It is necessary to build a strong, united and prosperous overseas Vietnamese community that integrates well into their resident countries and actively contributes to Vietnam’s national construction and development.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son made this statement on September 28 at the closing ceremony of the second conference for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in HCM City.

 Under the theme “Vision to 2020 – Overseas Vietnamese Community’s Integration and Development with the Nation”, the conference focused on building a strong, prosperous, and united Vietnamese community abroad that integrates well in their resident countries, preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity, and contributing to national construction.

More than 100 opinions and reports were delivered and discussed at the conference, pointing out the shortcomings in current OV activities and proposing orientations and practical solutions.

The event offered the opportunity to exchange and identify orientations to allow OVs to play an active role in building a strong community and contribute to comprehensive integration in line with the country’s development strategy.

Vietnamese ambassador to the Czech Republic, Do Xuan Dong, said that around 60,000 Vietnamese living in the country are now key members of Vietnam’s representative offices. He added that OVs in the Czech Republic should continue integrating well to develop and secure a firm foothold in their new community. “We also urge them to respect and comply with the laws of the resident country, learn the local language and promote Vietnamese culture abroad”, said Ambassador Dong.

Deputy FM Nguyen Thanh Son said that the valuable opinions given by delegates represent the voices of nearly 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese living in different parts of the world. These statements and opinions will be conveyed to Party and State leaders, as well as relevant agencies, providing ground for the government to adjust, refine and implement policies on OVs.

Son highlighted international sentiments and contributions to Vietnam. He said he hopes that their recent trip to the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands will encourage others to travel there in the future and also spoke highly of the delegates’ contributions to the Islands during the trip.

He said he hopes the 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese around the world will unite to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam that will live up to the ancestors’ aspirations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also presented certificates of merit to 27 collectives and individuals at the event in recognition of their achievements in developing the OV community and contributions to the cause of national construction and defense.

(VOV)