|
ASEM 5 Gala Dinner held
|
|
|
|
16:36
|
09/10/2004
|
|
|
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 Vietnam, 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."
(CPV/VNA)
|
|
|
Keywords of this news:
|
|
|
|