On the occasion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Hai Phong City was honored to receive numerous congratulatory letters from international partner cities and localities. These messages not only express feelings of friendship and deep concern from international friends but also reflect expectations for Vietnam's new development journey.
Beyond formal diplomatic greetings, the letters show a consistent and positive perspective on the importance of the Party Congress as well as the strength of bilateral relations with Hai Phong City. The congratulatory messages from international localities focus on three prominent main themes:
- Recognition of the Congress's strategic importance
Key partners such as Yokkaichi City, Shiga Prefecture (Japan), Suwon Special City, and Cheongju City (South Korea) all view the Congress as more than just an internal political event. These partners regard it as a "historical milestone" (Yokkaichi, Shiga) and a "historical opportunity" (Yokkaichi) to establish a "strategic vision for Vietnam's development until 2045" (Suwon, Yokkaichi, Cheongju). The messages consistently express confidence that the Congress's orientations will serve as a solid foundation for a new phase of stable, sustainable, and prosperous development for Vietnam.
- Strong affirmation of existing friendly relations
Most partners dedicated a significant portion of their letters to emphasizing the excellent cooperative relationships built and nurtured with Hai Phong.
- Foshan City (China) mentioned "close exchanges" across many fields.
- Shiga Prefecture (Japan) affirmed that both sides have "cherished and nurtured the friendly relationship".
- Lao partners (Vientiane and Oudomxay provinces) continued to affirm the "great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation" as the foundation for common development.
- Wishes for success and prosperity
All letters expressed sincere wishes for the great success of the Congress, while conveying faith in the prosperous development of Vietnam and Hai Phong City. Partners also sent wishes for health and happiness to the City's leaders and people.
Congratulatory letters were received from Mayor Mori Tomohiro of Yokkaichi City, Japan
Congratulatory letters were received from the Governor of Vientiane Province, Laos
Congratulatory letters were received from Mayor Lee Beom-seok of Cheongju City, Korea
Congratulatory letters were received from Governor Ikeda Toyohito of Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Future cooperation proposals and commitments
These shared sentiments create a solid foundation, paving the way for specific future cooperation proposals:
- Suwon Special City (South Korea): Mayor Lee Jae-joon proposed a plan to officially sign a Twinning Agreement with Hai Phong City. He respectfully requested "strong attention and support" from City Leaders for the successful implementation of this agreement, viewing it as the inheritance and promotion of the previously excellent cooperative relationship between Hai Duong Province and Suwon Special City.
- Foshan City (China): The Foreign Affairs Office of Foshan City explicitly proposed strengthening exchanges and promoting practical cooperation in three priority areas: Economy – Trade and Investment; Culture – Tourism; and Youth Exchange.
- Cheongju City (South Korea): Mayor Lee Beom-seok expressed a desire to expand "practical cooperation" with Hai Phong across diverse fields such as economy, culture, and industry.
- Japan (Shiga Prefecture and Yokkaichi City): Shiga Prefecture clearly expressed the desire to "continue to consolidate and further deepen exchange and cooperation relations". Similarly, Mayor Mori Tomohiro of Yokkaichi committed to "further strengthening friendship and cooperation" between the two cities.
Commemorating specific milestones
The partners proactively recalled specific cooperation milestones, creating a favorable context for future discussions, such as: Shiga Prefecture recalled the successful coordination of two projects under the JICA Partnership Program (2015–2023) and noted the participation of Shiga youth in the 2025 Hai Phong International Painting Competition; Yokkaichi City highlighted that 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Exchange (August 2016); Cheongju City expressed deep gratitude for Hai Phong's support for the Cheongju Foreign Trade Representative Office, established in Hanoi last October…
The congratulatory messages for the 14th Party Congress from international partners carry extremely positive and profound content. This is not merely a greeting but a reaffirmation of solid partnerships and a display of great faith in the future development path of Vietnam in general and Hai Phong in particular.