In France, a gathering took place at the Vietnamese Embassy where Vietnamese expatriates recalled sweet memories of that homeland and enjoyed a warm atmosphere of family reunion.

Phuong Lan, a Vietnamese residing in France, confided: ”Every year, I attend the ceremony to celebrate the lunar New Year at the Vietnamese Embassy in France. Here I can feel a joyful atmosphere and enjoy Vietnamese traditional food. This is also a good opportunity for me to meet my friends and relatives.”

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Kinh Tai highlighted Vietnam’s significant achievements in recent years and praised the remarkable contributions by the Vietnamese community in France to national construction and defence of their homeland.

He revealed that the Overseas Vietnamese Association of France will hold a congress this year. He expressed his hope that Vietnamese nationals in France will help to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

In 2010 Vietnam will celebrate a number of significant events, including the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 35^th anniversary of Southern Liberation Day and the 65^th anniversary of the August Revolution.

Vietnamese nationals in Japan gathered at the Vietnamese Embassy for a ceremony attended by senior officials and diplomats of both countries.

Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh expressed delight at the fine development in bilateral relations and gave sincere thanks to the Japanese Government and people for their support and good will towards Vietnam.

Attendees signaled their love for their homeland and pledged to continue their contributions to national construction and defence.

After the ceremony, participants were treated to a performance of music and dance evoking the beauty of Vietnam and its people.