(VOVworld) – Vietnamese Tet customs and performances were introduced to more than 1,000 guests for the first time in the Paris City Hall on Tuesday. A huge tray of five fruits, and peach and apricot blossoms and other flowers were beautifully displayed, featuring the motherland of Vietnam with spectacular landscapes.

Opening the ceremony, Paris mayor Bertrand Delanoe spoke highly of the Vietnamese community, who successfully integrate into the local community and contribute to the municipal development: “I would like to express my appreciation for the Vietnamese community in Paris. The Parisians praise you for remembering the past and ancestors, while preserving traditions, integrating well into life in Paris and contributing to city development. The Vietnam-France Year of cross exchanges 2013-2014 is a marvelous opportunity for us to boost cooperation. We wish you a happy new year!”.

Paris city mayor addresses the ceremony

Hong Anh, a member of the Vietnamese Association’s executive board, looked proud and happy in her traditional dress called ao dai: “The first Vietnamese Tet is held in the Paris City Hall. I feel very proud of the Vietnamese community here. Coming here, I wear our traditional dress that I love very much”.

Vietnamese ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung said both countries are looking forwards to the visit to Vietnam by the French President in 2014 and the implementation of the signed agreement on building their strategic partnership. This year, there will be more than 100 activities to promote Vietnam’s dynamic integration. Ambassador Dung expressed his hope that the overseas Vietnamese will continue to uphold their unity and help in national development.