A special event to commemorate 50 years since Vietnam’s Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) not only honored Vietnam’s historic achievement of national unity after a long and devastating war, but also reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Sweden, highlighting a shared vision for deeper cooperation and mutual progress in the years ahead.
Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Journey
A profound ceremony in Stockholm highlighted the historic bonds between Vietnam and Sweden, celebrating five decades of unwavering friendship, solidarity, and forward-looking partnership.
The event gathered a distinguished audience, including Robert Rydberg, former Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister, Daniel Wolven, Head of Department for Asia, the Pacific Region and Latin America, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Erik Anderson, International Secretary of Sweden’s Communist Party, and Lars Adermalm, a long-time friend of Vietnam. The Vietnamese community, Swedish alumni who had worked in Vietnam, and representatives of local organizations added further significance to the gathering.
In an exclusive interview with ScandAsia, Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Van Tuan emphasized that April 30 was not simply the end of three decades of relentless war, but the dawn of a new era where national independence, territorial unity, and the construction of socialism across a unified Vietnam became possible.
“The victory of the Spring Offensive laid the groundwork for what we call ‘the Era of the Nation’s Ascent,'” Mr. Tuan said.
The Vietnamese ambassador noted that Vietnam has not only healed from the scars of war but has risen to become one of the most dynamic economies globally, with an annual GDP growth of 7.09% in 2024 and a brand value of USD 507 billion.
One of the most heartfelt speeches of the evening came from Lars Adermalm, who spent more than 25 years living and working in Vietnam. Having received a Sida scholarship in 1979, Adermalm immersed himself in Vietnamese life and witnessed firsthand the country’s transformation.
“As a Swede, I am deeply proud of my country’s role during Vietnam’s years of war and reconstruction,” Mr. Adermalm added.
Mr. Adermalm recalled that in 1969, Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with North Vietnam. Citing the example of former Prime Minister Olof Palme, whose vocal opposition to the war became a symbol of international solidarity, Adermalm reflected that for Sweden, supporting Vietnam was not merely political; it was profoundly humanitarian.
Sweden’s tangible support extended beyond declarations. It included the establishment of a mobile hospital in Vinh during wartime, the construction of the Bai Bang Paper Mill, and the founding of major healthcare facilities such as the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi and the Uong Bi General Hospital.
“These projects were bold investments in Vietnam’s future when few dared to believe,” Mr. Adermalm noted.
The documentary “Fragments of Memory”, screened during the event, poignantly brought to life the sacrifices and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Ambassador Tuan observed that the film not only recalled the past but conveyed a profound message of forgiveness, understanding, and bridge-building between generations and nations.
Erik Anderson, International Secretary of Sweden’s Communist Party, described the documentary as deeply moving. He noted that it portrayed the growth and maturity of Vietnamese soldiers, while also shedding light on the indoctrination faced by young American soldiers through anti-communist propaganda.
“The film offers multiple perspectives on the Vietnam War, while also highlighting the extraordinary development and spirit of the Vietnamese patriots in their struggle for national independence,” Mr. Anderson emphasized.
Forging Ahead: Toward a Future of Shared Innovation
The relationship between Vietnam and Sweden has evolved significantly over the past five decades. Initially forged in the crucible of wartime solidarity, it has matured into a multifaceted partnership encompassing economic, technological, and cultural collaborations. Ambassador Tuan elaborated that Sweden remains a trusted development partner, with historical aid contributions exceeding USD 3.46 billion. Today, Swedish companies such as Ericsson, ABB, Electrolux, AstraZeneca, Volvo, IKEA, and Syre play crucial roles in Vietnam’s economic landscape. Notably, Syre plans to invest USD 1 billion in a high-tech polyester fiber recycling plant, reflecting a shared commitment to a greener future.
As global dynamics shift, both Vietnam and Sweden are setting their sights higher. Vietnam is pressing ahead with Resolution 57-NQ/TW on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, seeing Sweden as a key knowledge-sharing partner in this journey.
“We view Sweden not merely as an investor, but as a strategic collaborator in Vietnam’s green growth and digital transformation initiatives,” Mr. Tuan emphasized.
Robert Rydberg noted that the strong foundation of mutual support built during the past decades provides an excellent basis for further advancing the relationship between Vietnam and Sweden in the future.
“Our two nations are like long-standing friends, whose shared history strengthens their vision for deeper cooperation and mutual growth,” Mr. Rydberg emphasized.
Beyond official frameworks, the human connections between the two nations remain irreplaceable. Stories shared by Swedes who had worked in Vietnam and testimonies from Vietnamese expatriates in Sweden highlighted the enduring personal bonds.
“Building bridges of understanding between people creates connections resilient to even the strongest political storms,” Mr. Adermalm poignantly stated.
Looking ahead, both nations aim to deepen their collaboration in areas like green growth, digital transformation, education, and innovation. Ambassador Tuan emphasized that the spirit of 1969 endures, inspiring a continued commitment to solidarity and shared progress.
As the evening came to a close, the event reaffirmed not just a partnership built over the past fifty years, but also a shared future driven by solidarity, innovation, and trust.
