OVs in France pray for good luck and peace for the Vietnamese expatriates in Truc Lam pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette city (Source: VNA)

Hundred of Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) flocked to the Truc Lam pagoda in Villebon-sur-Yvette city, France on January 31 (or the 1 st day of Lunar New Year) to pray for good luck and peace for the Vietnamese expatriates in Paris and neighbouring localities.

The event saw the presence of Vietnamese Ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung and Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, Ambassador Duong Van Quang, as well as Alain Guyader, Vice Mayor of Villebon-sur-Yvette.

Nguyen Thanh Hoa, an expatriate living in Paris, said after over 20 years living in France her family still maintains the custom of visiting a pagoda and praying for good luck every Tet holiday.

The same day, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung paid a Tet visit to the Overseas Vietnamese Association (OVA) in Vientiane and needy households in the city.

Hung lauded the efforts of the association leaders and OVs in strengthening the relationship between the two country.

He voiced his hope that in 2014, the OVA will carry out more practical activities supporting the homeland.

VNA