Dao Van Binh,the Chairman of the Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’sCentral Committee and the VUFO, sent New Years greetings to the peoplesof these countries. He said he hopes similar events will help tostrengthen the mutual understanding, solidarity and friendship betweenHanoians and their international neighbours, especially countries in theMekong River sub-region.
The LaotianAmbassador to Vietnam , Somphone Sichaleune, thanked the VUFO fororganising the event, saying it has helped to promote the traditionalfriendship that exists between Southeast Asian countries.
Thosetaking part in the celebrations took part in traditional rituals,including tying threads around one’s wrists and splashing each otherwith water. They also attended several special cultural performances andate traditional foods from all the four countries.
The traditional New Year for these countries takes place in mid-April.-VNA