Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on January 27 held a meeting with senior revolutionists, leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front, central agencies and the capital city Hanoi on the threshold of the 2014 Lunar New Year.

On behalf of the Party Central Committee, General Secretary Trong extended his best wishes to all of the above as well as soldiers and people at home and abroad.

He stated that 2013, the third year of implementing the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress, was full of important events.

Despite difficulties and challenges derived from the global recession, with efforts made by the entire Party, army and people, Vietnam gained significant achievements in all aspects. It developed the economy, guaranteed social security and welfare, and improved living standards.

Defence was strengthened, national sovereignty was maintained, and political security and social order were ensured.

According to the Party chief, 2013 was also an eventful year for foreign relations, helping increase the country’s position and prestige in the international arena. The building of the Party and the political system and the fight against corruption and wastefulness saw progress.

The new Constitution adopted by the 13 th National Assembly meets the country’s development requirements in the new period, he said, adding that the atmosphere of democracy in the Party and society was promoted.

On this occasion, General Secretary Trong extended his profound gratitude to senior revolutionists, heroic mothers, Party officials and members, soldiers and people at home and abroad for their great contributions to the revolutionary cause of the nation over the past years, especially in 2013.

He also thanked international organisations and friends for their cooperation, support and assistance to national construction and defence.

As the country and the world are forecast to continue facing difficulties in 2014, the Party leader stressed that the entire Party, army and people should persist with the goal of stabilising the macro economy and controlling inflation, recovering growth and improving the quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy as a foundation for sustainable development in subsequent years.

They should also exert every effort to create more drastic changes in the building of the Party, State, Fatherland Front and mass organisations, successfully realise the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress and make preparations for the 12 th Party Congress, he said.-VNA