ISTANBUL 

Vietnam on Tuesday held one of its largest military parades in decades while also releasing nearly 14,000 prisoners to mark its 80th Independence Day from French colonial rule.

The parade was attended by around 40,000 people, featuring formations, color guard units, civilian, police and army contingents, tanks, armored vehicles, and missile systems.

Four military formations from Russia, China, Laos and Cambodia also joined the parade.

In his speech, Vietnamese leader To Lam called efforts to make Vietnam a powerful, happy and prosperous nation by 2045, the 100th founding anniversary of the country.

A separate naval parade was also hold for the first time demonstrating Russian Kilo-class 636 submarines, guided missile frigates, anti-submarine vessels, fast-attack missile boats, and various ships operated by coast guard, fisheries surveillance, military medical corps, border guard, maritime militia, and helicopter forces.

President Luong Cuong signed two special amnesties on Aug. 29 and 31 to early release for nearly 14,000 prisoners serving prison sentences, including 66 foreign prisoners from 18 countries and territories, to return to their homes to celebrate the National Day.