Attending the inauguration ceremony were Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Ha Vi, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, central ministries and branches, representatives of sister localities of Ho Chi Minh City, the Consulate General and diplomatic missions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee emphasized that the International Friendship Symbol is a cultural and diplomatic project with profound meaning, expressing 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 localities around the world.

The project's outstanding design, with the Mobius circle image - a symbol of infinity, suggests 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. This is also one of 50 projects celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that this is not only an important milestone in the development process of Ho Chi Minh City, but also sends an affirmation that the city and more broadly - Vietnam always opens its arms, welcoming all those who wish to join hands to build a bright future. Thereby, expressing the aspiration to join hands, connect the hearts and minds of humanity, together build a big circle of friendship, harmony and sharing.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Ha Vi was moved, saying that China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors, both representing developing countries and emerging markets, both adhering to similar diplomatic ideals and values.

According to Mr. Ha Vi, in recent years, Vietnam has actively and proactively integrated into the global economy, opened its doors to welcome the world, and its regional and international influence has increased. It has risen to the group of 40 largest economies and 20 economies with the largest FTAs ​​in the world, with huge future prospects.

In particular, Ho Chi Minh City, as the locomotive and leader in Vietnam's socio-economic development, has always maintained a proactive and courageous spirit of taking the lead, providing valuable experiences for the success of the cause of innovation and openness.

“We believe that as Vietnam steadily moves towards its goals of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding and the 100th anniversary of the country’s founding, Ho Chi Minh City will become a brilliant business card representing Vietnam’s open, tolerant and enthusiastic image, with the goal of peace, progress and development,” Ambassador Ha Vi emphasized.

It is known that the international friendship symbol is the result of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Symbol Design Competition organized by the city's Department of Foreign Affairs and a number of units. The first prize belongs to the idea "Waves of water harmonize, forming friendship" by architect Bui Minh Chau.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-khanh-thanh-cong-trinh-bieu-tuong-huu-nghi-quoc-te-700822.html