Minsk (VNA) – Party General Secretary To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, had a meeting with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Belarus on May 12 morning as part of his two-day state visit to the country.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Belarus Nguyen Van Ngu highlighted the sound development of relations between the two countries, stressing that since the establishment of diplomatic ties on January 24, 1992, Vietnam and Belarus have maintained and developed their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with growing political trust.
Vietnamese expats in Belarus stay united, supporting each other, complying with local laws and integrating well into local society, he said, adding that they also maintain close ties with their homeland through various community activities, he said.
According to the diplomat, teaching Vietnamese language in Belarus is a valuable effort to preserve the Vietnamese language and culture. Currently, weekend Vietnamese classes are held in Minsk for children aged 7 to 16, helping them develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and increase connection with the homeland via cultural activities.
Representatives of the Vietnamese community in Belarus expressed their pride in witnessing the strong development of Vietnam in all fields. The community thanked the Party and State for their continued support to overseas Vietnamese in general and the community in Belarus in particular, and showed their hope for greater assistance in teaching the Vietnamese language in the country.
General Secretary Lam conveyed warm greetings from the homeland to all embassy staff and members of the Vietnamese community in Belarus. He emphasised that his ongoing visit to Belarus aims to reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with traditional friend countries under the former Soviet Union, which have long supported Vietnam, and to further deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors.
Briefing the community on the domestic situation, the leader stressed that during nearly 40 of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) policy, under the Party’s leadership, with the efforts of the entire political system, people from all walks of life and overseas Vietnamese as well as the support of international friends, Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress in all fields. The country’s political, economic, cultural, social, scientific-technological, defence and security capacities have all been significantly enhanced, he noted.
The Party leader said that Vietnam will focus its resources on implementing key strategies and accelerating efforts to complete the goals set at the 13th National Party Congress. He laid stress on the country’s steadfast commitment to the path of reform, with science – technology and innovation serving as the driving forces for national development.
Regarding the Vietnam – Belarus relations, he affirmed that the two countries boast time-honoured ties, dating back to the Soviet era. He recalled that many Belarusian experts supported Vietnam during its resistance war against the US and many Vietnamese students and researchers studying in Belarus have contributed to their homeland's development.
The two countries have maintained close cooperation in such important areas as politics – diplomacy and security – defence, adding their collaboration also extends to science – technology, education – training, culture – sports – tourism, transportation, and healthcare. Besides, they have enjoyed robust partnerships at the local level.
The Party chief said that he is pleased to see that the Vietnamese community in Belarus, although not large, is successful and supportive of each other. Some Vietnamese businesses in Belarus have invested in the homeland while the community has gradually affirmed its position in the host country.
The leader noted his belief that the community will always uphold the tradition of Vietnamese people, working together to build a united and developed community, and build an increasingly prosperous Vietnam.
Praising the Vietnamese Embassy in Belarus for its great efforts in completing its tasks, making an important contribution to fostering the cooperative relationship between the two countries, Lam requested that the embassy’s staff continue with affairs relating to overseas Vietnamese following the Party's directives and resolutions, considering this an important task to achieve the goal of national development./.
