|
President Tran Duc Luong and his wife hosted a gala dinner to welcome head delegates to the 5th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 5) at the Melia Hotel in Ha Noi on Friday night.
Speaking at the dinner, President Luong said: "ASEM is a
unique process embracing more than 2.3 billion people from
diverse cultures living over huge geographical areas, in
various ethnic and religious groups, and with different levels
of socio-economic development. Asia and Europe are cradles of
human civilisations and home to so many geniuses whose
scientific inventions and artistic masterpieces have enriched
our civilisation. These are parts of our valuable heritage of
cultural diversity. They take on special significance in the
age of globalisation and information technology.
"In relation to this, ASEM represents a suitable framework to
build unity through diversity and a comprehensive ASIA-EUROPE
partnership in the 21st century. The synergy of the two
continents can be maximized when this partnership is built on
the basis of mutual understanding, respect,
equality, and mutual benefit."
He went on: "It is a great honour and pride for the Vietnamese
people in general and for the people of Ha Noi in particular
to host ASEM-5, a momentous event in the ASEM process. In the
run up to the 1,000th anniversary of the foundation of their
city, the people of Ha Noi have also actively been
engaged in preparations for our Summit. They have held many
cultural, artistic and sporting activities including ASEM
contests in honour of this event, and to welcome the leaders,
delegates and distinguished guests from ASEM member countries.
"I believe
that during your stay here, you will also feel a festive
atmosphere of friendship, solidarity and hospitality from our
people. l do hope that you will benefit from your stay here
and will learn more about Viet Nam, its land and people,
millennium-long history, its cultural and national identity,
and its spectacular landscapes as well as the achievements of
the country's ongoing reform."-Enditem
| 
