Tel Aviv (VNA) -𒆙 Vietnam has always been a symbol of revolutionary spirit and national liberation, inspiring the Palestinian people’s struggle, Issam Makhoul, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Israel (CPI) and Head of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash), has stated.

Co-chairing a political workshop between a delegation of the Party cell of the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel and leaders of the CPI and Hadash in Haifa city on August 14, Makhoul emphasised the solidarity among revolutionary and progressive forces worldwide, expressing admiration for Vietnam’s struggle for national independence as well as its Doi moi (renewal) process and development achievements. He noted that left-wing forces in Israel, comprising both Jews and Arabs, are promoting anti-war activities and defending the Palestinian people’s right to struggle despite many difficulties and challenges. For his part, Ambassador Ly Duc Trung, Secretary of the Embassy’s Party cell, expressed his delight at attending the workshop, describing it as the result of nearly three years of efforts to connect progressive forces of the two countries. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance in supporting the two-state solution to the Palestinian issue, based on the 1967 borders and in line with UN resolutions. The Vietnamese diplomat stressed that Vietnam is an active member of the international community, steadfast in pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the world. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and shared perspectives on efforts for peace, democracy, and human rights. They agreed to strengthen cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the CPI/Hadash Front, and to promote exchanges between mass organizations, progressive forces, and left-wing movements of the two countries in the coming time. Delegates watched a documentary on Vietnam’s revolutionary history and discussed concrete cooperation directions in the time to come, including strengthening links with progressive movements in the Middle East. Trung underscored Vietnam’s 95-year revolutionary journey since the founding of the CPV, 80 years since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence declaring the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam —now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam— and the Vietnamese diplomacy’s major trials at the 1954 Geneva Conference and the 1973 Paris Conference, which paved the way for lasting peace and created favourable conditions for national construction and development, thus raising Vietnam’s position in the international arena. Makhoul affirmed Vietnam is not only a friend but also a vivid testament to the fact that oppressed peoples can fully regain their freedom and independence and build their prosperous nations. The Haifa meeting was a practical activity demonstrating international solidarity and contributing to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and progressive forces in Israel as well as the Middle East./.