Attending the inauguration ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City International Friendship Symbol were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang; representatives of local delegations with Ho Chi Minh City from Cambodia, Laos, China, Russia; representatives of consulates general and diplomatic missions in Ho Chi Minh City...

On the Ho Chi Minh City side, there were Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan, journalist Le The Chu - editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, Ms. Nguyen Thi Loc - Southern Executive Director of Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank); Mr. Dao Nguyen Khanh - Head of Sustainable Development & Corporate Communications, INSEE Vietnam Cement Company Limited.

The Ho Chi Minh City International Friendship Symbol is the result of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Symbol Design Contest jointly organized by Tuoi Tre Newspaper and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs, with the support of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association and INSEE Cement Company.

The symbol of Ho Chi Minh City is constantly developing.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang spoke at the inauguration of the friendship symbol: "In the process of international integration, Ho Chi Minh City has always been a typical model of dynamism, creativity and efficiency in local foreign affairs.

With a network of more than 50 international partner localities, the city has proactively organized many large forums and conferences such as the Friendship Dialogue, the Ho Chi Minh City International Economic Forum, investment promotion events and people-to-people exchanges on a regional and international scale.

Ho Chi Minh City's unique foreign affairs initiatives not only contribute to promoting the image of a modern, dynamic, and hospitable Ho Chi Minh City, but also affirm the city's role as an important bridge and a strong launching pad in enhancing Vietnam's international presence and position."

On behalf of Ho Chi Minh City, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan warmly welcomed international friends to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the inauguration ceremony on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

He commented: "This project is not only an artistic mark in the heart of the city but also a vivid symbol of the aspiration for integration, for the long-term commitment of Ho Chi Minh City in cultivating friendly relations, cooperation and development with international friends."

Mr. Vo Van Hoan commented that the project has the shape of a Mobius circle, a mathematical symbol of infinity, cast in eternal bronze material, reminding of the constant development of Ho Chi Minh City.

The International Friendship Symbol is a cultural and diplomatic project with profound meaning, originating from the aspiration to create a space where international friends, when setting foot in Ho Chi Minh City, can feel the closeness, respect and pride in the friendship between nations.

The project also honors the solidarity and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and its sister cities around the world.

The design stands out with the Mobius circle - a symbol of infinity, suggesting a journey of endless connection, sustainable development and continuous spread. The symbol is a unique cultural highlight, reflecting the open, dynamic and integrated spirit of Ho Chi Minh City - a civilized, modern and affectionate city.

56 Friendship Cities and More

On the circular platform of the project are the names of 56 cities in the world that have established friendly and cooperative relations with Ho Chi Minh City since 1994, engraved on spreading circles, expressing sincere feelings.

These are cities such as New York (USA); Guangdong, Zhejiang, Chongqing (China); Phnom Penh (Cambodia); Vientiane (Laos); Seoul, Daegu, Gangwon, Incheon, Chungcheongbuk (South Korea); Turin (Italy); Aichi, Hyogo, Nagano, Yokohama (Japan); Toronto (Canada); Vladivostok (Russia)...

In addition, there are many other vacant positions, meaning that Ho Chi Minh City will establish friendship with many more cities in the future.

The inauguration ceremony also received congratulations from Mr. Ha Vi, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, representing the ambassadors and international members attending.