Believe in the Justice of the Vietnamese People
In a 2023 interview with the press, Botz László reflected: "The emotion I felt when I first set foot in Hanoi exactly 50 years ago has stayed with me throughout my life. It was love at first sight, with the country and with the Vietnamese people. From my time serving in Viet Nam to the years that followed, I’ve always been ready to return, eager to reconnect with the wonderful people I met there."
On January 26, 1973, a military aircraft carrying the first Hungarian observation team of the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS) touched down at Gia Lam Airport. At that moment, officer Botz László had no idea that this mission would go on to define both his career and his life.
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| Officer Botz László (5th from left) with his delegation and Vietnamese soldiers. |
Hungary was one of four nations, alongside Poland, Canada, and Indonesia, that participated in the International Commission of Control and Supervision (ICCS). In October 1973, Iran replaced Canada in the group. Before arriving in Viet Nam, Botz László had only a limited understanding of the war the United States was waging. But in Hanoi, he was confronted with the stark reality: streets, homes, and buildings reduced to rubble by B-52 bombings. Amid the devastation, what left the deepest impression on him was the smiles and unwavering hope for peace among the people of the capital.
When the Hungarian delegation reached Saigon, their mission was to monitor, inspect, and prevent violations of the Paris Peace Accords. Three Hungarian detachments were deployed across southern Viet Nam, including active war zones in the Central Highlands and the South.
Moved by his growing affection for Viet Nam, Senior Lieutenant Botz László began collecting useful documents and photographs to share with the Viet Nam People's Army. In return, Vietnamese troops kept him informed, alerting him when enemy aircraft were shot down in the forest or when violations of the Agreement were uncovered.
He still vividly recalls meeting soldiers in Kon Tum: "Some had not returned home in over a decade, and many had not heard from their families in years. Life and combat were unimaginably harsh, yet they remained brave and resilient, wholly committed to the revolution. They believed in victory, even when it seemed impossibly distant. I admired and respected them deeply. The faith of Uncle Ho’s soldiers was so powerful, it became their strength. It helped them overcome every hardship and danger in pursuit of the great dream: to liberate their homeland and unify the country."
From January 1973 to May 1975, Hungary sent a total of 636 soldiers, border guards, civilians, and diplomatic staff to Viet Nam to carry out missions. Two of them died in action in April 1973. For Botz, their contributions were a testament to international solidarity and the Vietnamese people’s belief in the cause: “We were honored to support and help you during those difficult years, and we were honored to be your friends,” he said.
Persistent nurture Hungary-Viet Nam friendship
After leaving Viet Nam, Botz continued to serve in the Hungarian army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant General. In 1989, he and his comrades founded the Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Association. During more than 30 years as the Association's President, he led many cultural exchange activities, educational cooperation, local connections, and support for the Vietnamese community.
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| President of the Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Association, Botz László, presents books to the President of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, Do Viet Ha, May 26, 2025. (Photo: Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper) |
The Hungary-Viet Nam Friendship Association closely coordinated with the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary and the Vietnamese Association in Hungary to organize many major events, including Viet Nam Cultural Day, the anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, the National Reunification Day on April 30, scientific forums, and photo exhibitions. Botz and his colleagues also published the book "Magyar katonák Dél-Vietnámban 1973-1975" (roughly translated: Hungarian soldiers in South Viet Nam (1973-1975), a collection of valuable documents about the post-Paris Agreement period.
On March 27, 2025, Botz was awarded the Friendship Medal - a noble award of the State of Viet Nam- along with Vice President of the Association Váraljai Márton, in recognition of their lasting contributions to the Viet Nam-Hungary friendship.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai affirmed that they are loyal friends and a solid bridge between the two peoples, contributing to spreading the image of Viet Nam in Hungary and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai awarded the Friendship Medal to Váraljai Márton and Botz László. |
At the ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Hungary, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, held in Budapest in early May 2025, Botz László spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
He conveyed the deep respect and affection the Hungarian people hold for Viet Nam, highlighting the enduring bond shared by generations of Vietnamese alumni who studied in Hungary, many of whom continue to cherish the country, its culture, and its language.
He affirmed that the Viet Nam–Hungary Friendship Association would remain committed to strengthening ties between the two nations across all fields.
Throughout the years, Botz has consistently voiced his hope that more Vietnamese and Hungarian people will come to understand and appreciate each other’s history and culture.
"Let’s visit each other’s countries more often - to inspire future generations," he urged.
Source: Vietnamtimes
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