The Party and State always create the best possible conditions for Vietnamese nationals abroad to live a stable life, preserve traditional cultural identity and turn their hearts and minds to the homeland.

 

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan reaffirmed Party and State policy towards the overseas Vietnamese community at a meeting in the northern port city of Hai Phong on January 10 to mark the day when late President Ho Chi Minh welcomed more than 900 Vietnamese expatriates returning to the homeland 50 years ago.

 

The Party and State consider Vietnamese nationals abroad an indispensable part of the Vietnamese nation and an important factor in promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries, said Ms Doan.

 

She acknowledged their contributions to the homeland over the past years and called on them to unite, instil patriotism in their minds, place trust in the Party and contribute to building a strong and prosperous Vietnamese nation.

 

Although half a century has elapsed, Nguyen Huu Phuoc, a resident in Ninh Binh province, who was aboard a ship to Vietnam in 1960, could not hold back his tears recalling the moment when he heard President Ho’s sweet voice on a chilly day.

 

“President Ho encouraged overseas Vietnamese to stand shoulder to shoulder with northern people to overcome difficulties, take an active part in emulation campaigns and practice thrift to build a prosperous nation,” Mr Phuoc recalled. 

 

“We were very moved, because we thought that we would never in our lives meet the great leader,” said Mr Phuoc.

 

Unlike Mr Phuoc, Tran Kim, another Vietnamese national returning from France four years later, said he still remembered President Ho welcoming passengers aboard a ship in 1964.

 

“We were moved to see President Ho in Hai Phong,” said Mr Kim. “We were very happy to return to our homeland and meet with President Ho.”

 

In response to the President’s appeal, more than 64,000 overseas Vietnamese returned between 1960-1964 to provide physical and material support for the revolutionary cause.

 

VietNamNet/VOV