Speaking at the meeting, Phan Tham, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (HCOV), recalled the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945, opening a new era for the country. Vietnam not only became an independent and free country but also pioneered in building a new regime – a people’s democratic state towards socialism, he said.

Mr Tham emphasised that generations of overseas Vietnamese, an inseparable part of the country, have made significant contributions to national achievements.

Earlier, the expatriates paid tribute to Hung Kings – the founders of the nation- at their Memorial Temple in district No9.

On the occasion, the Municipal People’s Committee presented certificates of merit to the HCOV and four overseas Vietnamese who have made a significant contribution to the city’s patriotic emulation movement over the past five years to develop the city.

*** The Vietnamese Embassy and the Overseas Vietnamese Association in Russia presented certificates of merit and gifts to 125 outstanding Vietnamese pupils in Russia.

Ambassador Bui Dinh Dinh said at the awards ceremony in Moscow on August 29 the award acknowledged studious achievements of Vietnamese pupils and students and he said he hopes they will continue to study well and become useful citizens.

Vietnam’s future depends on the young generation, including those studying in Russia, he said.

Irina Egorova, Headmaster of the school No282 in Moscow, where more than 120 Vietnamese are studying, said all these pupils are doing their best for the country’s prosperity and for relations between Vietnam and Russia.

The ceremony ended with a music performance to honour the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.