Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife take a photo with Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam. Photo: VOV

In his speech, President Higgins expressed his hope that General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit would contribute to the sustaining and deepening of the growing friendship  between Ireland and Vietnam. He also conveyed his solidarity with General Secretary and President To Lam, and, through him, extended his sympathies to the Vietnamese people for the losses caused by Typhoon Yagi. President Higgins affirmed that Ireland, as a long-standing development partner of Vietnam, is committed to supporting humanitarian recovery efforts.

President Higgins also acknowledged Vietnam’s significant role as one of only four countries globally participating in the EU-supported Partnership for a Just Energy Transition, highlighting Vietnam’s determination to confront and lead in the global response to climate change.

Additionally, President Higgins praised Vietnam’s vital and active role in regional security, particularly through its non-aligned diplomatic strategy and "Four No’s" policy: no military alliances, no siding with one country to act against another, no foreign military bases or using Vietnam as leverage to counteract other countries, and no threat or use of force. He said this non-alignment strategy and healthy, balanced relations with major powers has served Vietnam well.

President Higgins expressed his hope for a strong and enduring relationship between Ireland and Vietnam and looked forward to continued cooperation between the two nations in building a prosperous and peaceful future.