President calls for overseas Vietnamese to join hands in nation-building efforts

“I urged our compatriots abroad to foster unity, embrace patriotism, and collaborate with those at home to achieve the nation’s vital mission,” State President Luong Cuong told overseas Vietnamese on January 19. 

President Luong Cuong said at the art performance on the evening of January 19 within the Homeland Spring 2025 Program. Photos: VGP

The Party and State appreciate overseas Vietnamese (OVs)’ contributions to nation-building and development, and their efforts to achieve the vision of a strong and prosperous Vietnam, President Luong Cuong said at the art performance on the evening of January 19 within the Homeland Spring 2025 Program.

He affirmed that the Party and State have consistently valued the overseas Vietnamese community as an inseparable part of the nation and a vital resource for the country’s development. In the future, policies will be reinforced to address their aspirations, promote patriotism, preserve the Vietnamese language, and uphold the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage.

He briefed on Vietnam’s strong foundation to confidently enter a new era of development, prosperity, and strength, aiming to build a socialist nation where people are prosperous, free, and happy. The country will stand alongside global powers, contributing to peace and stability. With a rich history of resilience, Vietnam must seize this opportunity for growth, with all citizens, both at home and abroad, contributing to the nation’s progress.

The president talked about the country’s 2024 achievements with a GDP growth rate of above 7%. Vietnam ranked in the top 35 global economies and the top 20 in trade, playing a key role in 19 free trade agreements. In December 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention against Cybercrime, which will open for signature at a formal ceremony to be hosted in Hanoi in 2025. It marks the first time a Vietnamese location has been linked to a global treaty, highlighting Vietnam’s growing international role and reputation.

Over the past year, Vietnam faced numerous challenges, including global and regional instability and natural disasters. However, the country achieved political and social stability while maintaining national security. 

One of the art performance held on January 19.

He said the Party, State, and locals in Vietnam have always followed the situation of OVs abroad. Despite hardships, including war and natural disasters, they have remained resilient, improving their lives and self-positioning in their host societies with some gaining global recognition. It demonstrates the Vietnamese people's courage, determination, and strength, further enhancing the community's international standing.

Notably, OVs stayed connected to their homeland, supporting Typhoon Yagi victims, reflecting the patriotism and unity they hold for Vietnam and their fellow citizens.

President Luong Cuong noted that 2025 would mark key anniversaries for Vietnam, including the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 50th anniversary of reunification. Despite enduring immense war and suffering, Vietnam is described today as an independent country with strong global integration, diplomatic ties with 194 countries, and active participation in over 70 international organizations.

He stressed the role of OVs in promoting the national status, saying that every Vietnamese, whether at home or abroad, was considered part of the shared heritage, with a reference to President Ho Chi Minh’s words “Different fingers, but together they form a hand.”

He believed that Vietnamese people would build a prosperous and happy Vietnam, with hopes of contributing to global peace and development. Every Vietnamese, at home or abroad, was urged to unite in this journey.

On this occasion, he said no matter where Vietnamese people are, Tet (the Lunar New Year) is a time to reconnect with the homeland and honor the nation’s cultural values, “reminding us that we remain an inseparable part of Vietnam.” 

Part of the art performance.