State President Truong Tan Sang, on behalf of the Party and State, extended his seasonal greetings and best wishes to all Vietnamese people throughout the country and abroad on the eve of the traditional lunar New Year holiday.

Following is the full text of his message:

“Dear fellow countrymen!

On the occasion of the new lunar year, I would like to convey my best wishes to all over people and soldiers and overseas Vietnamese and express Vietnam’s solidarity with people around the world.

In this sacred moment, we pay homage to our predecessors for their contributions to nation building and to President Ho Chi Minh and all the soldiers who died for national independence, freedom, reunification, and territorial integrity. We are reviewing last year’s events and wishing for the best in the New Year.

State President Truong Tan Sang extending New Year greetings to all people  at the start of the traditional lunar New Year holiday

Last year Vietnam held a number of major celebrations, obtained important socio-economic achievements, protected its independence and territorial sovereignty, maintained a peaceful, stable environment, and accelerated international integration, embracing a new phase of development with bright prospects.

We are living in a time of globalization and international integration with numerous opportunities and challenges. We need to build on our achievements to develop and protect the nation for future generations.

2016 is the first year of implementing the resolution of 12th National Party Congress’s resolution so I call on every Vietnamese at home and abroad to work harder for the goal of building a strong nation and a prosperous people with democracy, equality, and civilization.

On the occasion of the New Year, I wish everyone happiness and success and all the best for our beloved nation.”