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1975-2025 Milestones from 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Vietnam

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© Goethe-Institut Hanoi

23.09.1975

Establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

A significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries - The establishment of diplomatic relations on September 23rd, 1975 paved the way for close cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

20.04.1976


 Opening of the German Embassy in Hanoi in what is now the Métropole Hotel.

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20.04.1976


 Opening of the German Embassy in Hanoi in what is now the Métropole Hotel.

From Room 231 to 50 Years of Friendship

Our Ambassador paid a very special visit to Room 231 of the historic Metropole Hotel — the very place where the first Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany opened its doors in Hanoi in 1976.A modest room by size, but a big step in German-Vietnamese relations. From those early beginnings, our partnership has grown into a vibrant and multifaceted friendship - one we are delighted to celebrate this year as we mark50 years of diplomatic relationsbetween Germany and Vietnam.

  • From Room 231 to 50 Years of Friendship 1
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • From Room 231 to 50 Years of Friendship 2
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • From Room 231 to 50 Years of Friendship 3
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • From Room 231 to 50 Years of Friendship 4
    © German Embassy Hanoi
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09.11.1989
 Fall of the Berlin Wall

A date that made history. The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 was a historic event that marked the end of the division of Germany and the beginning of a new era.

The Fall of Berlin Wall picture alliance / brandstaetter images © Votava

picture alliance / imageBROKER © Manfred Vollmer

03.10.1990

Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands
Die Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands am 3. Oktober 1990 war ein historisches Ereignis, das die Teilung Deutschlands in Ost- und Westdeutschland beendete. Durch den Beitritt der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik (DDR) zur Bundesrepublik Deutschland wurde die staatliche Einheit Deutschlands wiederhergestellt.


 04.10.1990
 Opening of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation office in Hanoi

The Friedrich-Ebert Foundation (FES) Vietnam was officially founded in Hanoi on October 4, 1990 - one day after the reunification of Germany. Since its beginnings, the FES has supported the sustainable development of the country focusing on dialog between political parties and the rule of law as well as support for trade unions. Since 2015, a project team has also been supporting regional work on climate and energy.

Opening of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation office in Hanoi © German Embassy Hanoi


1991
 Relocation of the German Embassy to the site of the former Embassy of the German Democratic Republic (DDR)

The German embassy in Hanoi moved to Tran Phu Street in the Ba Dinh district in 1991. The new building previously had served as the embassy of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Relocation of the German Embassy to the site of the former Embassy of the German Democratic Republic (DDR) © German Embassy Hanoi


06.03.1991
 Agreement on cultural cooperation between Germany and Vietnam

The agreement on cultural cooperation, which had been signed in May 1990, came into force in 1991. This agreement forms the basis for an intensive exchange on education, science, art and culture and promotes mutual understanding between the two countries.


 20.11.1991
 Agreement on technical cooperation and start of development cooperation between Germany and Vietnam

The agreement on technical cooperation marks the resumption of German-Vietnamese development cooperation. To date, Germany has provided more than 3 billion EUR in funding. The German development cooperation has financed, among other things, programs for economic transformation, the development of the TVET sector, strengthening the health sector, the energy transition, climate change adaptation, and environmental protection. Germany continues to make an important contribution to the development of Vietnam.

Agreement on technical cooperation and start of development cooperation between Germany and Vietnam © German Embassy Hanoi


1993
 Opening of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation office in Hanoi

Together with Vietnamese partners, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) works in the areas of rule of law dialog, parliamentary cooperation, sustainable and social market economy as well as regional and international integration. Through conferences, workshops, research work and publications, the KAS contributes to Vietnam's socio-political and economic development and promotes international cooperation and mutual understanding.

KAS 1993 © Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

© German Embassy Hanoi

11.1995

Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Vietnam

In 1995, Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl visited Vietnam. This was the first official visit by a German Chancellor since the country's reunification in 1975 and represented a significant step towards strengthening relations between the two countries, in particular German support for Vietnam's economic and political reforms.


 22.12.1997
 Opening of the Goethe-Institut in Hanoi

On the basis of the bilateral cultural agreement of 1997, the Goethe-Institut Hanoi opened on December 22, 1997. Poet and General Secretary of the Goethe-Institut, Joachim Sartorius, German Ambassador Wolfgang Erck, Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office Werner Hoyer and Vietnamese authorities participated in the ceremony. The Goethe-Institut is located at 54-56 Hang Duong Street. It hosts four classrooms, a library, a gallery, a cultural forum, a cafeteria, and offices.

Opening of Goethe-Instiut in Hanoi © Goethe-Institut Hanoi


20.08.1999
 Opening of the country office of the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ)

On August 20, 1999, the German Technical Development Cooperation Office (GTZ, today GIZ) was officially inaugurated in Hanoi. A permanent office was established to manage the growing cooperation portfolio between Vietnam and Germany, marking a milestone in German-Vietnamese relations. At the opening ceremony, MPI Vice Minister Vũ Huy Hoàng cut a celebratory ribbon to mark the occasion.

© German Embassy Hanoi

2001

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải visits Germany

The visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải in 2001 was a significant event in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The aim of the visit was to strengthen economic, political and cultural relations between Vietnam and Germany.

© German Embassy Hanoi

15.05.2003

Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in Vietnam

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder visited Vietnam on May 15, 2003 as part of a trip to Southeast Asia, where he signed several economic and financial agreements with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.


 15.10.2003
 Opening of the branch office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Hanoi

On October 15, 2003, the DAAD's presence in Vietnam was expanded further: The DAAD branch office in Hanoi was opened with responsibilities for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Opening of the branch office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Hanoi © DAAD Vietnam

© German Embassy Hanoi

03.2004

Vietnamese General Secretary Nong Duc Manh in Germany

At the invitation of German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nông Đức Mạnh, traveled to Germany in March 2004. The aim of the visit was to expand German-Vietnamese economic relations.

2005


 A trip down memory lane for the “Moritzburger”

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2005


 A trip down memory lane for the “Moritzburger”

The so-called “Moritzburger” - Vietnamese men and women who received an education in Dresden and Moritzburg 50 years ago at the invitation of the GDR - undertook a commemorative trip to Germany in October 2005.

  • A trip down memory lane for the “Moritzburger”
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • Gruppe Berlin.JPG
    © German Embassy Hanoi
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© German Embassy Hanoi

05.2007

Bundespräsident Horst Köhler in Vietnam

Zum Besuchsprogramm des ehemaligen Bundespräsidenten gehörte eine Diskussion mit Vertretern von Staat und Gesellschaft über eine Vertiefung der Wirtschaftskooperation.


 2008
 Foundation of the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Binh Duong

With the aim of establishing the highest quality standards in research and teaching, the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) was founded in 2008 in cooperation between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Hesse. The VGU offers an intercultural environment for Vietnamese, German and international students and, in cooperation with German partner universities and industrial partners, trains the next generation of specialists in smart engineering, information technology and economics.

Foundation of the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Binh Duong © German Embassy Hanoi
On January 24, 2024, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the Vietnamese-German University (VGU). The President of VGU, Prof. Dr. René Thiele, together with the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), Assoc. Nguyen Van Phuc received the Federal President.


 27.04.2009
 Opening of the Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation office in Hanoi

There have been projects of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Vietnam since 2003. On April 27th, 2009, a regional office for the Mekong region opened in Hanoi. The main areas of work include social justice, socio-ecological transformation and gender justice. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is committed to democratic socialism and international solidarity.

Opening of the Rosa-Luxemburg Foundation office in Hanoi The RLS team during the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Hanoi office in 2024. © RLS

© German Embassy Hanoi

03.2008

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng in Germany

In March 2008, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng traveled to Germany to hold talks with German Economics Minister Michael Glos to reaffirm his interest in further expanding German-Vietnamese economic relations, particularly through investments by German companies in Vietnam.

Start of the German-Vietnamese Rule of Law Dialogue
 2009

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Start of the German-Vietnamese Rule of Law Dialogue
 2009
The German-Vietnamese Rule of Law Dialogue was initiated by the German Federal Ministry of Justice and the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice. As part of the Rule of Law Dialogue, academics, civil servants, judges, lawyers and representatives of civil society from both countries exchange views on a wide range of legal issues and work towards strengthening the rule of law.
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2010
 Opening of the Goethe Institute in Ho Chi Minh City

The Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City was approved as a branch office in 2010. Its origins date back to the establishment of a German Foundation by Goethe-Institut, DAAD, and the German Business Association (GBA) in 2005.


 13.05.2011
 Opening of the Hanns Seidel Foundation office in Hanoi

On May 13, 2011, Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem presented the license for the opening of the representative office of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Vietnam to thechairman of the foundation, Dr. h.c. mult. Hans Zehetmair.

Opening of HSS © German Embassy Hanoi

2011

10.2011
 Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in Vietnam

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2011

10.2011
 Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in Vietnam

Chancellor Merkel visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. She was accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation. Together with her Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, she signed the “Joint Declaration of Hanoi”, which establishes a strategic partnership between Germany and Vietnam. 

  • Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in Vietnam
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel in Vietnam
    © German Embassy Hanoi
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2012
 The foundation of the International German School Ho Chi Minh City

The International German School Ho Chi Minh City (IGS) is not just a school - it is a living example of successful cooperation between Germany and Vietnam. On a green campus in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, children from all over the world grow up bilingually, discover cultures and learn to look to the future with open eyes.
The German-English teaching program not only enables academic excellence, but also a deep intercultural understanding - a concept that perfectly reflects the spirit of partnership between Germany and Vietnam. Students learn to think critically, ask questions and find solutions together - values that are cherished in both countries. With a strong focus on science, languages and creative subjects, IGS prepares young people to find their place in an interconnected world. Close cooperation with local and international institutions makes IGS a place where the future is shaped. Here, German educational standards meet Vietnamese innovative spirit, and together they create a unique learning environment.
IGS is not just a school - it is a bridge between cultures, a place of encounter and a living symbol of 50 years of German-Vietnamese friendship.

The foundation of the International German School Ho Chi Minh City © Consulate General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City

© German Embassy Hanoi

09.2012

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Germany

During his visit to Germany, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Bình Minh met his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle. Both politicians agreed to exchange more high-level visits in future, to support each other at international forums and to cooperate more closely in the fields of education, business and culture.


 18.09.2012
 Opening of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation office in Hanoi

On 18 September 2012, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) officially opened its Vietnam office in Hanoi. The opening took place against the backdrop of Vietnam's rapid economic growth and strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Germany. The event was also attended by German Vice-Chancellor Philipp Rösler.
The thematic priorities of the FNF in Vietnam include the rule of law, free trade, social market economy and the empowerment of women. With its initiatives, the FNF aims to promote liberal values and contribute to a more open and prosperous society in Vietnam.

Opening of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation office in Hanoi © FNS

© Picture Alliance/Markus Heine

11.2015

Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang in Germany

The visit of the Vietnamese President, Trương Tấn Sang, marked the highlight of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 2015. At a state banquet in honor of the President, Federal President Joachim Gauck reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Germany and Vietnam.

2016

October - November, 2016
 Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vietnam

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2016

October - November, 2016
 Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vietnam

Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrives in Vietnam for a three-day visit. After political talks in Hanoi, including with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, he traveled to Ho Chi Minh City, where he attended the topping-out ceremony for the German House, which was still under construction at the time.

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2017
 Opening of the German House in Ho Chi Minh City

Opening of DH in HCMC © Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City

Founding meeting of the joint economic committee
 01.2021

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Founding meeting of the joint economic committee
 01.2021
The German and Vietnamese Ministers of Economic Affairs, Peter Altmaier and Tran Tuan Anh, chaired the first meeting of the newly established German-Vietnamese Economic Committee on January 12, 2021. The Joint Economic Committee was established to identify areas for more intensive cooperation and to reduce barriers for companies in the market of the respective host country. The first (virtual) meeting focused on the topics of the EU-VNM free trade agreement, energy, digitalization and vocational training.
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© German Embassy Hanoi

January 2022

06.-09.01.2022
 Visit of the German Navy frigate “Bayern” in Ho Chi Minh City

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January 2022

06.-09.01.2022
 Visit of the German Navy frigate “Bayern” in Ho Chi Minh City

From January 6 to 9, 2022, the frigate “Bayern” visited Ho Chi Minh City.
The ship's visit was part of a seven-month training and presence cruise in the Indo-Pacific. Stops included Pakistan, Australia, Guam, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and India.
Before crossing the South China Sea, the frigate “Bayern” took part in monitoring the UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea for a month.

  • Visit of the German Navy frigate “Bayern” in Ho Chi Minh City 1
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • Visit of the German Navy frigate “Bayern” in Ho Chi Minh City 2
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • Visit of the German Navy frigate “Bayern” in Ho Chi Minh City 3
    © German Embassy Hanoi
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© Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung, Bundesregierung/Janine Schmitz

2022

13.11.2022
 Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Vietnam

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2022

13.11.2022
 Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Vietnam

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz visits Hanoi with a high-ranking business delegation and meets with the General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

  • Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Vietnam
    © Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung, Bundesregierung/Janine Schmitz
  • Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Vietnam
    © Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung, Bundesregierung/Janine Schmitz
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© German Embassy Hanoi

Januar 2024

23-24.01.2024
 Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vietnam

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Januar 2024

23-24.01.2024
 Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vietnam

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier kommt zu einem Staatsbesuch nach Vietnam. Er besucht Hanoi, Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt und die Deutsch-Vietnamesische Universität in Binh Duong. Begleitet wird der Bundespräsident u.a. von Arbeitsminister Hubertus Heil, der am Rande des Besuchs gemeinsam mit seinem vietnamesischen Amtskollegen Dao Ngoc Dung eine Absichtserklärung zur Stärkung der Zusammenarbeit im Bereich der Erwerbsmigration unterzeichnet.

  • Frank-Walter Steinmeier
    © German Embassy Hanoi
  • Frank-Walter Steinmeier
    © German Embassy Hanoi
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