The Vietnamese Consulate General and the Vietnamese students’ association in Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture have held a get-together for the Vietnamese community in the Kyushu region on the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet).

Addressing the event on February 1 (the second day of the first lunar month), Vietnamese Consul General Bui Quoc Thanh highlighted the fine development between the two countries.

He took the occasion to thank the local authorities and people in the Kyushu region and Japan as a whole for their support given to the Consulate General and the Vietnamese community over the past time.

On February 4, overseas Vietnamese in France also gathered to welcome the Year of the Horse with music and traditional specialties.

Speaking at the ceremony, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe wished the Vietnamese community a healthy and prosperous new year.

He affirmed that Paris is proud of being home to a lot of Vietnamese people who have contributed to its cultural diversity.

Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Chi Dung reviewed milestones in bilateral ties in recent years, affirming that France is one of Vietnam’s important partners in all fields, from politics, diplomacy, defence, economics and trade to culture and education.

A “Vietnam Year” will be held for the first time in France in 2014, he said, adding that more than 100 other activities will also take place this year to promote Vietnam’s image to French and international friends.-VNA