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RIYADH: Vietnam’s ambassador to ��������, Hoang Huu Anh, highlighted the enduring ties between the two countries at an embassy reception on Monday night.

The event, held to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, which was on Sept. 2, took place at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter and brought together members of the diplomatic corps, foreign ambassadors and Saudi government officials.

The undersecretary of the Riyadh region, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, attended on behalf of Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar.

The ambassador said: “This October 21st will mark the 26th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and ��������. And more significantly, just in a few hours, September 23 will mark 95 years of the National Day of the Kingdom. On this very special occasion, President Luong Cuong of Vietnam sent a letter to King Salman, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, congratulating them.”

He added: “Vietnam highly appreciates the unwavering efforts of the Kingdom to promote peace, security, cooperation and development in the Middle East and the world. Under our esteemed leaders, Vietnam-Saudi bilateral relationship has grown positively, particularly following the visit of our Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Kingdom.

“Bilateral trade reached $3.1 billion in 2024, and $2.2 billion in eight months of 2025, and exchanges between our ministries, sectors and businesses … are increasingly active. Tourism and cultural promotion activities are also being organized more frequently. These developments reflect the growing interest of our people and businesses and highlight the immense potential for future cooperation. I am confident our partnership will continue to deepen towards a comprehensive, substantive and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Huu Anh said that as Vietnam embarked on what is being called the “Era of National Rise,” the country was determined to continue its journey toward becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045.

“We will enhance our market-oriented economic institutions, develop digital governance, expand infrastructure and renewable energy capacities, and invest deeply in science, technology and global economic integration,” added the envoy.

“As we celebrate this 80th National Day, let us honor the courage, resilience, and spirit of the Vietnamese people. Let us honor the international friendship and cooperation that have supported our journey. And let us look forward with strong confidence that Vietnam, �������� and the entire international community will continue to advance on the path of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative development.”

Former Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh declared the country’s independence in 1945. After facing wars, embargoes and economic hardships, it is now the world’s 32nd largest economy, consistently maintaining an average annual gross domestic product growth in excess of 6.5 percent.