(VOVworld)-The Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and Northern Ireland has hosted the 68^th anniversary celebration of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) and 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Addressing the ceremony, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York emphasized that the fine development of Vietnam-UK relations has brought long-term benefits to both sides. 2013 is a special year for Vietnam-UK relations. It marks 40 years of bilateral diplomatic ties and 100 years since President Ho Chi Minh’s arrival in the UK on his national salvation journey.

The Vietnamese Consulate General in the US city of San Francisco and local authorities on September 5 organized a ceremony to hoist the Vietnamese national flag on the 68^th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day. Director of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Commerce Mark Chandle handed over to Consul General Nguyen Ba Hung the statement of the city and San Francisco County, signed by Mayor Edwin Lee, which declares that September 2, 2013 was chosen as the Vietnam-US Heritage and Friendship Day in the city and county.