Overseas Vietnamese in the Republic of Cyprus have joined a gathering on the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year in Limassol coastal city.

Featured activities included Vietnamese folk songs, dancing, and folk games.

Addressing the event, Limassol Mayor Andreas Christou said he is honoured to attend the event, saying that the programme contributes to introducing and promoting Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

Local authorities remain willing to support overseas Vietnamese living in the city, contributing to strengthening the cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics, he affirmed.

As the Vietnamese Honour Consul to Cyprus, a city with around 12,000 Vietnamese nationals, George Christophides pledged to do his utmost to ensure the legitimate rights of the Vietnamese citizens living there.

On March 3, overseas Vietnamese in Xiangvang village, Nongbok district of Khammouane province, Laos also gathered in Vientiane to welcome the Year of Goat.

Speaking at the ceremony, acting Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Laos Nguyen Duy Trung said Xiangvang, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his revolutionary cause in Laos, continues to be a meaningful site in the history of Vietnam-Laos relations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung said he hopes the Vietnamese community in Laos will enhance unity, strictly abide by Lao law, and contribute to nurturing and further deepening the bilateral relations.

For his part, Lao Deputy Minister Somsavat Lengsavath called on those living in Xiangvang and Vientiane to continue contributing to the development of both nations.-VNA