Government News 9/2 Vice NA Chairwoman meets OV teachers from Thailand   Overview of the meeting National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong on February 8 hosted a reception for a delegation of former Vietnamese teachers who live  in Thailand. Underscoring that the Party and State highly values the contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad, including those in Thailand, to national growth, Phong stated that the Party and State consider the community an indispensable part of the nation and an important driving force for development. She said the Party and State pay great attention to creating optimal conditions for Vietnamese abroad to settle down, integrate into local society, promote national culture and join hands to develop the country. Phong expressed her hope that Vietnamese teachers and the Vietnamese community in Thailand will continue maintaining the use of Vietnamese language and promote the image of Vietnamese nation and people to the world. Representatives of the delegation showed their delight at Vietnam’s progress. They affirmed that the Vietnamese community in Thailand will continue fostering solidarity and maintaining the use of Vietnamese language. They will also work hard to contribute to the nation. Vietnam, Lao diplomats meet in Washington ahead of Tet   Staff of the two embassies at the meeting The increasingly strong development of the Vietnam-Laos friendship was highlighted at a recent meeting between the two countries’ diplomats in Washington DC, the US.  The event is an annual activity between the Vietnamese and Lao embassies in the US on the occasion of Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, reflecting their close relationship.  Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh and his Lao counterpart Mai Sayavongs updated each other on the development of their countries, and expressed their joy at the success of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2017 and flourishing bilateral relations.  They lauded cooperation between the two diplomatic agencies last year, affirming that they will further promote relations through mutual support and joint organisation of activities.  Ambassador Mai Sayavongs wished all staff of the Vietnamese Embassy a successful and happy New Year. PM presents Tet gifts to poor ethnic households in Dak Nong   Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Dak Nong  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited and presented 200 gifts to the poor and policy beneficiaries in Dak Song district, the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on February 9 ahead of the upcoming traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.  On the occasion, the Central Committee of the Red Cross Society granted 100 gifts to the poor and Agent Orange victims in the district.  Speaking at the event, PM Phuc underlined the Party and State’s policy of caring for ethnic minority groups, policy beneficiaries and households in need.  He asked authorities of Dak Song district and Dak Nong province to ensure a warm Tet for local residents and pay attention to poverty reduction.  Earlier, the PM visited and presented Tet gifts to heroic Vietnamese mother Chau Thi Nghe, 94, in Duc An town, Dak Song district. Dak Song is now home to more than 79,000 people with 12 ethnic groups, mostly relying on agriculture. It has seven national-standard schools and 485 policy beneficiaries. The rate of poor households exceeds 10 percent while the rate of poor ethnic minority households accounts for more than 30 percent. HCM City officials commemorate war martyrs   HCM City officials commemorate war martyrs (Source: http://plo.vn) A delegation of representatives from the Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front and armed forces of Ho Chi Minh City paid tribute to war heroes and fallen soldiers at the city’s war martyr cemetery on February 9. This is an annual activity of the city’s administration on the occasion of the traditional Lunar New Year festival to express gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom, and made contributions to national development. The delegation, led by Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, also offered incense and flowers at the city cemetery. Similar commemoration ceremonies are taking place across the country as Tet is approaching, in line with the time-honoured tradition of worshipping ancestors and honouring those who made contributions to the nation. HCM City: Authorities appreciate contributions of int’l agencies   Scene at the meeting (Source: qdnd) The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on February 8 held a meeting with foreign countries’ representative agencies in the city to foster friendship and cooperation. On behalf of municipal authorities, People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong thanked consulates, non-governmental organisations, foreign businesses and international friends for their contributions to the city’s development. The leader said he believes the support will continue, helping HCM City grow and expand international cooperation. Phong informed participants of local diplomatic highlights in 2017 in terms of relations establishment with foreign localities, international integration, self-promotion and resources attraction. Singaporean Consul General to HCM City Leow Siu Lin congratulated the southern economic hub on its achievements last year, which reflected its leading role in the Vietnamese economy, stable business climate, effective policies and hard-working residents. Lauding the relationship between the city and foreign diplomatic missions, she affirmed her commitment to working with other consuls to assist local authorities in enhancing prosperity and international engagement. Vice NA Chairwoman meets OV teachers from Thailand   Overview of the meeting  National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong on February 8 hosted a reception for a delegation of former Vietnamese teachers who live  in Thailand. Underscoring that the Party and State highly values the contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad, including those in Thailand, to national growth, Phong stated that the Party and State consider the community an indispensable part of the nation and an important driving force for development. She said the Party and State pay great attention to creating optimal conditions for Vietnamese abroad to settle down, integrate into local society, promote national culture and join hands to develop the country. Phong expressed her hope that Vietnamese teachers and the Vietnamese community in Thailand will continue maintaining the use of Vietnamese language and promote the image of Vietnamese nation and people to the world. Representatives of the delegation showed their delight at Vietnam’s progress. They affirmed that the Vietnamese community in Thailand will continue fostering solidarity and maintaining the use of Vietnamese language. They will also work hard to contribute to the nation. VNN