The banquet, the first of its kind, entertained the Ambassadors of Vietnam, China, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore.

President Sarkozy emphasized France’s deep relations with Asian countries, saying that 2010 is an important year for France to strengthen these ties. He spoke highly of the role played by the community of Asian people in France as well as Asian cultures’ contributions to the French culture.

The president praised the high-level visits made by leaders of France and the five Southeast Asian nations, including trips to France by the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore and the French Prime Minister’s visit to Vietnam.

French Minister of the Interior Brice Hortefeux is planning to host a similar banquet on February 23 to mark the event.

Overseas Vietnamese in French cities such as Toulouse, Bordeaux, Paris, Marseilles and Lyon organized various activities to welcome this year’s Tet holiday.

VNA