New York (VNA) - An event themed “50th anniversary of peace and social progress in Vietnam” has been recently held in New York by the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

It saw the presence of a large number of delegates from leftist organisations, trade unions, groups representing Southeast Asian Americans, the Vietnamese American community, and many individuals who participated in anti-war movements and stood side by side with Vietnam during and after the war's challenging years. Notably, the event featured participation and speeches by the Permanent Representatives of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Vietnam to the UN.

Participants reviewed the historical significance of April 30, 1975 - a pivotal turning point marking the complete victory of the Vietnamese nation in the cause of national liberation and reunification, as well as a shared triumph of progressive humanity for justice, peace, and the right to self-determination of peoples worldwide.

Recalling the widespread anti-war movements and campaigns in support of Vietnam that swept across the US and many parts of the world, they emphasised the courage and resilience of organisations and individuals who spoke out to demand that the US government end its unjust war in Vietnam, lift the embargo, and move toward normalising relations between the two countries.

Many organisations and individuals now continue to support and make tangible contributions to addressing the war’s aftermath, implement humanitarian programmes, and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Cuban Ambassador Ernesto Guzmán and Nicaraguan Ambassador Jaime Castillo expressed profound admiration for the indomitable spirit and perseverance of the Vietnamese people during the resistance against the US and in the process of post-war national reconstruction and development. They highlighted that the victory serves as a powerful inspiration for global movements against imperialism and oppression, while affirming the solidarity of the Cuban and Nicaraguan people with the Vietnamese people.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, affirmed that April 30, 1975, marks a historical milestone, opening a new chapter of peace, unity, independence, and development for the Vietnamese nation, while laying the foundation for Vietnam-US relations to transform from confrontation to reconciliation, normalisation, and establishment of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as today.

Reviewing Vietnam’s significant achievements across all fields over 50 years since reunification, nearly 40 years of “Doi Moi” (Renewal), and 30 years of normalised relations with the US, Giang stressed that the victory in the resistance war against imperialism and the achievements Vietnam has attained to date are the crystallisation of the patriotism, resilient will, and immense sacrifices of the Vietnamese military and people, alongside the invaluable support from socialist countries, international friends, and the global progressive movement, including the US people.

At the event, the organisers offici🎉ally launched the website //vietnam50.us to preserve and promote valuable articles, images, and materials reflꦐecting Vietnam’s 50-year journey of construction, development, and social progress./.