Addressing the ceremony, Rodríguez expressed her deep gratitude for the solidarity and timely assistance provided by foreign governments, international organizations, and rescue forces during one of Venezuela's most difficult moments. She said the presence of international rescue teams in the disaster-stricken areas had given hope to affected communities and demonstrated that Venezuela was not facing the disaster alone.
On the occasion, through Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My, the acting President sent a letter of gratitude and presented the "Hero of Venezuela" medal to Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.
The twin earthquakes on June 24 caused extensive casualties and destruction, leaving more than 2,600 people dead, over 12,600 injured, and causing severe damage to infrastructure. The Venezuelan government is continuing to work closely with international partners to deliver humanitarian assistance and establish temporary shelters for displaced residents.
