On the occasion of the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet), State President Truong Tan Sang extended his New Year's greetings to people throughout the country:

“Dear fellow citizens, comrades, and soldiers from all parts of the country and Vietnamese people around the world.

On the auspicious occasion of the New Year, the Year of the Dragon 2012, I cordially extend my best wishes to all Vietnamese people across the country, as well as those living abroad. I especially want to send my best wishes to the military staff and soldiers on duty in remote border and island stations, as well as public servants who are working away from home during Tet.

I sincerely hope Vietnam will enjoy peace and prosperity in the new year, and that all its people will grow to be prosperous and happy.

I extend my best wishes to all our foreign friends living and working in Vietnam for peace, stability, cooperation and development. The Vietnamese people also offer their friendship to all people and nations around the world.

Thanks to the joint efforts and determination of all Vietnamese citizens, comrades and soldiers, Vietnam recorded significant progress in the Year of the Cat 2011 and overcame many difficulties and challenges to obtain considerable achievements in economic growth, social welfare, political stability and social order, and national defense and security, while firmly protecting the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening its external relations and international integration to raise the nation's status in the world.

In this New Year of the Dragon 2012, although we still face numerous difficulties, we must place our trust in the Doi Moi (Renewal) process and the country's bright future ahead, as well as the Party, army, and patriotic Vietnamese people, let’s unite to promote Vietnam’s tradition of steadfastness and intelligence and culture and seize every opportunity to overcome all obstacles and challenges. We must encourage patriotism and involvement in emulation movements to achieve our objectives and fulfill our tasks in all fields, and work towards progress in national industrialization, modernization, construction and the defense of a Socialist Vietnam to build a wealthier, more beautiful and civilized country for the happiness and prosperity of the people.

Greetings for the new Spring, new sprit and new success.

Source: VOV