Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his spouse welcome delegates at the event. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and his spouse hosted a reception in Hà Nội on Thursday evening for foreign ambassadors, charge d’affaires and heads of international organisations.

It was held to mark the 74th National Day of Việt Nam (September 2, 1945-2019).

Addressing the event, PM Phúc expressed thanks for the effective assistance and precious support from international friends and partners.

He stressed that over the past seven decades, millions of Vietnamese people, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, have overcome countless hurdles in the arduous struggle for national independence and reunification.

Việt Nam has made every effort in strengthening international integration, successfully transforming their out-dated and war-ravaged economy into a dynamic, thriving one. Việt Nam, as an active and responsible member of the international community, has significantly contributed to peace, cooperation and development, the PM said.

He gave a short review of the socio-economic situation in Việt Nam in 2019, noting that based on the results of the first eight months, it can be projected that the country will achieve a GDP growth of 6.7 to 7 per cent in 2019, higher than the regional and global average. Việt Nam stands determined to achieve an even greater growth in 2020, Phúc said.

The Government leader said 2020 will be an eventful year for Việt Nam, as it marks the conclusion of the Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2016-20 with major goals and missions, and the transition to a new phase of high growth in the third decade of the 21st century.

More notably, Việt Nam will take on dual international responsibilities: the ASEAN Chairmanship and a non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-21 tenure. “This is the pride of our nation and also our aspiration. It is as well a weighty responsibility entrusted by the international community,” he said.

PM Phúc expressed the gratitude towards nations and partners for electing Việt Nam to the United Nations Security Council with a record number of votes. He also asked for cooperation of other ASEAN members during Việt Nam’s ASEAN Chairmanship for the success of the ASEAN Vision 2025.

Head of the diplomatic corps in Việt Nam, Venezuelan Ambassador, Jorge Rondón Uzcátegui remarked that 2019 is a memorable year as Việt Nam marks 50 years implementing President Hồ Chí Minh’s testament, the “lodestar” for the Vietnamese people.  

He also highlighted Việt Nam’s remarkable achievements in 2018, with a 7.08 per cent GDP growth, a good trade surplus, strong tourism development and increases in foreign investment attraction.

That Việt Nam was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council with 192 out of 193 votes demonstrated the country’s excellent performance in the international arena, the ambassador said, adding that Việt Nam will also assume the Chair of ASEAN at a time when the bloc is strengthening its integration process and central role in Southeast Asia. — VNS