Various activities mark Vietnamese New Year in Russia, Germany hinh anh 1Staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia pose for a photo at the Tet celebration on February 12 (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Celebrations for the Lunar New Year (Tet) have created a Tet atmosphere among Vietnamese communities in Russia and Germany, with the festival only a few days away.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Russia hosted a banquet at the Hanoi-Moscow multifunctional complex in Moscow on February 12. The event was attended by representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Economic Development, the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association, the embassies of ASEAN countries in Russia and a number of Vietnamese people.

Addressing the banquet, Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Duc Manh reviewed bilateral relations in 2017, affirming he would do his utmost to strengthen the links. He expressed his hope that Russian friends will continue contributing to the two countries’ partnership.

He also offered condolences to Russian people and bereaved families of the victims of the An-148 aircraft accident on February 11.

Appreciating the ambassador’s condolences, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Third Asian Department Ludmila Vorobyova lauded Vietnam, particularly its role in ASEAN, Asia and the world. She wished Vietnamese people happiness and more success in the New Year.

[Photos: Vietnamese expats worldwide welcome traditional Tet festival]

Also on February 12, Vietnamese people in Germany held a concert in celebration of Tet in Leipzig city. The event featured 19 performances by 12 Vietnamese arts clubs from across Germany.

Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung sent his best wishes to the expatriates as well as German people and foreign friends. He described 2017 as a successful year for Vietnam in terms of economy and diplomacy.

The diplomat recognised the activities of Vietnamese in the European nation, adding that he hopes they will enhance solidarity to help promote the two countries’ friendship and cooperation and build a prosperous Vietnamese community in Germany.

On February 11, an arts programme was also held by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Frankfurt am Main city. Consul General Nguyen Hong Linh said the event was a gift from artists from the homeland for expatriates.

Meanwhile, Tet celebrations were also held by the Vietnamese people associations in Berlin and Halle cities on February 10 and 11.-VNA
VNA