The Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism coordinated with the Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee hosted a New Year get-together for diplomatic corps in Hanoi on February 1.

Addressing the meeting, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh noted 2012 was the second year of implementing the foreign policy adopted at the 11th National Party Congress.

The Vietnamese Party’s and State’s external activities have helped promote international friendship and cooperation in a regional and global context abounding with both challenges and opportunities.

Vietnam has maintained macroeconomic stability and socio-political security and kept inflation at 6.81 percent. The country’s export turnover rose 18.3 percent, import turnover was up 7.1 percent, and total GDP 5.03 percent. Export surplus hit the 20-year record high of US$284 million.

Progress was also seen in culture and social affairs, Minh said.

FM Binh Minh, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Hoang Anh Tuan, and Hanoi Municipal People’s Committee Chairman Pham The Thao praised the valuable support international friends have extended Vietnam over the past year and expressed their wish to further enhance the ties of friendship, cooperation, and development with all nations and international organisations in the future.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam El Houcine Fardani congratulated Vietnam on its efforts to overcome the difficulties arising from the global economic downturn and continue its record of remarkable socio-economic achievements.

He said he hopes the Vietnamese Government will use these achievements to spur on the national economic restructuring that serves as a foundation for the 2011–2015 socio-economic development plan and the 2011–2020 socio-economic development strategy.

New Year meeting for foreign organisations

Representatives from diplomatic missions and international and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered in Hanoi on February 1 to herald the approaching Lunar New Year Festival.

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) (in the presence of Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan).

Speaking at the event, Doan extended her New Year’s greetings and best wishes to the international community, praising their support for Vietnam in 2012 and thanking them for encouraging the country’s national construction and development process.

Doan applauded the VUFO’s contributions to promoting national solidarity, friendship, and international mutual understanding.

According to VUFO Chairman Vu Xuan Hong, cooperation between Vietnam and other nations was enhanced last year. NGOs disbursed around US$ 300 million, helping to reduce poverty in Vietnam and improve the nation’s healthcare and education.

On behalf of the guests, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in industrialisation and modernisation. He credited Vietnam’s self-reliance and focus on peace with facilitating its cooperation with its many international friends.

NGO Resource Centre Managing Co-Director Marko Lovrekovic reiterating his support for and intent to participate in Vietnam’s development process.

On the same day, Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang hosted a get-together for foreign law enforcement agency and organisatoin delegates currently in Vietnam.

Quang expressed his thanks to the organisations for assisting the Vietnam Police in protecting people’s safety and happiness.

The minister briefed his guests on Vietnam’s 2012 achievements. Under the leadership of the Party and the management of the Government, the country contained inflation, stabilised its macro-economy, and sustained social welfare despite the sluggish recovery of the global economy and many difficulties.

He noted the challenges globalisation and international integration pose for law enforcement agencies. More effort is needed to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation on anti-crime initiatives and security and social order defence.

Quang voiced his hope that the relationship between the Ministry of Public Security and other organisations will be further strengthened in the near future.

New Year meeting for foreign organisations

Representatives from diplomatic missions and international and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) gathered in Hanoi on February 1 to herald the approaching Lunar New Year Festival.

The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) (in the presence of Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan).

Speaking at the event, Doan extended her New Year’s greetings and best wishes to the international community, praising their support for Vietnam in 2012 and thanking them for encouraging the country’s national construction and development process.

Doan applauded the VUFO’s contributions to promoting national solidarity, friendship, and international mutual understanding.

According to VUFO Chairman Vu Xuan Hong, cooperation between Vietnam and other nations was enhanced last year. NGOs disbursed around US$ 300 million, helping to reduce poverty in Vietnam and improve the nation’s healthcare and education.

On behalf of the guests, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in industrialisation and modernisation. He credited Vietnam’s self-reliance and focus on peace with facilitating its cooperation with its many international friends.

NGO Resource Centre Managing Co-Director Marko Lovrekovic reiterating his support for and intent to participate in Vietnam’s development process.

On the same day, Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang hosted a get-together for foreign law enforcement agency and organisatoin delegates currently in Vietnam.

Quang expressed his thanks to the organisations for assisting the Vietnam Police in protecting people’s safety and happiness.

The minister briefed his guests on Vietnam’s 2012 achievements. Under the leadership of the Party and the management of the Government, the country contained inflation, stabilised its macro-economy, and sustained social welfare despite the sluggish recovery of the global economy and many difficulties.

He noted the challenges globalisation and international integration pose for law enforcement agencies. More effort is needed to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation on anti-crime initiatives and security and social order defence.

Quang voiced his hope that the relationship between the Ministry of Public Security and other organisations will be further strengthened in the near future.

VOV/VNA