Prague (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse joined the Vietnamese community in the Cz💛ech Republic duri✱ng the Homeland Spring programme in Prague on January 19 evening (local time) to celebrate Lunar New Year (Tet), the biggest traditional festival of Vietnamese people.

Speaking at the event, Hoang Dinh Thang, Chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, highlighted the community’s resilience in overcoming challenges and its vital role in fostering cooperation between Vietnam and Europe. Tran Van Dang, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, said that the community, supported by Vietnam’s State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and the Vietnamese Embassy, has engaged in various activities to maintain their traditional identity and make contributions to the homeland. Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam highlighted the contributions by the community to the development of the Vietnam-Czech Republic relations. Addressing the event, PM Chinh praised the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic for their perseverance and integration into local society. He described them as a vital link in Vietnam-Czech relations. He updated the community on the country’s domestic situation, highlighting significant achievements across all sectors despite numerous challenges. Vietnam successfully met all 15 socio-economic development targets for 2024, surpassing projections in 12 of them. The country recorded a GDP growth rate of 7.09%, with a GDP value of 476 billion USD, placing it among the 35 largest economies globally. The nation continued to maintain macroeconomic stability, control inflation, and ensure major economic balances, he said. The PM emphasised Vietnam’s consistent policy of independence and self-reliance, noting that the country has established diplomatic relations with 194 nations and built strategic, comprehensive, and enhanced strategic partnerships with 32 countries, including all permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Vietnam is also an active member of more than 70 regional and international organisations, he added. The Government leader affirmed that national sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and defence have remained firmly protected, with defence capabilities continually strengthened. He also recognised the significant contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the nation’s success, describing them as “an inseparable part and an important resource of the Vietnamese nation.” Outlining key tasks for 2025, a year of significant national celebrations and political events, he urged overseas Vietnamese, including those in the Czech Republic and Europe, to continue joining their fellows at home to develop the nation and supporting Vietnam’s development goals for 2030 and 2045. He also announced that Prague will host the first great national solidarity festival abroard, reflecting the government’s recognition of the Vietnamese community’s achievements and contributions PM Chinh encouraged the community to remain united, promoted mutual support, and comply with local laws. He expressed his confidence that the Vietnamese community will continue to thrive and uphold their cultural identity, affirming the role and position in the host country. The evening concluded with vibrant performances of traditional Vietnamese music and an early Tet celebration. Attendees enjoyed the warmth and nostalgia of Vietnamese culture, with traditional songs, laughter, and Tet delicacies recreating the festive spirit of home./.