Colombian Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez and Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Construction, Mr. Đào Duy Phong, together with other delegates, participated in planting saman trees at Hòa Bình Park. (Photo: Tran Trong Khoa/Vietnam+)
To celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025) and the 9th anniversary of the signing of the historic Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC guerrilla forces (2016–2025), on November 19, the Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam presented 25 saman trees, a species typical of South America to the city of Hanoi, with the hope that as the trees take root and grow, their strong and enduring roots will symbolize the lasting and steadfast friendship between the two nations.
These saman trees will be planted at Hòa Bình Park, one of the most significant and prominent green spaces of the capital.
This tree-planting event is not only an environmental protection activity that beautifies the landscape and improves air quality for the people of Hanoi, contributing to the city’s green and sustainable development but also a symbol of the long-term friendship and cooperation between Colombia and Vietnam.
The choice of the saman tree - a native species of South America - aims to introduce a part of Colombia’s distinctive nature and culture to Vietnam. The saman tree is not only highly adaptable and environmentally friendly but also symbolizes vitality, hope, and sustainable development, reflecting the spirit of peace that Colombia has been striving to build since the signing of the Peace Agreement.
Speaking at the tree-planting ceremony, Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Flórez emphasized that by planting these saman trees, “we are not simply putting roots into the ground; we are also sending a message of peace, of nature, and of a friendship that reaches across oceans.”
“In Colombia, the saman tree has long been a gathering place for communities - where people rest, talk, and share joys of life. Today, this tree becomes a symbol of friendship,” Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez said.
Colombian Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Tran Trong Khoa/Vietnam+)
“Like peace, development always begins in silence. These young saplings, which today may appear a bit shy, carrying more raindrops on their tips than leaves on their branches will one day grow strong and become a familiar resting place for visitors to the park. Both peace and nature must be nurtured and patiently cared for in order to bloom,” Ambassador Camila María Polo Flórez emphasized.
Dao Duy Phong - Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Construction - stressed that the tree planting ceremony, with trees donated by the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia, serves as an important call to action, continuing the fine tradition of international friends supporting Hanoi in its urban tree-planting movement.
Mr. Dao Duy Phong noted that 2025 is a pivotal year in carrying out the plan to plant 500,000 urban trees for the 2021–2025 period, under Program No. 03-CTr/TU of the Hanoi Party Committee.
This marks an important foundation for pursuing broader goals, aiming to develop the urban green-tree system for the 2026–2030 period, with the ultimate objective of building a green–clean–beautiful Hanoi.
Deputy Director Dao Duy Phong called on embassies and international organizations to continue contributing to tree-planting efforts to add more greenery to the capital, join hands in addressing remaining limitations, and further promote the socialization of tree planting along roads, in parks, flower gardens, urban areas, and other public spaces.
He also encouraged organizations, individuals, and households to actively plant trees, ornamental plants, and flowers within their premises, while educating their children about maintaining a green, clean, and beautiful city.
The saman tree (Samanea saman), originating from Colombia, is a species commonly found in tropical forests. In Colombia, it is known as the "rain tree." Beyond its important ecological function, the saman tree also carries significant cultural value, as some indigenous communities consider it sacred. For this reason, the image of the saman tree was engraved on ancient Colombian coins.
Hòa Bình Park was chosen for its special significance, as it is not only an important green space in Hanoi but also a symbol of peace and solidarity. Hanoi has been recognized by UNESCO and the international community as a City for Peace for its efforts in preserving culture, history, and sustainable development. Planting saman trees here connects Colombia’s message of peace with Hanoi - a city that consistently upholds the values of peace and development.
Since 2016, Colombia has signed the Peace Agreement with the FARC forces, opening opportunities for reintegration and reconciliation of former combatants into society. The tree-planting activity at Hòa Bình Park carries messages of peace, new life, and hope, while expressing the bond between the two countries through shared values of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
By VNHN
