Ho Chi Minh City unveils Möbius-inspired International Friendship Symbol

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang; representatives from the city's sister localities, including Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Vientiane (Laos), Guangdong, Zhejiang, Chongqing (China), and Vladivostok (Russia); along with consular officials and other international delegates.

From the city, participants included deputy chairman of the municipal administration Vo Van Hoan; Le The Chu, editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper; Nguyen Thi Loc, southern regional director of Techcombank; and Dao Nguyen Khanh, head of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at Siam City Cement (Vietnam) Ltd (INSEE).

In a symbolic work of global unity and cooperation, the city unveiled the International Friendship Symbol – a Möbius strip sculpture representing infinity through a single continuous surface formed by twisting a rectangular band and joining its ends.

The design, titled 'Water Waves Harmonize to Build Friendship,' was created by architect Bui Minh Chau, winner of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Symbol Design Contest co-organized in 2023 by Tuoi Tre and the city's Department of External Relations, with support from the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association and INSEE.

The symbol was later constructed at Bach Dang Wharf Park with funding from Techcombank.

The sculpture features the names of 58 international partner cities etched into its rings, symbolizing enduring friendship and cooperation.

Many blank spaces remain, reflecting the city's aspiration to build new ties with more cities around the world in the future.

Speaking on behalf of the city, deputy chairman Hoan warmly welcomed international friends to the ceremony, held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's Reunification Day.

"This work is not only an artistic landmark in the heart of the city, but also a powerful symbol of our aspiration for international integration and Ho Chi Minh City's long-term commitment to cultivating friendly, cooperative relations with global partners," he said.

He noted that the Möbius strip design – a mathematical symbol of infinity – was cast in bronze to signify durability and the city's ongoing development.

The International Friendship Symbol, he added, is a meaningful cultural and diplomatic project born from a desire to create a space where international visitors can feel the warmth, respect, and pride of enduring friendship among nations.

"This project honors the spirit of solidarity and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and its sister cities around the world," Hoan emphasized.

With its striking Möbius loop, the design suggests an unending journey of connection, sustainable development, and continuous exchange – an embodiment of Ho Chi Minh City's open, dynamic, and globally engaged identity as a modern and compassionate city, he added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Hang said Ho Chi Minh City has long been a model of dynamism, creativity, and effectiveness in local diplomacy during Vietnam's broader international integration.

With a network of over 50 international partner cities, Ho Chi Minh City has proactively hosted numerous forums and high-level events, including friendship dialogues, international economic forums, regional and global investment promotion initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang noted.

"These initiatives have not only helped promote the image of a modern, energetic, and welcoming Ho Chi Minh City, but have also affirmed its role as a key bridge and vital launch pad for elevating Vietnam's international presence and standing," she added.

The inauguration ceremony also received congratulatory remarks from Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Ha Wei speaking on behalf of the attending ambassadors and international guests.