'Meet Vietnam in Newhaven,' an event hosted by Vietnam’s mission to the United Kingdom, was held on Tuesday in Newhaven, a small port town about 100km south of London which houses several monuments to late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.

The event was organized to give the city’s residents the opportunity to learn more about Vietnam’s history, culture, and people through both its food and photo exhibitions showcasing the country’s cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Newhaven Mayor Lesley Boniface shared her pride in the historic ties between his city and late President Ho Chi Minh, who worked as a pastry chef after World War I on a ferry connecting Newhaven and the French town of Dieppe.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long thanked the Newhaven administration for its support and coordination with his embassy in organizing 'Meet Vietnam in Newhaven' in September to align with Vietnam’s National Day – a celebration of the Southeast Asian country’s sovereignty, during which it pays homage to President Ho Chi Minh.

The ambassador affirmed that the development of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership is flourishing thanks to the constant efforts of both sides over the past 50 years, including the significant contribution of the administration and the people of Newhaven.

During his speech, Ambassador Long expressed his appreciation for the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Newhaven, as well as the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, which he hopes will continue to expand in the future, particularly as the two countries approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023.

President Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969) was the founder of what is now the Communist Party of Vietnam.

During his time traveling the world as a youth, he spent several years in the UK, during which time he was first exposed to the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels — both of whom served as inspiration for his later contribution to Vietnam’s national liberation revolution against colonizing forces.

In 2013, the administration of East Sussex county erected a stele in Newhaven harbor, marking the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's arrival in the UK.

Images of the ferry where Ho Chi Minh worked over 100 years ago are now on display in the Newhaven town museum.

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