Speaking at the function, Chairman of the Vietnam-Indonesia Friendship Association, Luong Van Ly praised the friendly relations of the two neighbouring countries, fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and former Indonesian President Sukarno.

Vietnam always regards Indonesia as its important strategic partner in the region, and wants to boost the cooperation and friendly relations with the country within the regional and international cooperation framework, said Mr Ly.

Annual two-way trade turnover between the two countries reaches more than US$2 billion. During the 2001-2009 period, Vietnam’s exports to Indonesia soared by 26 percent/year while Indonesia’s exports to Vietnam also increased by 30 percent.

Both sides have cooperated in resolving regional and international issues and organised cultural and sports exchange programmes to further strengthen their friendship. Every year, Indonesia provides Vietnam with short-term, mid-term and long-term scholarships for language and culture.

In his speech, Indonesian Consul General Bambang Tarsanto highlighted the close-knit relationship between the two countries as saying that as ASEAN members, Vietnam and Indonesia share the same views on forming an ASEAN community and making positive contributions to peace, security, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia as well as in the Asia Pacific region and the world.

The students told the Vice President about their contributions in promoting Vietnam’s image to their foreign friends. They said they will study hard to then return to work in Vietnam.

Ms Doan praised the students’ academic achievements and said they represented Vietnam’s traditional respect for learning. She added they had an important role in producing Vietnamese culture and history to the world. 

She asked the students to foster their sense of solidarity and uphold the nation’s traditions to further contribute to the country’s future development.

Vietnam cares deeply about its young generation and aims to create best conditions for them, she added. 

On December 29, the delegation of overseas students also participated in the Festival of Overseas Students to celebrate the New Year 2011 at the Temple of Literature.

Addressing the meeting, NA President Nguyen Phu Trong said that the date was a milestone of Vietnamese politics and the Vietnam National Assembly was formed based on Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on the role of people, democracy and a socialist law-governed state.

Ngo Thi Doan Thanh, Head of the Hanoi deputies delegation, said the National Assembly has completed its mission at every stage of history and its operations are becoming increasingly effective, thereby contributing to the revolutionary cause and winning support from voters nationwide.

Ms Thanh recalled the first-term National Assembly which formed a coalition government of resistance, endorsed the first Constitution of 1946, and enacted many important policies for building the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Throughout its 12 terms, the NA has constantly improved its quality in terms of intellect, organization and activities.

At the meeting, the former deputies highlighted the recent innovations in the NA, which they said have made the NA the most powerful state agency that represents the will and aspiration of the people.