Hanoi, April 10 -- Vietnam is a unified nation comprising 54 ethnic groups, among which the Khmer community, with its distinctive cultural heritage, forms an inseparable part, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said in a letter sent on April 10 to the Khmer people, officials and Buddhist monks on the occasion of their traditional New Year festival, Chol Chnam Thmay. In his message, the Government leader highlighted that with their strong patriotic tradition, the Khmer people have consistently placed their trust in the leadership of the Party and State, joining hands with people nationwide to contribute to the cause of national construction and defence. He reaffirmed that ethnic and religious affairs hold strategic importance and remain the respo...