Shortly after arriving in Manila for a state visit to the Philippines, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam, his wife, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the monument to President Ho Chi Minh in the ASEAN Garden in Intramuros Old Town, Manila, on May 31 afternoon.

General Secretary and President Lam and his entourage expressed their profound gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of the Vietnamese people, who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for national independence and world peace.

The President Ho Chi Minh monument in the ASEAN Garden holds profound historical, cultural, and diplomatic significance, reflecting the friendship between Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as the solidarity within the ASEAN community. The monument was inaugurated in October 2011, marking the 35th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

The monument is designed in a simple yet solemn style. Its surrounding area is the green space of the ASEAN Garden, a place that honours the solidarity and friendship among Southeast Asian nations. The statue not only features artistic value but also deeply symbolises peace, cooperation, and development.

The President Ho Chi Minh monument is also an important cultural destination of local people and visitors from ASEAN countries and around the world. It helps promote the image of Vietnam as a friendly and peace-loving nation that makes active contributions to the international community./.

Top Vietnamese leader pays tribute to Philippine national hero Jose Rizal

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, laid flowers at the monument to Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in Manila on June 1 morning, as part of their state visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

The Rizal Monument is one of the Philippines’ most significant historical landmarks. Located in the capital city of Manila, it was erected in honour of Dr. Jose Rizal, a physician, writer, and national hero who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence.

The monument was inaugurated on December 30, 1913, exactly 17 years after Rizal's death. Cast in bronze and mounted on a granite pedestal, it stands as a symbol of patriotism and national pride. Every year on December 30, observed as Rizal Day, thousands of Filipinos, including high-ranking leaders, gather at the site to lay flowers and pay tribute to the national hero.

The annual commemoration carries profound educational significance, serving as a reminder to younger generations of Rizal’s patriotism, sacrifice, and dedication to the cause of national independence.

Beyond its commemorative role, the monument also serves as a venue for cultural activities, public gatherings, and major national events in the Philippines./. VNA