Full text of the Prime Minister's speech at the program 'Linking Hands'

"Ladies and gentlemen!

Covid-19 epidemicis likened to a fierce and dangerous "hurricane" of a virus, sweeping through most countries in the world, regardless of borders, rich or poor, ethnicity, skin color, age, gender, or religion, severely affecting all aspects of social life. And at this moment, the whole world is still facing, adapting, and finding ways to defeat the epidemic, although the journey is still arduous.

In our country, the epidemic has become more complicated since the appearance of the Delta variant, causing the epidemic to spread much faster and more dangerously. We have gone through difficult times when the epidemic broke out in large urban areas and industrial zones. With the goal of protecting the health and lives of the people above all, first of all, the Party and the State have determined to use all measures, mobilize all resources with the joint efforts and consensus of the people, businesses, and the active support of our overseas Vietnamese and international friends. Up to now, it can be said that the epidemic is gradually being controlled, even in epidemic areas such as Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces.

But difficulties and challenges still lie ahead. The epidemic is unpredictable, no one can predict all situations. Perhaps, no wealth, prosperity, or modern healthcare system in the world can claim to be strong enough to withstand if the epidemic continues to spread more severely. But it is also in this fierce and challenging battle that we witness the power of humanity, solidarity, connection, sharing, deep sympathy, courage, selfless sacrifice for the community, the strong will and inner strength to overcome difficulties in each person to accompany our nation to overcome the epidemic.

In the world, there are millions of sick people who are still fighting every hour, every minute to fight for their lives. Even more haunting is that millions of people have passed away due to the epidemic, leaving behind irreparable pain for relatives, family, and friends. But in those difficult times, there were songs and melodies that warmed humanity all over the world. Music has a huge meaning, it is spreading, inspiring, motivating, a spiritual medicine, alleviating sadness, lighting up faith, sowing hope, sharing love, connecting hearts to hearts, people to people.

I appreciate the initiative and efforts of the Global Vietnamese Science and Expert Organization, Trinh Cong Son Foundation and Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee in organizing the online music night "Joining hands - The country unites, overcoming Covid-19" and would like to send my best wishes and thanks to the agencies, units and artists who participated in the program.

Beyond the meaning of a music night, the spirit of great national unity of the Vietnamese people continues to shine. Wherever they are on this earth, regardless of each person's circumstances, perspective, and approach, every Vietnamese heart carrying the blood of the descendants of Lac Hong always turns towards the origin, towards the beloved Fatherland. We have received many spiritual and material contributions from kind-hearted people around the world. The Party and the State always appreciate and thank those contributions. All for the prosperous and happy life of the People, the Party and the State will have high political determination, make great efforts, and take drastic actions with appropriate solutions to adapt safely and flexibly, effectively control the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly restore and promote socio-economic development.

Homeland is home, homeland is warmth, homeland is humanity; homeland is aspiration, origin, a place to turn to, to contemplate and love. The tradition of solidarity, wisdom, and compassionate hearts of every Vietnamese person around the world will converge and spread, especially in difficult times for the country, as medicine and an important driving force for us to overcome all adversities, especially the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wishing you good health and peace!"./.