Hanoi (VNA) – The 78th National Day of Vietnam (September 2) wascelebrated in various places around the world on September 1-2.

In the Lao capital city of Vientiane, the Vietnamese Embassyheld a banquet on September 1 evening which saw the presence of President of theNational Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and DefenceMinister Chansamone Chanyalath, and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith ofLaos.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung said thaton September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration ofIndependence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now theSocialist Republic of Vietnam.

This was a brilliant milestone bringing the country and peopleof Vietnam into a new era - that of national independence associated withsocialism.

Over the past 78 years, the Vietnamese people, under theleadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, have overcome difficulties todefend the national independence, freedom, and territorial integrity, and gainedremarkable socio-economic achievements, thus helping raise the country’sposition and reputation in the international arena.

The diplomat took the occasion to thank countries andinternational organisations for supporting Vietnam in its journey.

On the occasion of Vietnam’s National Day, Vietnamese ConsulGeneral in Pakse city of Laos Nguyen Van Trung was awarded with the LaoGovernment’s Friendship Medal in recognition of his contributions to developing the great friendship,special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, Statesand peoples.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese Consulate General in KhonKaen, the capital of Northeast Thailand, on September 2 organised a celebrationwhich was attended by the Consuls General of Vietnam, China and Laos in Khon Kaen,and the Governors of Thailand’s Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani provinces,among others.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Thailand’sUdon Thani province offered incense to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh at thememorial area named after him in Noong On village, Chiang Phin commune, Muongdistrict.

An incense-offering ceremony was also held in commemorationof the late leader at his statue at the Asian Civilisations Museum inSingapore.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina and the VietnameseConsulate General in Vancouver of Canada also organised ceremonies in celebrationof the 78th National Day./.