need to perform our leading and exemplary role
in combating and preventing corruption, wastefulness, redtape, as well as the
degradation in the political ideology, ethics and lifestyle of Party’s members.
It is equally important to maintain and strengthen the confidence in the people,
and closely knit ties between the Party and the people because this is the root
of power of our Party. We must also renew the operation and enhance the role of
the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organizations.

We also
need to strengthen national defense and security; safeguard national
sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as public order and security. Efforts
should also be undertaken to develop strong army and public security as well as
entire people’s defense and security strategies.

We
continue to pursue a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace,
friendship, cooperation, development, multilateralization and diversification
of international relations, active and proactive international integration and
cooperation for national interests, creating a favorable environment and
conditions for national construction and defence.

Proceeding
from the tradition of peace and friendship, it is our consistent policy to put
the past behind and look forward to the future. Vietnam is a friend and
reliable partner, a responsible member in the international community. We will
continue to engage in equal cooperation for mutual benefits; observe the United
Nations Charter; respect independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity,
non-interference into internal affairs, contributing to peace, national
independence, democracy and social advance in the world.

Following
President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching on Solidarity,
solidarity, great solidarity – Success, success, great success,
the Vietnamese
people at home and abroad, let us uphold the sense of nationalism, patriotism
and compassion  the tradition of
humanity, justice, tolerance, regardless of the past and differences, join
hands in national reconciliation, nuture and bring into full play the national
solidarity, all for a peaceful, united,
independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam
as our beloved Uncle Ho last
wished in his will.

Compatriots
and Comrades,

Delegates,

Today, we
celebrate the 40th anniversary of liberation of the South and
national reunification, and the International Labor Day, May 1st. We
would like to extend our sincere thanks and solidarity to working people
worldwide for their strong support accorded to Vietnam and for their tireless
efforts in the struggle for peace, development, justice and progress across the
globe.

We warmly
congratulate, praise, and honor all the people who are working hard and making
contribution in all fields across the country and especially those who are nights
and days safeguarding the border and islands of the Fatherland as well as the
people’s peaceful life.

Our
Party, State, and people count on and create every favorable condition for the
Vietnamese young generations to nurture their dreams, aspirations, take the
lead and innovative role in  cause of
science and technology and cultural development, improve their ethics and
lifestyle, carry on the glorious revolutionary cause of their predecessors,
become the vanguard in the reform, national building and defence.

This
year, Vietnam commemorates a host of significant festivals and events. Building
upon the tradition of our nation, Party, heroic people’s armed forces and
inspired by the Great Spring 1975 Victory, the entire Party, people, and army
exert all efforts to  achieve the  best possible outcomes of the 5-year plan
2011-2015 and successfully organize the Party congresses at all levels and the
12th National Party Congress. We will continue to strive for fulfilling
all tasks of national building and defence in the new phase stated in the
Party’s political program and the Constitution.

Long live the
spirit of 1975 Great Spring Victory

Long live the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam

Long live the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Great President Ho Chi Minh live forever in our
cause

Finally,
I wish all compatriots, comrades and delegates health, happiness and success.

Thank you
very much.”-VNA

By vivian