(VOVworld) - The State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated its 55th founding anniversary (November 23, 1959) in Hanoi on Friday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh speaks at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh highlighted the commission’s efforts to overcome difficulties and make crucial contributions to issues relating to overseas Vietnamese in particular and external affairs in general. Mr. Minh pointed out future task, which is to promote a spirit of solidarity and collective power as well as call on Overseas Vietnamese to turn toward and make further contribution to Vietnam’s construction and defence. With its outstanding achievements, the commission was awarded a number of noble titles by the Party and State, including the Ho Chi Minh Order, the Independence Order (first class), and the Labour Order (first class).