President To Lam Visits Trinity College Dublin, Delivers Key Speech on Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Dublin, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, visited Trinity College Dublin on Wednesday, delivering a speech outlining a new era in Vietnam–Ireland friendship and cooperation for global peace, collaboration, and development.

In his address, President Lam emphasized the shared cultural and historical values of the two nations, such as their traditions of hospitality, family values, and solidarity. He praised Ireland’s socio-economic achievements and expressed appreciation for the support Ireland has provided to Vietnam over the past 30 years, particularly in areas like poverty reduction, post-war recovery, economic management, and climate change response.

Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to national independence and socialism, emphasizing that the people remain central to the country’s development. He also underscored Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, multilateralism, and peaceful international cooperation, reiterating the nation’s “four no’s” defense principle of neutrality in military alliances and a commitment to international law.

He highlighted Vietnam’s active contributions to global peace and security, including participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations and humanitarian efforts. He expressed Vietnam’s readiness to contribute more actively to international diplomacy, economic growth, and cultural advancement in the coming era.

President Lâm noted the growing friendship between Vietnam and Ireland, emphasizing that their nearly three decades of diplomatic relations have fostered increasingly fruitful cooperation. He expressed optimism about strengthening these ties, particularly in education, with the potential establishment of a strategic partnership in higher education between the two nations.

He outlined three key orientations for future collaboration: expanding development opportunities for both nations’ prosperity, fostering self-reliance and adaptability to global challenges, and increasing both nations’ contributions to international peace and cooperation.

The speech concluded with President Lâm expressing his hope that Vietnam and Ireland will continue to enhance their cooperation for mutual benefit and for the peace, stability, and development of both regions and the world.

During the visit, President Lâm toured Trinity College’s historic Old Library, home to the famous “Book of Kells,” and praised the university’s cultural and academic heritage. He highlighted the potential for future collaborations in higher education between the two countries, offering new opportunities for both students and faculty.

Trinity College Dublin, established in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions, known for its rich history, academic excellence, and international student body. The college is planning a collaborative program in management and economics with Vietnam National University, Hanoi.