Vietnamese in Britain, Israel, Laos celebrate Tet

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Vu Quang Minh spoke glowingly about the accomplishments in bilateral relations between the two countries in recent years.

He also graciously pointed out that 2013 marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and 100 years since late President Ho Chi Minh took his first step in the UK.

Many activities were held to celebrate the two major events which included a visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the UK at the invitation of Prime Minister David Cameron.

The two countries also made great strides in a number of fronts such as education, culture, defence, economic, trade and people-to-people diplomatic cooperation, he added.

Two-way trade turnover hit US$4.3 billion in 2013. Currently, 173 UK-invested projects have been implemented in Vietnam with a combined pledged investment capitalisation of US$2.8 billion.

Many UK business delegations’ fact-finding tours of Vietnam and the HMS Daring Battleship docking at Danang port were also highlights of the year, the diplomat said.

Ambassador Minh expressed his delight at OVs’ success in work and life and extended his best wishes to them on the Tet holiday.

He presented certificates of merit to outstanding students and individuals who have contributed to the development of the OVs community.

Israel celebration

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Tel Aviv (Israel) held a get-together to mark the festive holiday.

Ambassador Ta Duy Chinh briefed guests on Vietnam’s Renewal and international integration achievements in 2013 and emphasised key targets for 2014.

He said despite the global economic turbulence, Vietnam stabilized the macro-economy, achieved a higher export value, and attracted nearly US$22 billion in foreign direct investment.

Chinh added that Vietnam established a strategic partnership with five more countries and a comprehensive partnership with many other countries, testifying to the Party and State’s open and self-reliant diplomatic policy and thus raising the country’s role and position on the international arena.

By November 2013, bilateral trade value hit US$930 million and is expected to surpass US$1 billion this year.

The two sides plan to set up a joint research fund for agricultural development, negotiate a free trade agreement, and promote educational cooperation.

The ambassador expressed his desire that OVs will continue to promote solidarity tradition and organise more activities towards the homeland.

Laos celebration

Vietnamese people in Laos also organised a Lunar New Year meeting on January 26.

Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung said Vietnam overcame many difficulties to achieve an economic growth rate of 5.4% and bring runway inflation under control in 2013.

He acknowledged their contributions to the 1992 Constitution amendments to build a wealthy, democratic, equitable and civilized country.

Hung congratulated Laos’ achievements and expressed his pleasure at the strong development of traditional ties of friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Two-way trade hit more than US$1 billion last year for the first time, he revealed.

Vietnam and Laos have completed planting border landmarks and signed and implemented many important agreements, Hung said.

He expressed his hope that OVs will join hands to build a strong community and turn their heart to the homeland.