He recalled the historic moment 70 years ago when Vietnamese soldiers moved in to take over the capital from French colonialists, as well as the period when Hanoi and the northern provinces undertook the construction of socialism and served as a strong rear support for the southern front against American imperialism until the final victory on April 30, 1975.

As soon as Vietnam was reunified, Hanoi and the entire country entered a new revolutionary phase towards socialism. Under the leadership of the Party, the Hanoi Party Committee, administration and people, and the rest of the country, have been making efforts to overcome difficulties, implementing the renewal and international integration process and recording great achievements of historical significance.

Today, Hanoi has become the political and administrative center of the country, a major hub for culture, science, education, economy, and international integration, and one of the 17 largest cities in the world. Its economic size has continuously increased, reaching approximately US$54 billion in 2023. Its economic growth is higher than the national average, while its budget revenue consistently meets and exceeds the assigned targets.

The General Secretary and President emphasized that the achievements Vietnam has recorded during the past 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process give Vietnam the chance to usher in a new era, an era of the country’s advancement, that requires Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular to make a greater effort to meet development goals.

Hanoi must find a way to become a socialist capital as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh, and must live up to its stature as the capital in the new development era of the country, he said.

To this end, he said the city’s leadership must unlock resources, especially those within the community, combining national strength with the strength of the modern era. The capital city needs to enhance cooperation with the capitals of other countries, promote the thousand-year-old culture of Thang Long - Hanoi, and build a positive image of its culture and people among its compatriots nationwide, international friends, and overseas Vietnamese, while continuing to elevate the capital’s and the country’s position on the international stage.

The celebration took place at the National Convention Center with the participation of leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, central agencies, the city of Hanoi, as well as international delegates and representatives from provinces and cities across the country.

Among those attending the event were also revolutionary veterans, heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, former soldiers, former youth volunteers, artists, intellectuals, religious representatives, and various strata of the people and armed forces of the capital.

Delegates were treated to a special art programme depicting historical moments from the resistance against French colonialism by the army and people of Hanoi, the heroic spirit on the day of liberation, and the glorious historical events of Hanoi over the past 70 years.

VOV