Vietnamese in Europe, Asia greet Lunar New Year

Vietnamese expatriates gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Germany, Switzerland, and Macau (China) on February 21, the third day of the Year of the Goat.
Vietnamese expatriates gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year inGermany, Switzerland, and Macau (China) on February 21, the third day ofthe Year of the Goat.

At an event held by theGermany-Vietnam Friendship Association, President of the organisationSiegfried Sommer said 2015 is a special year for Vietnam with the 70thanniversary of its National Day (September 2, 1945) as well as the 40th anniversary of its national reunification (April 30, 1975) and theestablishment of the two countries’ relations (1975).

Bilateral ties between Germany and Vietnam have been thriving acrosspolitics, economics, culture, and education, he noted, adding thatcontinued growth can be expected on the basis of the countries’strategic partnership established in 2011.

Siegfried Sommer said his association has issued a regular bulletin onVietnam, built a German-Vietnamese bilingual nursery school in Berlin’sLichtenberg district, and designed a Vietnamese language teachingprogramme at the capital city’s Barnim High School. He added theorganisation will do its utmost to contribute to the development of theconnection between the countries.

At the event,Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh described the Germany-VietnamFriendship Association as a bridge linking the two peoples.

She expressed her hope that natives and Vietnamese expatriates willactively participate in events marking the nations’ 40 years ofdiplomatic ties, which will be held later this year.

In Switzerland, nearly 200 expatriates attended a similar Lunar NewYear gathering organised by Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UnitedNations, the World Trade Organisation, and other Geneva-basedinternational organisations.

Deputy head of themission Pham Quoc Tru voiced his hope that Vietnam’s “doi moi” (reform)and international integration will be strengthened in 2015 as a seriesof important national events take place.

Meanwhile,hundreds of Vietnamese guest workers in Macau—China’s specialadministrative region—gathered on February 20-21 to celebrate the LunarNew Year.

Vietnamese Consul General Hoang Chi Trungsent his best wishes to participants and expressed his hope thatVietnamese nationals will continue their solidarity and mutual support,adhere to local laws and labour contracts, and contribute to relationsbetween their country and Macau as well as China in general.

At the celebrations, attendees had a chance to enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine and musical performances.-VNA

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