Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Civil, Veteran, and Reserve Affairs Pablo M. Lorenzo represented the Philippines at the 80th Founding Anniversary of the Viet Nam People’s Army (VPA) and the 35th All-People National Defence Day at the National Convention Center in Ha Noi, Viet Nam on December 20, 2024.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Undersecretary Lorenzo conveyed Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.’s congratulations and best wishes to Party Secretary General To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission of Viet Nam, and General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Viet Nam, for their successful celebration of the said occasion.

In his speech, Party General Secretary To Lam highlighted the VPA’s foundational role in Viet Nam’s national defense, tracing its origin to the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army established on December 22, 1944, under the leadership of then President Ho Chi Minh.

General Secretary To Lam also underscored the importance of national unity and highlighted the role of All-People’s Defence Day in raising awareness on the vital significance of protecting the nation, as well as the collective responsibility of all citizens in national defense. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast foreign policy, which is centered on the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a commitment to non-participation in military alliances.

The DND’s attendance to the said ceremony reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment in strengthening its defense partnership with Viet Nam, with both countries set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between the Philippines and Viet Nam.