Friendship garden inaugurated at HCM City theme park

A friendship pine garden is inaugurated at HCM City District 9’s Suối Tiên Theme Park on Saturday to celebrate the HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations’ 35 years of establishment. VNS Photo Gia Linh

HCM CITY – The HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) has inaugurated a friendship pine garden at Suối Tiên Theme Park in HCM City’s District 9 to celebrate its upcoming 35th anniversary of establishment (July 29).

The inauguration ceremony held yesterday at the park was attended by representatives of 25 Consulate Generals and 30 friendship organisations.

The garden is part of a 10,000sq.m pine orchard and has 35 trees, each having a name tag to represent a country. It is located on the Linh Cung Thập Nhị Giáp and the Phúc Cung Tam Phước hills.

“Pine trees are a symbol for passion, resilience, and hope for a better future, all of which are also Việt Nam’s goals in deepening foreign relations, promoting peace and sustainable growth, and boosting partnership with other countries,” Bùi Thị Tố Trinh, deputy director of the Suối Tiên Theme Park, said. “The longevity of pine trees stands for strong,sustainable growth; hard, spine-like leaves are a symbol for resilience; and pine cones with multiple layers represent unity between countries worldwide.”

Consul General of the Netherlands in HCM City Daniel Coenraad Stork (first from left) with the pine tree that represents his country. VNS Photo Gia Linh

Lao Consul General Phonesy Bounmixay spoke with high regard for HUFO’s efforts in strengthening the ties between people in the city, in Việt Nam and in other countries.

He said the garden is a symbol for strong foreign relations and the joint efforts of countries in strengthening international cooperation, and he hoped it would further expand.

The ceremony is part of the park’s ongoing Southern Fruit Festival that lasts until August 31.

The festival features tropical fruits, honours farmers, and hosts an abundance of exciting festivities. – VNS