This annual diplomatic event aims to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, thus promoting socio-economic development and contributing to implementing successfully Hanoi’s goals and aspirations to become a “Capital of Culture, Civilisation and Modernity”, a “Heroic Capital”, a “City for Peace," and a "Creative City." It also seeks to elevate the role of people-to-people diplomacy in the capital city to a new height in the new era.

The event was attended by over 200 delegates, including representatives from embassies, international organisations, ministries and agencies, and the HAUFO’s member organisations.

HAUFO President Nguyen Ngoc Ky showed his delight at the flourishing relations between Vietnam and Asian countries.

He extended his wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to international friends, expressing his hope that peace and friendship activities organised by HAUFO will help strengthen mutual understanding and tighten solidarity between the people of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular, and those from countries around the world, including Asian nations.

The people of Vietnam and Hanoi deeply value the valuable support from international friends for Vietnam’s national construction and development efforts, and international integration, he said, noting that Hanoi always opens its doors for international friends, and serves as a common home of friendship.

Delegates joined in traditional rituals such as Buddha bathing ceremony, water splashing for good luck, wrist thread tying ceremony and Holi festival, and an art performance programme.

Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodian students celebrate traditional New Year festivals

Cuu Long University in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long held a gathering on April 15 to mark the traditional New Year festivals for Cambodian and Lao students as well as its Khmer lecturers and students.