Vietnam | Independence Day

HRH The Duke of York gives his opening remarks

40 years of ties
Luminaries from the world of politics, diplomacy and business joined the Vietnamese Ambassador Mr Vu Quang Minh and a delegation of Vietnamese parliamentarians at Cadogan Hall to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties with Britain. What awaited them was a cultural extravaganza of music, dance and delicious Vietnamese food.

The Guest of Honour was The Duke of York, a friend of Vietnam who mentioned that not only was Vietnam a “special place” but that it was a “strategic partner” for Britain in the region with strong commercial, education and defence ties.

Other speakers included the Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence Lord Astor, the Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam George Howarth MP and Lord Powell of Bayswater.

Awards were also given to individuals who had contributed to the strengthening of UK-Vietnam ties.

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS

Ambassador and Mrs Minh Hanh with the Ambassador of Thailand Mr Pasan Teparak (right) and Mrs Paradee Teparak

Ambassador Vu with French Ambassador Mr Bernard Emié

The Ambassador of The Philippines Enrique Manalo and the Ambassador of Cambodia and Dean of the ASEAN Group of Ambassadors Mr Hor Nambora

Presentation of medals to Len Aldis and Ben Chapman for their contribution to Vietnam-UK relations

Paul Smith (Harvey Nash) and Peter Lithgard (Medical and Science Aid to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) received Letters of Merit from the Foreign Minister of Vietnam

Mr Le Hoang Quan, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People Committee

Mr George Howarth MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence Lord Astor

Lord Powell of Bayswater

A performance of Vietnamese traditional dance and music