The Vietnamese cultural association in Germany was founded at a congress in Berlin on Oct. 24, which will work to maintain and develop the Vietnamese cultural values as well as promote the country’s images.

The association would be an important cultural link, connecting 60 existing Vietnamese organisations in Germany through in all community-based activities, Vietnamese counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy Phan Y Nhi said at the congress.

The establishment of the association will help improve the spiritual life of the Vietnamese community, she said, adding that she expected it will assist the Embassy in organising activities to celebrate the 35 th anniversary of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic ties in 2010.

The congress adopted a 19-article charter, emphasising that the association is a social organisation with the aim of maintaining and developing the cultural tradition among the Vietnamese community, teaching the Vietnamese language to the younger Vietnamese generation and promoting the land and people of Vietnam , helping better understand and friendship between Vietnam and Germany .

The congress elected a nine-member executive board./.