On the evening of September 15, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the closing ceremony of the national exhibition “80 Years of the Journey for Independence - Freedom - Happiness.” The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was honored with a certificate of merit and an award for “Outstanding Exhibition Space.”

In attendance were former Politburo member and former Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong; Politburo members including Head of the Central Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac; Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh; Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang; Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung; along with Central Party Committee members, current and former leaders of the Party and State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, ministries, sectors, localities, foreign guests, international organizations, and a large number of citizens and international visitors.

The exhibition, which opened on August 28, featured participation from 28 central ministries and agencies, 34 localities, and over 110 businesses and corporations. More than 230 booths were showcased.

The exhibition space systematically and comprehensively recreated the country’s development journey across nearly 180 sectors and areas. Through documents, artifacts, images, documentaries, and modern technology, the public was offered a vivid picture of Vietnam’s significant achievements in economy, politics, culture, society, science and technology, national defense and security, and foreign affairs.

Over its 19-day duration, the exhibition attracted more than 10 million visitors. On September 13 alone, it recorded a peak attendance of nearly 1.3 million. Visitors came not only from Hanoi but also from provinces and cities across the country to experience the showcase.

The use of modern display formats, digital technology, and 3D presentations made the exhibition highly engaging and accessible, helping visitors better understand both the history and present of the nation.

At the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of the Party and State presented certificates of merit to 36 collectives for outstanding achievements. They also awarded and congratulated the units honored with the title “Outstanding Exhibition Space.”

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs was proud to receive the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit for collective excellence. Its exhibition booth was one of 15 selected as “Outstanding Exhibition Spaces” among central Party and government agencies.

In his speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated: “The 80-Year Exhibition has been an extraordinary success, exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impression. It has inspired national pride and strengthened public confidence in the country’s development.”

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the dedication, responsibility, and creativity of ministries, sectors, localities, enterprises, scientists, artisans, artists, musicians, organizers, volunteers, and all citizens who contributed to the exhibition’s resounding success. He praised their embodiment of the spirit of “Solidarity - Wisdom - Strength - Glory - Pride in Being Vietnamese.”

“The bright future of Vietnam lies ahead. Let us continue to write heroic chapters in our nation’s history with patriotism, pride, confidence, and resilience as descendants of the Lac Hong. Let us do so with compassion, civilization, rich cultural heritage, and the burning aspiration to rise and soar, reflecting the intelligence of the Vietnamese people. Together, we will build a strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam that stands shoulder to shoulder with global powers, as our beloved President Ho Chi Minh always wished,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

The exhibition “80 Years of the Journey for Independence - Freedom - Happiness” was not only a celebration of a historic milestone but also an opportunity for society to reflect on Vietnam’s tremendous progress over eight decades. It has helped foster patriotism, strengthen faith, and provide new motivation for nationwide solidarity toward building a powerful and prosperous Vietnam.

At the ceremony, Central Party Committee member and Standing Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Ho Van Nien received the Prime Minister’s certificate of merit on behalf of the Ministry. Lo Quang Tu, Director of the Department of Communications on Ethnic and Religious Affairs, accepted the “Outstanding Exhibition Space” award on behalf of the Ministry.

Hoang Quy