(VOVworld) – A banquet was held at the National Assembly House on Tuesday to mark Vietnam’s 70^th National Day.

In his address, President Truong Tan Sang recalled the moment when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, declaring the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the past 70 years, the Vietnamese people have stayed united and overcome adversities to defend national independence, freedom and territorial integrity. From its humble beginning as an underdeveloped and war-torn country, Vietnam has grown into a middle-income nation with improving stature on the international stage, he said: “Vietnamese people believe in our bright future and will continue to boost renewal, international integration, modernization, and industrialization to achieve sustainable growth. Vietnam will continue its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. Vietnam is a friend and a reliable partner of all nations and an active, responsible member of the international community, for peace, independence, democracy, and social progress. Vietnam and other countries in the region contribute actively to maintaining peace and stability in the region and settling disputes and differences through peaceful means in line with international law. Vietnam and other ASEAN countries are determined to build an ASEAN Community and a post-2015 ASEAN Vision.”

President Sang also took the occasion to convey thanks to diplomats and representatives from international organisations for strengthening friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between Vietnam and countries around the world. On behalf of distinguished guests, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui lauded Vietnam for its achievements and core role in regional development as an active and responsible member at ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the Mekong River Commission and other organisations. He firmly believed that Vietnam will keep moving toward industrialisation and modernisation in the time ahead.