Vietnamese New Year - Tet Celebration at the Embassy
With Vietnamese Lunar New Year - Tet - setting in this week (Feb. 7), Ambassador and Mrs. Le Cong Phung hosted receptions on Wednesday and Saturday at the Embassy to welcome the biggest traditional yearly event of the Vietnamese people.
In a cozy atmosphere, U.S. officials, congressional staffers, business representatives and friends as well as Vietnamese living in the US were entertained Vietnamese traditional culinary and music. Ambassador Phung noted this year celebration itself borne a particular significance as it not only marked the beginning of his service as Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, but would also be expected to witness some "dramatic change in our bilateral ties which are broadening and deepening."
The New Year is the time to "look at the past to predict the future", said the Ambassador,
recalling important steps forwards in all aspects in the relationship between the two countries since the diplomatic normalization in 1995. Mr. Phung envisioned that the US would become Vietnam's top trade partner and investor in a not-long-distant future, given the enormous potentials of Vietnam - US economic cooperation.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to friends for their valuable supports and assistance in promoting the bilateral ties and wished them good health, happiness, harmony and prosperity in the New Year.
The Ambassador's remark (audio)
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Ambassador Phung Presents Well Wishers to the guests |
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Banh Chung, Banh Tet - Tradition Tet Sticky Rice Cake |
And the Well Wishers to the Children |
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Nem - Spring Rolls |
 Red Stick Rice |
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