On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, the Vietnamese embassy in Russia on February 8 held a get-together to celebrate the traditional festival.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son said despite the difficulties and challenges last year, overseas Vietnamese in Russia have promoted their solidarity and mutual support, joining hands to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia.

He noted the outstanding achievements that the two countries gained in the past Year of the Dragon, highlighted by numerous all-level meetings, especially President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Russia, which helped foster the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Last year, two-way trade between Vietnam and Russia peaked at 3.6 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 32 percent.

Besides, the Vietnamese community in Russia maintained their traditional of supporting each other and their homeland, he said, praising their active contributions in various charitable activities, such as support for the poor, Agent Orange/dioxin victims, children with heart problems and soldiers in the Truong Sa Archipelago.

In the last days of the lunar year, Vietnamese people across Russia held parties and meetings to celebrate the New Year.

Also on February 8, overseas Vietnamese in India gathered in New Delhi to mark the traditional New Year Festival with Indian guests and ASEAN member country ambassadors in India .

Addressing the event, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Tan reviewed the achievements that Vietnam gained last year, as well as tasks to implement in 2013.

He noted that in 2012, Vietnam and India jointly organised various activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 5 th anniversary of strategic partnership. This year, the two countries will continue to further boost their ties, he said.

The diplomat wished the Vietnamese community in India and the guests a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.-VNA