A performance at the art programme (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – A special art programme was held at Thong Nhat (Reunification) Palace in Ho Chi Minh City on late January 20 to welcome overseas Vietnamese (OVs) returning to enjoy the homeland spring.
More than 1,000 expatriates representing more than 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese around the world, along with senior officials and representatives of embassies and international organisations attended the annual programme.
Opening the event, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh highlighted the strong and comprehensive implementation of works relating to OVs, noting fruitful assistance to OVs, teaching and learning of Vietnamese, visits to Truong Sa archipelago, youth summer camps and exchanges.
This year, the Foreign Ministry and the State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese Affairs will continue working with other ministries and localities to carry out various activities, both at home and abroad, to call for OVs’ joint efforts in national development, he added.
Wishing the expatriates a happy New Year, President Tran Dai Quang reiterated OVs are an integral part of Vietnam, and the Fatherland always welcomes them back.
He noted the country’s significant achievements over three decades of reforms, attributing those successes partly to precious material and spiritual support of OVs.
He also expressed his delight at the all-round development of OVs, saying many expatriates succeeded in studying, working and doing scientific research and business which has made Vietnam known around the world.
OV communities have also gained a foothold in many countries and greatly contributed to their local society. They have also educated their children about the homeland, the Vietnamese language and traditional culture.
The President voiced his hope that OVs will keep united to work for national development and for Vietnam’s friendship and cooperation with other countries. He vowed the best possible conditions for them to return to the homeland and have a better life in foreign nations.-VNA
VNA
