Delegates to the 12th National Party Congress paid floral tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on January 20 ahead of the preparatory session of the Congress.

They include Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, and members of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, among others.

They expressed their gratitude to the beloved President -- the national liberation hero -- who laid the ideological foundation for the revolutionary cause of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The delegation then laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs.

The 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will take place in Hanoi from January 20-28 with the main theme of intensifying the building of a strong and pure Party.

Promoting the strength of the whole people and socialist democracy; stepping up reform comprehensively and synchronously; firmly safeguarding the nation and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment; and striving to soon turn Vietnam into a modern industrialised country are among the themes of the congress.

The event will focus on reviewing the implementation of the 11th Congress’s Resolution, and the outcomes of the 30-year reform cause. It will also define directions, targets, tasks and measures for nation building, safeguarding and development in the next five years.

The new Party Central Committee is expected to consist of 180 official members and 20 alternate members.

Belgian Workers’ Party congratulates 12th National Party Congress

President of the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB) Peter Mertens has conveyed congratulations to the Communist Party of Vietnam on the occasion of the 12 th National Party Congress scheduled for January 20-28.

A PTB representative handed over the congratulatory message to Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Vietnam Delegation to the European Union Vuong Thua Phong on January 19.

Mertens said the country, people and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) were once a source of inspiration for progressive forces all over the world, adding that the 12th National Party Congress will shape concepts, orientations and measures to further develop socialism in Vietnam.

He also reaffirmed long-standing friendship with the CPV and wished to continue strengthening relations between the two Parties.

Earlier, Vice President of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and President of the European Union – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Jan Zahradil also sent a message to Ambassador Phong congratulating the 12th National Party Congress.

He noted that since the EU and Vietnam established their diplomatic ties 25 years ago, Vietnam has scored ample significant socio-economic achievements.

Last year, both sides concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, marking an important milestone in bilateral ties.

Zahradil expressed his belief that the 12th National Party Congress will be a success and map out orientations and key reform for national development in the future.

VNA