The Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese People Association in Russia hosted a music programme to welcome the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival on Jan. 29.

Addressing the gathering, Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Dinh Dinh delivered a briefing on the major achievements Vietnam recorded in 2010, with the newly ended 11 th National Party Congress as a highlight.

The friendship and strategic relations between Vietnam and Russia have made breakthroughs, shown through regular visits of the two countries’ leaders, the increasing development of bilateral economic ties and trade value reaching nearly two billion USD, the Vietnamese diplomat said.

He also underlined the stability and solidarity of the Vietnamese community in Russia despite numerous difficulties, contributing to bolstering the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

On the same day, nearly 500 Vietnamese people, including officers, students, professors and scientists studying and working in New York and neighbouring states, gathered at a meeting organised by the Vietnamese representative mission to the United Nations.

Lao and Cambodian representative missions to the UN also participated in the event.

Speaking at the get-together, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Luong Minh said Vietnam was entering a new year with new opportunities on the basis of achievements reaped last year in different areas from politics and foreign affairs to economics and trade.

The participants had a chance to enjoy a music performance staged by well-known artists and traditional dishes./.