State President Nguyen Minh Triet has affirmed that Viet Kieu (Overseas Vietnamese) are an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and that the Party and State create the best possible conditions for them to return and contribute to the homeland.

President Nguyen Minh Triet and overseas Vietnamese at the Temple of Literature last night.

At a get-together for Viet Kieu in Hanoi on January 18, which was broadcast live around the globe, Mr Triet extended Lunar New Year Greetings to overseas Vietnamese communities abroad and highly appreciated their great contribution to national development.

He highlighted the country’s important achievements last year, saying despite high inflation, natural disasters and epidemics, Vietnam obtained a relatively high economic growth rate and ensured social security. The country gradually fulfilled its commitments to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and did a good job as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

“These achievements were partly contributed by Viet Kieu,” affirmed Mr Triet.

He noted that policies targeting Viet Kieu have been improved and widely welcomed by Vietnamese nationals worldwide. Particularly, the implementation of visa exemption for Viet Kieu has created conditions for them to return to the fatherland. The Revised Law on Nationality has met aspirations of many Viet Kieu who can now hold dual citizenship.

He affirmed that the Party and State will continue to improve policies in favour of Viet Kieu. He also called on Vietnamese communities abroad to join hands with their compatriots in the country to ride out rough times and strengthen its position in the region and the world.

At the get-together, which was held at the Literature Temple – the first university in Vietnam, hundreds of Viet Kieu enjoyed traditional music and dance performances.

Vietnam will celebrate its Lunar New Year (Tet) festival on January 25 and it will last for four days.

Around 3.5 million Vietnamese nationals are living, studying and working in more than 100 countries and territories around the world.

(Source: VOV)