HÀ NỘI — On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2018, President Trần Đại Quang offered greetings to all Vietnamese, either living in their homeland or in foreign countries, wishing them and people around the world a new year of peace, friendship, happiness, and prosperity.

In his message, the State leader noted that last year, the Party, people and army were united and made efforts to overcome difficulties, attaining outstanding achievements, particularly in socio-economy, defence, security, diplomacy, and Party building.

The international standing and prestige of Việt Nam were further promoted, demonstrating its firmness and wisdom. This was achieved with efforts by the entire Vietnamese people and lauded by the international community, helping to step up the country’s development, he wrote.

President Quang called on each Vietnamese, with a new determination and trust in the Party and State’s leadership and the bright future of the nation, to bring into play patriotism, self-reliance and solidarity, and press on with reform and creativity to gain even greater victories in national development, thereby contributing to peace, stability, national independence, democracy and progress in the world. He expressed his belief that in the New Year, with new opportunities and new driving forces, Việt Nam will reap new successes.

President extends Tet greetings to island soldiers

President Quang on February 15 night also talked and extended Tết (Lunar New Year) greetings, via a live TV programme, to officers and soldiers at 10 units under the Signal Arm, Đàm Thuỷ Border Post in Trùng Khánh District of the northern mountainous province Cao Bằng, and Song Tử Tây island of Trường Sa (Spratly) archipelago in the central province of Khánh Hoà.

The State leader praised the Signal High Command for its achievements gained in all fields in 2017, especially efforts to ensure social security for local people and help them with poverty reduction and new-style rural building.

Expressing his delight at seeing officers, soldiers and people on Song Tử Tây island in the moment of transition between the old and new years, President Quang affirmed the Party, State and people nationwide always has special appreciation towards officers, soldiers and people on the island.

He spoke highly of the vigilance, readiness for combat and solidarity of officers, soldiers, and people on the island, wishing them a happy new year with the fulfilment of the task of safeguarding the sacred sea and islands of the nation. — VNS