(VOVworld) - President Tran Dai Quang on Thursday met 122 village chiefs, artisans, and other influential people from ethnic minority groups in 15 northern mountainous provinces. This was part of activities to celebrate Cultural Day of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups, April 19.

President Tran Dai Quang spoke at a meeting with village chiefs and influential people from ethnic minority groups (Photo: Viet Cuong/ VOV)

Mr. Quang lauded his guests’ contributions to national construction and defense and ethnic cultural affairs, saying these contributions have improved the lives of ethnic minorities. He said: "Authorities need to support border and mountain areas to narrow the development gap between regions and between social strata. It is essential to mobilize the efforts of the political system and society to preserve and develop the cultural values of ethnic groups".