Vietnam-Germany friendship set to thrive in 2025, says Ambassador

Established on September 23, 1975, the relationship between Vietnam and Germany has grown to a robust strategic partnership encompassing diverse areas such as foreign policy, trade, investment, human rights, science and education, and cultural exchanges.

This year, two countries stand on the threshold of celebrating the diplomatic milestone with a series of activities to be held by the German Embassy in Hanoi and the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

On this occasion, German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth told The Hanoi Times that is a milestone that highlights the development of a partnership marked by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations.

What will be the highlights of the celebrations this year?

A series of rich cultural events, sports activities, a job fair, and an innovation day will be held to highlight the success and diversity of the Vietnam-Germany relationship.

These activities help us look back on our shared history and look forward to the future in terms of economic, cultural, and political spheres.

Several entertainment events will take place in the capital. On October 25, singer Thomas Anders of the legendary band Modern Talking will perform at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.

The German Festival will be held in the Hoan Kiem Lake area from September 19 to 21. The event aims to convey the common achievements of the two countries whose development cooperation will be presented in a multimedia format in an exhibition space.

In addition, a program of various activities has been planned, such as musical performances, panel discussions, and presentations on the stage at Hoan Kiem Lake, exhibition booths of German organizations, an interactive outdoor exhibition on the history of Vietnam-Germany development cooperation, the national final round of the German Learning Competition with a grand prize of a trip to Germany.

We have organized the writing competition "A Day as an Ambassador", a unique art project that transforms the wall in front of the German Embassy into an outdoor painting reflecting different perspectives on the multidimensional relationship between the two countries.

The Vietnam Football Federation signing a cooperation agreement with the Bundesliga is also very good news.

After half a century of bilateral relations, where do Germany and Vietnam see the potential to cooperate?

In the coming time, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are areas in which Germany wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam. In addition, Germany would like to boost collaboration within the framework of the United Nations and peacekeeping while attracting more young people to study in Germany.

In the near future, a number of Vietnamese food products, including fish sauce, as well as electronic products, will be given priority to enter the German market.

Vietnam is increasingly becoming an attractive place for foreign investors, including German companies, to manufacture electronic products. Many German enterprises make their products in Vietnam to take advantage of the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Vietnamese enterprises are also very adept at accessing the German market.

In October 2024, Vietnam Airlines launched direct flights to Munich. In the near future, Vietjet Air will operate more direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to this city and Frankfurt.

What are the outstanding achievements of the five-decade relations?

Vietnam and Germany established diplomatic relations in 1975. The two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2011. High-level German leaders have visited Vietnam in recent years, most notably Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022 and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2024.

In terms of business, trade, and investment, 530 German companies have successfully operated in Vietnam with a total investment of more than US$3.6 billion, creating 50,000 jobs.

In education and training, the Goethe Institute in Hanoi conducts exams for about 35,000 language students annually, with about 5,000 currently receiving training.

Germany also aims to attract more young Vietnamese to study and receive vocational training in the country.

There are around 200,000 Vietnamese living in Germany. Generations of Vietnamese in Germany have become an integral part of German society, and the country remains an important destination for Vietnamese seeking education and job training.

In tourism, 250,000 German tourists visited Vietnam in 2023, the second highest number from Europe after France.

In my opinion, President Ho Chi Minh's image and Vietnam's reputation are highly influential in Germany.

The tight friendship between the two nations, fostered by their respective citizens, makes us very happy. Our relationship is always forward-looking, with an emphasis on youth development.

What are your impressions of Vietnamese culture and society since you began your mission in Vietnam in 2024?

I have not had the opportunity to visit many places. Besides Hanoi, I have been to Ho Chi Minh City and Danang. I think these two cities are very modern.

As for Hanoi, I think it is a city with its own charm, where people are always proud of their capital. Personally, I like the Old Quarter with its small, ancient houses, and impressive small shops.

However, I am very concerned about the air quality in Hanoi. It could be a health problem for the elderly, children, and people with respiratory diseases. I know that the Vietnamese government is very aware of this issue and is making efforts to improve it.

Thanks for your time.