To commemorate the 136th anniversary of the birth of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026), the Vietnamese Party Committee in the Kingdom of Belgium organized a discussion, which included an online exchange from the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi.
During the discussions, delegates reviewed the thoughts, ethics, and style of President Ho Chi Minh, while clearly demonstrating the sense of responsibility and political awareness of Vietnamese working and studying abroad to continue promoting the Party’s foreign policy in this new period.
The event brought together Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao, representatives from Vietnamese organizations in Belgium, and Vietnamese students from various regions. In this solemn setting, the statue of President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese flag held a special significance at this political gathering, far from their homeland.
The highlight of the meeting was an online exchange from the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi, hosted by Professor Dinh Xuan Dung, on Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic thinking with international partners. Through each narrative and relevant argument, the image of diplomacy deeply rooted in Vietnamese identity was brightly portrayed for Party members residing abroad.
According to Professor Dinh Xuan Dung, Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic thinking was based on the foundations of patriotism, proletarian internationalism, and a profound humanistic spirit.
At the core of his foreign policy thinking was national independence, inseparable from national unity, where national interests served as a guiding principle in all diplomatic activities. This is why Vietnamese diplomacy has always aimed at the highest ideals: peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
The professor also highlighted President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of international solidarity, advocating equality and respect for cultural and political differences, without discrimination based on skin color or ethnic origin. It was sincerity, compassion, and wisdom that characterized Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic style giving him considerable influence among international allies.
In particular, the principle of “maintaining consistency while adapting to change” remains a fundamental teaching of current foreign policy. In a world undergoing profound changes, Vietnam remains faithful to its independent and autonomous foreign policy, while demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in protecting its national interests and expanding international cooperation.
Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao emphasized that studying and practicing Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, especially his diplomatic thinking, is of practical importance for cadres and Party members working in foreign affairs, research, and studies in Europe. In an increasingly integrated international context, each Party member abroad is not only a Vietnamese citizen but also a carrier of the image of a friendly, peaceful, and responsible Vietnam and its people to the international community.
The ambassador also mentioned the positive developments in the relations between Vietnam and the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg. According to him, Vietnam-EU relations are entering a new phase of development, marked by increased political trust, especially following the visit of the President of the European Council, António Costa, to Vietnam earlier this year.
Regarding Vietnam-Belgium relations, the two countries still have significant cooperation potential in areas of excellence such as smart agriculture, seaports, logistics, and biotechnologies. Additionally, Vietnam and Luxembourg are actively strengthening their strategic partnership in green finance, opening up many prospects for cooperation in the circular economy, financial technologies, and the establishment of an international financial center in Vietnam.
Many delegates expressed their emotion and national pride upon hearing the latest information about the country’s situation and Vietnam’s foreign relations.
Speaking to a journalist from VNA, Le Minh Tuan, a lecturer at the University of Huế, stated that the seminar had helped him stay informed about important developments in Vietnam and its relations with Europe.
Anh Tuan stated: “President Ho Chi Minh’s anniversary is always a sacred moment for every Vietnamese. Being able to offer him incense and pay homage to him in a country as distant as Belgium deeply touches me and fills me with pride. This event has strengthened my love for my homeland and my awareness of my responsibility as a member of the Vietnamese Party abroad.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Ms. Ha Tram, a lecturer at the University of Da Nang and a PhD student at the University of Liège, said: “The ceremony atmosphere was very solemn, and certain moments deeply moved me. Learning more about Vietnam’s external relations with the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg, I felt great pride in the increasingly important place my country holds. The moment I offered incense at President Ho Chi Minh’s altar also reignited my attachment to my homeland.”
At the altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, prominently displayed at the embassy headquarters, delegates paid respectful tribute to the beloved leader of the nation and expressed their deep gratitude. In the heart of Europe, the image of the red flag with the yellow star, accompanied by songs praising Uncle Ho, highlighted the spirit of unity, national pride, and sense of responsibility of the Vietnamese community in Belgium.
The political gathering in Brussels not only spread Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic ideas more widely but also created greater cohesion within the Vietnamese community living far from their homeland.
In the context of the growing development of relations between Vietnam and the European Union and European countries, each Party member studying and working abroad is more aware of their role in promoting the image of a peaceful, cooperative, and culturally rich Vietnam to international friends.
