Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosts a reception to honor foreign diplomatic corps and international organizations working in Vietnam ahead of the Tet [the Lunar New Year] holiday.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 24 hosts a reception to thank diplomats and representatives of international organizations.

The reception is a gesture of gratitude to international diplomats and guests who have worked with Vietnam during the year.  

Tet is an important holiday for the Vietnamese because it allows them to reunite, share, and connect with their families and communities. People can come together to reflect on the past year, express appreciation, send greetings, and hope for a better new year.

Therefore, hosting the reception shows the Government of Vietnam’s hospitality and affection for international guests and friends for their support over the past year and their cooperation in the new year to come. Chinh stressed the significance of the Lunar New Year after the United Nations declared it an annual holiday of the world body.  

Attending the event include Ambassador of Palestine to Vietnam Saadi Salama, the Dean of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, and representatives of international organizations and their spouses.

All three deputy prime ministers Le Minh Khai, Tran Hong Ha, and Tran Luu Quang, and Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh joined the hosting.  

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Chinh thanked ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, and representatives of international organizations for their support, their governments’ assistance, partnership, and affection for Vietnam during the year and the past time.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Chinh conveyed the Tet message of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong to representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, wishing them a happy New Year.

He stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in the global situation, saying, “No single country, no matter how large or wealthy, can address all issues, particularly those that affect the whole world and all people.” 

In this regard, consolidating trust, showing sincerity, and sharing common issues are crucial for global unity and solidarity to overcome challenges and address conflicts with global approaches.

He cited Ho Chi Minh’s spirit of unity and strength of solidarity for the current situation and the need to cooperate and work together.

He hoped that foreign ambassadors and representatives would continue working as a bridge to promote the relationship with Vietnam and among organizations to make each country stronger for a world of peace, friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Ambassador of Palestine to Vietnam Saadi Salama, Dean of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam (1st from right) delivers Tet wishes to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran, Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai (2nd from left), and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

Speaking on behalf of the foreign diplomatic corps, Ambassador Saadi Salama congratulated Vietnam on its impressive achievements and imprints, saying it helps promote Vietnam’s image on international agendas.  

He highlighted Vietnam’s spirit of being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community. He praised the country's successful diplomacy, including the high-level visits to the country and the top leaders’ overseas trips during 2023.

Saadi Salama hailed Vietnam for strengthening its relations with countries and upgrading its status with many powers while consolidating traditional partners. He believed that Vietnam would continue contributing to peace and stability through bilateral cooperation, promoting multilateralism, and addressing challenges.

The Palestinian diplomat thanked the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people for their support and affection for international friends, saying they would contribute to the relations between Vietnam and the international community. 

The reception gathers many international friends and guests.

Vietnam’s 2023 achievements

At the reception, the Vietnamese Prime Minister briefed the guests on the country’s achievements in key sectors. Vietnam was among countries with impressive economic growth as its GDP expanded by 5.05%; its State budget increased by 8.12%; it enjoyed a US$28-billion trade surplus; some $36.6 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) flowed into the country, up 32% year-on-year; some 8.3 million tons of rice were exported, contributing to the world’s food security.

Meanwhile, culture, social affairs, and social welfare caught significant investment, reaffirming Vietnam’s principle of not trading social equality and environmental protection for economic growth.

Notably, the country maintains its independence while maintaining political and security stability and fighting against corruption, thus ensuring a better investment climate for investors.

The Prime Minister spoke about Vietnam’s directions in 2024, emphasizing cooperation for development amid the global challenges, sustainable growth with key pillars of digital transformation, energy transition, circular economy, innovation, startup, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Chinh said the opportunities are for all, and Vietnam is ready to join hands with other countries to make the goals possible. It’s the aspiration and responsibility that Vietnam assumes, he emphasized.

Caligraphy is a long-lasting tradition in Vietnam on the Tet holiday.