From April 18 to 26, more than 60 Vietnamese expatriates from 24 countries and territories visited Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands and the DK-I platform.
Themed "Great Unity Voyage", the journey carried even more significance as it coincided with national milestones such as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, the 80th anniversary of National Day, and the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Launched in 2012, the program is organized by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Vietnam People's Navy.
Vietnamese expatriates formed a heart shape aboard the KN390 vessel. Photo: Việt Hoàng
The program aims to help overseas Vietnamese better understand the Party and State's policies on protecting national sovereignty over seas and islands, while allowing them to witness firsthand the lives of military personnel and civilians stationed on remote islands.
The delegates visited Da Thi, Sinh Ton, Co Lin, Len Dao, Da Tay A, and Truong Sa Lon islands, as well as DK-I/8 Que Duong platform.
They participated in meaningful activities, such as visiting schools, medical clinics and local households; attending the inauguration of the Rainbow Park; offering incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House and the Heroes and Martyrs Memorial; joining flag-raising ceremonies and taking part in solidarity walks for Truong Sa.
During his first visit to Truong Sa, Mr Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, shared with deep emotion: “Only by setting foot on Truong Sa can one fully grasp the sacred meaning of the homeland.”
Other delegates also expressed their pride and deep emotions.
Mr Hoang Xuan Binh (from Poland) noted the hardships and resilient spirit of the soldiers and civilians on the islands. Meanwhile, Ms Truong Thi Hong (from Israel) observed positive changes on Sinh Ton Island after 10 years, reflecting the Party and State’s care.
Ms Cao Ha Linh (from Singapore) felt grateful and proud, vowing to spread the story of Truong Sa to young overseas Vietnamese. Mr Nguyen Ngoc Hung (from Cambodia) emphasized the unity of overseas Vietnamese with the homeland.
During the trip, the delegates raised over 2 billion VND in cash and donated goods to support greening efforts, the construction of multi-purpose cultural centers, and the provision of essential supplies, healthcare, and education for residents on the islands and DK-I platform.
Since 2012, overseas Vietnamese communities have contributed nearly 30 billion VND to Truong Sa and DK-I, along with other initiatives such as organizing conferences, exhibitions, and founding Hoang Sa - Truong Sa clubs in various countries, making practical contributions to affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.
