Vietnamese Embassy delegation members take a commemorative photo during their working visit to Newhaven Museum. (Source: VNA)

This update was provided by local authorities to Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, Do Minh Hung, during his recent visit and working session in the town of Newhaven, located in the Lewes district of East Sussex, England. Newhaven is believed to be a place where young Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as Ho Chi Minh) set foot while working on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry route (France) after World War I.

The bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh was a gift from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Management Board, presented to Newhaven Museum in 2013 through the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK. This was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s arrival in the UK during his journey to seek a path for national liberation. This marks the second restoration of the Ho Chi Minh statue display area, following the first in 2023.

During the working session, Ambassador Do Minh Hung affirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK would closely coordinate with and support the local authorities and Newhaven Museum in the restoration project. He also pledged to provide additional materials and documents about the Vietnamese leader.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the town of Newhaven, which has historical ties to President Ho Chi Minh.

Graham Amy, a member of the Town Council and Chairman of Newhaven Museum, noted that besides the bronze statue, the museum also displays artifacts related to President Ho Chi Minh, such as a model of his stilt house and a paddle-steamer model—representing the type of vessel used on the Dieppe-Newhaven route that Ho Chi Minh once traveled on.

According to Amy, these artifacts highlight the connection between Ho Chi Minh and Newhaven, serving as a foundation for fostering friendship and ties between Vietnam and the town. Many Vietnamese visitors have traveled to Newhaven to visit the museum and the Ho Chi Minh memorial plaque at West Quay, Newhaven Port, to learn about the place where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked during his time in the UK.

Annie Lorys, Vice President of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, stated that the historical connection between Newhaven and Vietnam adds an interesting aspect to the town. Many people have become curious about this historical link, generating increased interest in Newhaven and attracting more Vietnamese tourists.

Meanwhile, Mike Shorer, President of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the special relationship between Vietnam and Newhaven has fostered business ties between the two communities, established nearly a decade ago. Some members of the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce have invested in manufacturing in Vietnam, and he hopes that both sides will continue expanding business cooperation, especially as more Vietnamese people become interested in Newhaven.

During his visit to Newhaven, Ambassador Do Minh Hung also visited and laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh memorial plaque at West Quay, Newhaven Port, near the mouth of the River Ouse flowing into the English Channel./.

Compiled by BTA