On the morning of November 18, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), held the Vietnam–Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Tree-Planting Program at the Thai Garden (Linh Xuan Campus), marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1975–2025).
The event was attended by Ms. Andrea Maria Sühl, Consul General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Vietnam–Germany Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City. Representing USSH-VNUHCM were Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President; Dr. Le Hong Phuoc, Dean of the Faculty of European Languages and Cultures; along with lecturers and students from the German Linguistics and Literature.
The program was held at the Thai Garden (Linh Xuan Campus). Photo: QUYNH NHU
In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan emphasized the university’s ongoing efforts to develop a “Green University” model, aimed at fostering a learning environment that is harmonious with nature. She noted that this initiative has consistently received valuable support from international partners, including the German Consulate General and the Vietnam–Germany Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City. Highlighting the significance of the program, she stated: “The Vietnam–Germany Friendship Tree-Planting Program on the campus of USSH, VNUHCM serves as a strong source of encouragement for the University to continue fulfilling its mission of training high-quality human resources, while contributing to the consolidation and development of the Vietnam–Germany friendship.”
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan shares insights into the University’s Green University development process. Photo: QUYNH NHU
At the event, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan highly appreciated the role of cultural and educational exchange activities in promoting bilateral cooperation. He noted that in recent years, the Vietnam–Germany Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City has implemented numerous initiatives to foster connections, support the training of German-speaking human resources, and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan underscores the significance of the program in promoting Vietnam–Germany cooperation. Photo: QUYNH NHU
Expressing her pleasure at the collaboration with the University, Ms. Andrea Maria Sühl affirmed that the friendship tree-planting activity was a practical and meaningful initiative, linking the spirit of sustainable development with international cooperation in education and cultural exchange.
Ms. Andrea Maria Sühl expresses her delight at receiving the University’s support for the friendship tree-planting initiative. Photo: QUỲNH NHƯ
As part of the program, representatives of the University, the German Consulate General, and the Vietnam–Germany Friendship Association jointly carried out the ceremonial planting of friendship trees on campus. Selected plant species such as cajeput, lemon, and lemongrass were chosen for their suitability to local climatic conditions and their harmony with the university’s academic landscape.
Trees such as cajeput, lemon, and lemongrass were planted at the Thai Garden, symbolizing the close ties between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany. Photo: QUYNH NHU
Representative student, Nguyen Le Minh Tien, a student majoring in German Linguistics and Literature, expressed his pride in participating in the event and pledged, together with fellow students, to care for and maintain the newly planted green spaces. He emphasized the importance of spreading environmental awareness while nurturing the Vietnam–Germany friendship.
Student Nguyen Le Minh Tien delivers a commitment on behalf of the students to care for and protect the friendship trees. Photo: QUYNH NHU
The Friendship Tree-Planting Program at USSH-VNUHCM marked a meaningful activity in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries across multiple fields, particularly education and cultural exchange.
QUYNH NHU
Translation by Khanh Linh
