 Ha Noi (VNA) – Overseas Vietnamese communities is an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and an important factor to strengthen cooperation and friendship between Viet Nam and other countries.
The statement was made by State President Nguyen Minh Triet at a meeting with around 1,000 overseas Vietnamese and their families who return to the homeland to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) at the National Convention Centre in Ha Noi on January 31.
After implementing a visa exemption policy for overseas Vietnamese in 2007, this year, the State will continue with the Politburo’s Resolution No.36, dated March 2004, on overseas Vietnamese work, Triet said, adding that functional agencies will complete regulations on nationality and housing purchase for Vietnamese living abroad.
The State President took the occasion to highlight the country’s important achievements last year, with a high economic growth and improved living standards for the people.
The bilateral and multi-lateral relations between Viet Nam and other countries and international organisations have been expanded and deepened. Viet Nam ’s prestige has been improved in the international arena, especially after the country became a non-permanent member at the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 term.
On behalf of all overseas Vietnamese attending the meeting, Lam Thanh My, a Vietnamese resident in France expressed his joy to welcome Tet at home. He said the 2007 visa exemption decision showed the Party and State’s care for Vietnamese who are living abroad.
The meeting, jointly held by the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Foreign Ministry’s Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and Viet Nam Television, concluded with a special art performance given by local and overseas Vietnamese artists.
Also the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem cut the ribbon to open an exhibition, entitled “Uncle Ho with overseas Vietnamese” at the National Convention Centre.-Enditem
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