Vietnam’s incredible journey tested through resilience, courage, dedication

THE HANOI TIMES — As Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of National Reunification (April 30, 195-2025), the special occasion that reflected in congratulations from friends around the world. The Hanoi Times is honored to share a message sent by Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, Shovgi Mehdizade.

As we mark the significant milestone of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, I am deeply honored to extend heartfelt congratulations. This is a momentous occasion not only for the people of Vietnam.

On this historic occasion, I would like to reflect on the long-standing friendship between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, a friendship deeply rooted in common values, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace and prosperity. Our nations, though geographically distant, have nurtured a relationship that has been marked by significant moments of cooperation and understanding over the years, creating a solid foundation for even greater collaboration in the future.

Vietnam’s path to this historic victory was long, hard, and very sophisticated. The leadership of the country, along with advancement on the battlefields, had to work hard in the diplomatic arena both with enemy powers and with friendly countries, trying to strengthen Vietnam’s diplomatic ties with countries around the world as it fought for its independence and unity. In these endeavors, one of the key milestones in this relationship was the visit of President Ho Chi Minh to Azerbaijan in 1959, then the oil capital of the Soviet Union. At the time, President Ho Chi Minh was on a mission. His visit to Azerbaijan helped set the stage for a lasting relationship between our two countries, founded on shared experiences of struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Years later,  Azerbaijan and Vietnam continued to build on this bond. In 1983, Azerbaijan’s then-President Heydar Aliyev made a landmark visit to Vietnam as the head of the biggest-ever Soviet delegation, where he was warmly received by the leadership and people of Vietnam. This visit not only symbolized the continuity of the friendship between our nations but also marked the beginning of a new era of strategic cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy, trade, and culture. President Heydar Aliyev’s leadership played a pivotal role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, and his efforts to forge stronger ties with Vietnam were an important aspect of his broader vision for Azerbaijan’s international diplomacy.

Looking forward, Azerbaijan and Vietnam are well-positioned to expand the cooperation in a variety of areas. Both nations are committed to fostering closer economic ties, building on existing strengths in sectors such as energy, trade, agriculture, and technology.

Azerbaijan, with its rich energy resources, is eager to explore new avenues of cooperation in energy and infrastructure development with Vietnam. Our country has vast experience in the oil and gas industry, and we are eager to share our expertise with Vietnam, particularly as it continues its own path of economic growth. In addition, the opportunities for cooperation in the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind power, present exciting possibilities for future collaboration.

The agricultural sector is another area where Azerbaijan and Vietnam can significantly benefit from working together. Vietnam’s agriculture is one of the  key pillars of its economy , and Azerbaijan, with its experience in developing modern agricultural practices, can offer valuable insights into areas such as irrigation, crop management, and the production of high-value agricultural products. Moreover, there is immense potential to expand trade relations, with both countries benefiting from the exchange of goods such as agricultural products, textiles, and consumer goods.

In the  cultural and educational fields, both Azerbaijan and Vietnam have rich histories and traditions that we can continue to share and celebrate. I am confident that, through increased exchanges of students, scholars, and cultural professionals, we can build a stronger cultural bridge between our peoples, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage. The recent visit of the vice president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to Hanoi is expected to promote the implementation of many projects, especially those in education and culture. All the meetings showed very sincere interest and love of our ordinary people towards each other’s culture, history, and traditions.

Both countries are also deeply committed to regional and global peace and security. Azerbaijan, as a member of the United Nations and various international organizations, shares Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Our nations’ common stance on issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and international security presents an excellent basis for future collaboration on the global stage.

Azerbaijan, a country with its own deep history of struggle and perseverance, stands in solidarity with Vietnam on this momentous occasion. We understand the profound meaning of national unity, peace, and independence, values that have always been central to the Vietnamese people’s quest for freedom. The victory of 1975 was not merely a military victory but a triumph of ideals – Ideals that continue to guide Vietnam’s progress and development today.

As Vietnam looks toward the future, we are confident that it will continue to thrive and flourish on the global stage. Azerbaijan is proud to call Vietnam not only a partner but also a friend, and we look forward to celebrating many more years of cooperation and shared success.

For us in Azerbaijan, Vietnam is a country of brave, peaceful, hardworking, and very kind and hospitable friends. We want to see our friends as strong, developed, and successful as we wish to ourselves. Our glorified history laid the strongest foundation for our friendship.

In conclusion, the Azerbaijan-Vietnam relationship is a testament to the power of friendship and mutual respect. It is built on a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also look forward to an even brighter future of collaboration and growth.

May our friendship continue to flourish, and may our two nations work together to create a future of peace, prosperity, and shared success.