President Nguyen Minh Triet.

“At the start of the New Year – the Year of the Buffalo, I would like to extend my best wishes to the entire people, comrades and soldiers across the country and Vietnamese nationals abroad. On behalf of the Vietnamese people, I would also like to extend my best wishes for friendship, peace, cooperation and success to all nations around the globe.”

He recalled many complicated developments affecting business production and people’s life in the world, including Vietnam.

“However, thanks to the joint efforts made by the entire people and army, Vietnam maintained socio-political stability, national defence and security and achieved a relatively high economic growth rate, thus elevating the country’s position in the international arena,” he said.

According to the president, with valuable lessons drawn from 2008, the country should work harder to fulfil targets set for 2009.

“Entering the New Year, the entire Party, people and army should unite, look to the future and trust in the leadership of the Party and State to cope with the ripple effects of the world and national economies, achieve steady growth, maintain political stability, develop cultural and social affairs, education and health care, and improve people’s living conditions, successfully accomplishing the 2006-2010 plan approved by the 10^th national Party Congress. Despite numerous difficulties and challenges, we are determined to reap greater success.”

VietNamNet/VOV