People, comrades and soldiers across the country,

In 2009, despite facing the global economic downturn, natural disasters and epidemics, Vietnam continued to record tremendous achievements in politics, economics, culture, social affairs and national defense thanks to great efforts by the whole Party, people and soldiers. The country’s status was raised in the international arena, affirming the inner strength of the great national unity bloc and the Party and State’s sound policies and guidelines.

New Year’s Eve begins a New Year of the Tiger. I would like to extend my best wishes to all the people throughout the country as well as overseas Vietnamese. I would like to send my wish for peace, friendship, cooperation and development to people from different countries in the world. The Vietnamese State and people extend sincere thanks to countries and international organisations for their friendship and practical cooperation and we will do our best to promote prosperity and commit to the development of all nations.

2010 is the last year of Vietnam’s five-year plan (2006-2010) and to organize the Party congresses at all levels in the lead-up to the 11^th National Party Congress. This year, we will celebrate many significant events: The 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the 65^th anniversary of national independence, the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the 65^th anniversary of the August Revolution, the 120^th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and the 35^th anniversary of the total liberation of southern Vietnam. We need to mobilize all resources and make the best of our labour and learning capacity and creativity to fulfill all the targets adopted at the 10^th National Party Congress and the 12^th National Assembly.

With great solidarity and concerted efforts, we will be certainly successful.

                                                                                                Nguyen Minh Triet