The award ceremony was jointly organized in Hanoi on the morning of May 22 by the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam. The decoration is considered one of the State of Palestine’s highest honors, recognizing Nguyen Thi Binh’s enduring contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

On the occasion, Party General Secretary and President To Lam sent flowers congratulating the former Vice President.

Speaking at the ceremony, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama said he was honored and deeply moved to present the Order of Merit on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Nguyen Thi Binh, whom he described as an outstanding Vietnamese leader, an iconic figure of Vietnam’s revolutionary diplomacy and a loyal friend of the Palestinian people.

“This medal is not only recognition of her immense and enduring contributions to the struggle for national independence, peace, justice and human rights, but also a profound expression of gratitude from the State and people of Palestine toward a friend who has consistently shown sincere support and solidarity with Palestine for many decades,” Ambassador Salama said.

He noted that Nguyen Thi Binh’s name is closely associated with key historical milestones in Vietnam’s struggle for national independence, reunification and peacebuilding.

Through her prominent diplomatic role leading to the signing of the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, she helped lay foundations for peace, stability and reconciliation while inspiring peoples around the world fighting for self-determination and justice.

The ambassador recalled that during his youth, he and many Palestinian and Arab young people closely followed Nguyen Thi Binh’s interviews and appearances during the Paris negotiations.

“On television, we saw a calm, resilient and confident Vietnamese woman speaking to the international press and participating in historic negotiations. That image deeply inspired many young Palestinians and Arabs,” he said.

Symbol of courage and diplomatic wisdom

According to Ambassador Salama, Nguyen Thi Binh represented not only Vietnam but also the voices of nations struggling for independence, freedom and dignity. Her confidence, intelligence and steadfast spirit became symbols of hope for many peoples worldwide.

For Palestinians, he said, Nguyen Thi Binh symbolizes courage, diplomatic wisdom and unwavering commitment to international law. She consistently defended justice, human rights and the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to live freely, independently and with dignity in their homeland.

She also participated in activities related to Palestine through the Russell Tribunal on Palestine.

“We deeply value the solidarity and support she has shown to Palestine. Today’s event stands as evidence of the profound friendship between the Palestinian and Vietnamese peoples - two nations that share aspirations for peace, independence and faith in international justice,” Ambassador Salama said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Thi Binh said she felt deeply honored to receive the prestigious award from the State of Palestine.

According to the former Vice President, Vietnam and Palestine share a traditional friendship. In the past, the Vietnamese people strongly supported Palestine’s liberation struggle. Today, despite a highly complex global situation, Vietnamese people continue to firmly support the Palestinian cause for an independent Palestinian state.

“I hope the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Palestine will continue to flourish,” Nguyen Thi Binh said.

The decision signed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated that the award recognized Nguyen Thi Binh’s distinguished political and humanitarian career, her role as an international figure contributing to peacebuilding efforts in Vietnam and her historic diplomatic contributions to peace and stability.

The decision also praised her principled support for international law, human rights and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, as well as her enduring solidarity with Palestine’s struggle for freedom and independence.

The decree was issued in Ramallah on March 23, 2026.

Hien Anh - Thanh Hue