50 years on: Echoes of April 30 victory from Havana
On May 1, 1975 — International Workers’ Day — Cuba declared it Vietnam’s Day, hosting celebrations in honour of the April 30 victory. The highlight was a diplomatic reception where more than 3,000 guests gathered at the Vietnamese Embassy
Vietnamese soldiers advance to liberate Bac Lieu province. (Photo: VNA)
Havana (VNA) – Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Cuba Mai Thao has shared vivid memories of the day Vietnam’s reunification sent shockwaves of celebration across Cuba — a nation that embraced April 30, 1975, as if it were its own triumph.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Thao, former Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam in Cuba, said Cuban media continuously reported on the lightning offensive by the Vietnamese military and people, while the embassy’s phones rang non-stop with congratulatory calls from Cuban leaders and citizens alike.
Thao recounted that on May 1, 1975 — International Workers’ Day — Cuba declared it Vietnam’s Day, hosting celebrations in honour of the victory. The highlight was a diplomatic reception where more than 3,000 guests gathered at the Vietnamese Embassy. Cuban friends provided all the food, drinks, and music, transforming the event into an unforgettable festival of friendship. Notably, Cuba's Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro was also present at the event, which lasted until dawn in boundless jubilation.
After retirement, Thao returned to live in Cuba. Now at 85, he continues his contributions to the Vietnam – Cuba relations. His small house in Havana, where historical photographs are carefully preserved, remains open to young people eager to learn about how a small nation made the miraculous victory.
Reflecting on the significance of that spring h🦋alf a century ago, Thao expressed his hope that all Vietnamese, especially the younger generation, will carry forward the spirit of April 30 victory and the enduring solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba, continuing to write new, glorious chapters in the nation’s history./.
Vietnam and Cuba have supported and helped each other during the most difficult times while sharing joy at each other's victories and successes as if they were their own.
Vietnam currently holds a prominent position and influence in the international politics arena, demonstrating successful political and economic transformation over the past 50 years and reflect the enduring vitality of the Doi moi (renewal) policy. Accordingly, from one of the least developed countries, Vietnam has become a country with a strong economy and improved people’s living conditions.
The scholar held that that beyond policy directions and the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam that consistently prioritises national interests, the will and aspirations of the Vietnamese people have played a crucial role in bringing the country to its current level of development. No nation has a stronger desire for prosperity than the Vietnamese people.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925.
Vietnam and Cambodia are hoped to strengthen their robust collaboration across various sectors, particularly in resolving remaining border issues to transform the border area into a zone of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The strategic product, managed and operated by the Vietnam News Agency Digital Media Centre (VNA Media), is an official channel for popularising the Party and State’s information and documents as well as delivering mainstream and trustworthy news to both domestic and international audiences through various kinds of multimedia formats.
Since President Ho Chi Minh founded Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has become the voice of the people. During the resistance war against the colonialists, journalists took great personal risks to inspire patriotism and the will of rising up against foreign invaders.
The total investment exceeded 319 billion VND (12.2 million USD), including over 261 billion VND from the state budget and 57.5 billion VND mobilised from businesses, organisations, and individuals.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang is intensifying efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of the country’s goal of having the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning lifted.
Throughout its 80-year history, the VNA has remained at the forefront of information dissemination. It has consistently delivered timely, accurate, and objective reports on both domestic and international events, serving the Party’s leadership, the State’s management, and the public’s demand for official news.
With strong support from local authorities, businesses, organisations, and residents, the province has successfully built or repaired 10,707 homes for disadvantaged households, including war veterans, families of martyrs, ethnic minority people, and low-income residents.
Throughout its resistance against colonialists and imperialists, Vietnam developed a revolutionary press that has served as a benchmark for just and legitimate causes worldwide.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is regarded as a cultural ambassador of Austria, with prestigious conductors like Mahler and Karajan who shape its legacy. Its New Year’s Concert, broadcast to over 90 countries annually, stands as a global symbol of classical music excellence.
