Unified: 25 years ago a peaceful revolution tore down the Berlin Wall and reunified Germany. — Photo courtesy of German Embassy

German ambassador to Viet Nam, Jutta Frasch, wrote to Viet Nam News on the occasion of the country's National Day, October 3.

Last year was an eventful year for both our countries. Germany won the football world championship after 24 years, and I would like to thank all Vietnamese who supported the German team!

Twenty-five years ago Germany was still separated by the Berlin Wall and Europe by the Iron Curtain. Twenty-five years ago this division came to an end: the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe demanded an end to oppression and took to the streets. On November 9, 1989 the wall was finally torn down and Germany reunited a short while later. Today we celebrate this peaceful revolution here in Ha Noi as well as at home in Germany.

After this peaceful end to the Cold War, we believed that a new era of stability, partnership and security had begun for Europe and the entire world. Unfortunately, the crises of the last year have shown that international stability and secure borders are far from guaranteed: The world has become less secure.

The crises in Ukraine and elsewhere have shaken the basic principles of peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law. In these difficult times, I can reassure you: twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany has found its place in the world. Our efforts are directed towards promising and achieving freedom, democracy, human rights, security, free trade and the principles of a social market economy. We consider these goals to be the foundation for a peaceful and stable world order for the benefit of all.

Germany and Viet Nam are strategic partners, and as such we would like to work together towards these goals. This year and next, we will have many opportunities for political dialogue at the highest level. We are looking forward to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's visit to Germany on October 14 and 15.

Relations with Viet Nam have always been special: many Vietnamese live and work in Germany. We remain Viet Nam's largest trade partner within the European Union, and more than 160 German companies here in Viet Nam create jobs and contribute to the development of the Vietnamese economy. A clear sign of trust of German companies in Viet Nam is the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) this November in HCM City. German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will open the conference together.

I also see the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Union as a big opportunity. The agreement will be a new motivation for relations between our countries to develop. Germany supports a quick conclusion of the negotiations.

Germany remains a dependable partner in economic co-operation and development. We have repeatedly confirmed our willingness to support Viet Nam in the implementation of its green growth strategy. The protection of coastlines and biodiversity are good for the environment and thus the well-being of Viet Nam's population.

Germany has committed to supporting Viet Nam in education and training initiatives in order to increase Viet Nam's competitiveness and facilitate integration into international markets.

Germany is in need of young students and skilled labour from Viet Nam, and as Europe's largest economy, we offer excellent job prospectives. Two weeks ago, I congratulated 125 young Vietnamese who had just begun intensive language training before entering a three-year practical training programme in Germany next summer. Several big German companies have opened their gates to young Vietnamese trainees in highly skilled jobs matching the future needs of a more developed economy. I wish Vietnamese companies would follow this example.

The Vietnamese-German University (VGU) already offers the possibility of receiving a German diploma here in Viet Nam to more than 750 students. In 2017, a new campus will provide more research and teaching facilities.

Since 2013, German has been an official foreign language in Viet Nam and can be taught as a regular subject in Vietnamese schools. Many of the students who choose to learn German will have an opportunity to study and work in Germany.

Finally, I also look forward to the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Germany. We will highlight the close relations between our countries with events such as the Deutschlandfest towards the end of March 2015. I am looking forward to meeting many of you there. — VNS