Vietnam invites foreign troops to join National Day parade on September 2

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense has officially invited five countries, including Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Belarus, to dispatch their military units to join a parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day on September 2.

The information was revealed during a meeting held in Hanoi on July 9, chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense and a member of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission.

The meeting gathered relevant agencies and units to prepare for defense diplomacy activities surrounding the upcoming celebrations.

Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang also sent formal invitations to the defense ministries of eight countries of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to attend the commemorative events.

According to reports presented at the meeting, Cuba has confirmed that its Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces will attend the celebration in Hanoi. Both Laos and Cambodia have expressed support for sending troops to take part in the parade, responding positively to Vietnam’s invitation.

The ministry’s invitation to foreign forces for the parade demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening traditional friendship, solidarity, and military ties with its longstanding partners. It also reflects the country's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification of international relations, positioning Vietnam as a reliable friend and partner to all nations.

Previously, during the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in April 2025, military personnel from China, Laos, and Cambodia marched in Hanoi at Vietnam’s invitation.

Vietnam has begun preparations for the construction of a memorial complex dedicated to foreign military experts and soldiers who supported the country during its wars of resistance. The memorial will be located at the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi.

The project carries historical and symbolic significance, serving as a tribute to the sacrifices made by international military personnel who contributed to Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation.

The complex will include a central bronze monument representing international solidarity and sacrifice, designed by Vietnam. It will also feature individual bronze statues honoring military experts from the former Soviet Union and Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Cuba.

The first statue cluster will be completed by August 15, and the central entrance and exhibition grounds will be ready by August 10.