Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama (R) presents the Grand Collar Medal, Palestine’s highest state decoration, to a representative of the family of General Vo Nguyen Giap during a posthumous award ceremony in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
The award ceremony was held at General Giap’s former residence in Hanoi, where Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama presented the decoration on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to representatives of the general’s family.
Ambassador Salama said the award recognized General Giap’s historical stature and revolutionary legacy, adding that his influence extended beyond Vietnam and inspired peoples who fought against oppression, colonialism, and injustice.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang speaks during a ceremony at which Palestine posthumously awarded its highest state decoration to General Vo Nguyen Giap in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
He said the decoration also reflected General Giap’s decades-long support for the Palestinian people and symbolized the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Palestine.
Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang thanked the Palestinian state and President Abbas for the honor.
He noted that generations of Palestinian leaders and citizens had admired both President Ho Chi Minh and General Giap, while Vietnam’s struggle for independence had served as an inspiration for Palestinians.
Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama (R) presents a certificate for the Grand Collar Medal, Palestine’s highest state decoration, to a representative of the family of General Vo Nguyen Giap in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
General Giang reiterated Vietnam’s support for the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution, and expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties that would contribute to peace and cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Vo Hong Nam said it was a source of pride that General Giap had received the award and thanked the Palestinian leadership for organizing the ceremony.
Vo Hong Nam (L), representing the family of General Vo Nguyen Giap, presents an Arabic-language edition of the book ‘Dien Bien Phu’ to Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
The family presented Ambassador Salama with an Arabic-language edition of General Giap’s book ‘Dien Bien Phu’ to be delivered to President Abbas as a symbol of friendship between the two peoples.
General Giap, commander of Vietnamese forces during the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu that ended French colonial rule in Indochina, served as one of Vietnam’s most prominent military leaders and died in 2013 at the age of 102.
Family members of General Vo Nguyen Giap and representatives of Vietnamese government agencies attend a ceremony at which Palestine posthumously awarded its highest state decoration to Giap in Hanoi, Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
The Grand Collar Medal is Palestine’s highest state honor and is awarded to individuals recognized for contributions to international relations, peace, and support for the Palestinian cause.
The award was presented as Palestine marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its representative office in Vietnam.
