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On December 14, during her visit to New Caledonia, a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese , led by Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, Chairperson of the Committee, carried out various activities to meet and engage with the Vietnamese community.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang visited and presented gifts to Nam Hai Pho Da Pagoda.

Accompanying the delegation were Ambassador of Vietnam to France Dinh Toan Thang and Consul General of Vietnam in Sydney, Australia, Nguyen Thanh Tung.

During a working session with the Executive Board of the Vietnam-New Caledonia Friendship Association at its headquarters, the Association's Chairman, Patrick Guillon, briefed the delegation on the history and current status of the local Vietnamese community, as well as the structure and activities of the Friendship Association.

The Vietnamese community in New Caledonia dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially including exiled prisoners under French rule, followed by mine workers and voluntary migrants.

Thanks to their intelligence, diligence, and determination, the community, now numbering approximately 5,000 people, mainly engages in business and has achieved notable economic success and stability.

The community fosters a spirit of mutual support and solidarity, maintains close ties with family and relatives in Vietnam, and contributes to numerous humanitarian activities directed toward their homeland.

Established in 1974, the Vietnam-New Caledonia Friendship Association includes mainly Vietnamese individuals born and reported in New Caledonia. Through active efforts by its Chairman and Executive Board, the Association has gained credibility and strong support from local authorities.

Each year, the Association organizes various activities to unite the community, support integration and development, and preserve cultural identity. These include traditional Tet celebrations, cultural and sports events, and Vietnamese language classes for youth and older generations.

During her visit, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed her delight in observing the community's good integration, adherence to local laws, and harmonious coexistence with the local people, contributing to the socio-economic development of New Caledonia.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and the delegation at the Chan Dang monument.

She commended the Association for its critical role in strengthening community solidarity, fostering mutual support, and organizing meaningful activities directed toward their homeland. She encouraged continued efforts to build a united, strong, and culturally rich community.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese always stand ready to support the community in protecting their legitimate rights and interests, as well as in cultural preservation, community activities, and Vietnamese language education.

Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang expressed his joy at the unity and growth of the community, hoping for outstanding individuals to continue leading the Association, connecting the community, and supporting the work of Vietnamese representative agencies and domestic organizations.

Consul General Nguyen Thanh Tung assures that the Vietnamese Consulate General in Sydney will provide maximum support in consular matters, including passports, visas, and safeguarding the legitimate rights of the community.

Following the meeting with the Executive Board, the delegation participated in a warm gathering with approximately 200 expatriates at the Vietnam House. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang conveyed heartfelt greetings and warmest regards from their homeland.

She emphasized that the Vietnamese in New Caledonia are true "ambassadors" of Vietnam, urging them to preserve their cultural traditions and the Vietnamese language while maintaining a positive image among the people of New Caledonia.

Sharing details of her meetings with French and New Caledonian officials, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed pride and emotion in hearing their appreciation for the Vietnamese community's admirable qualities, such as solidarity, mutual support, and contributions to local development.

She called on New Caledonian authorities to continue supporting the Vietnamese community's safety, business activities, and representation, ensuring their voice and rights are respected.

Deputy Minister Hang expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in New Caledonia, with its cultural heritage and traditional values, will continue to thrive and contribute further to the friendship between New Caledonia and Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and overseas Vietnamese at the headquarters of the Vietnam-New Caledonia Friendship Association Executive Committee.

She also briefed the community on Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and future development plans, emphasizing the country's ambition to enter a new era of growth and national advancement.

Highlighting recent policies for overseas Vietnamese, including changes to land, identification housing, business, and personal laws, she urged the Consulate General in Sydney to assist the community in accessing these new policies effectively.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and the delegation laid flowers at the Chan Dang Monument, visited the Vietnam Quarter, met and presented gifts to Nam Hai Pho Da Pagoda, inaugurated a Vietnamese Book Cabinet for the community, and participated in a ceremony awarding French teaching certificates to some expatriates in New Caledonia.

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