​On January 29, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations organized a Friendship Meeting with Ambassadors, Charge d'Affaires, Chief Representatives of diplomatic agencies, international organizations, and foreign non - governmental organizations, friends and partners.

Vietnamese delegates included Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh - Member of the Central Party Committee, Chairwoman of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee, Chairwoman of the Vietnam - France Association of Friendship and Cooperation; Mr. Vu Hai Ha, Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Standing Deputy Head of the Central Party Committee's Commission for External Relations; Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Representatives of leaders of a number of departments, ministries, sectors of the central government and Hanoi city.

Also at the event, there were members of the Standing Committee and the Presidium, representatives of leaders of central and local member organizations, and officers of the standing agency of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.

Mr. Phan Anh Son - President of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations speaking at the event

Speaking at the event, Mr. Phan Anh Son, President of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, said: “In 2023, the world and regional situation faces many complex and unpredictable changes. Regarding the domestic situation, 2023 is a pivotal year for implementing the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress and strategies and plans for building and developing the country. Vietnam has achieved many achievements in socio - economic development. 2023 is also a successful year for foreign affairs. In particular, with solidarity, determination to innovate, create, overcome difficulties, and the motto "proactive, flexible, creative, effective", Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has achieved many important results in people - to - people diplomacy; foreign non – governmental affairs; research, external information and propaganda.

The people - to - people diplomacy activities of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations are closely linked, contributing effectively to Party diplomacy and State diplomacy, contributing to creating a positive social foundation to promote relations, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations actively supports foreign non - governmental organizations operating in Vietnam with administrative procedures; or to connect with localities, ministries and sectors of Vietnam; coordinates with partners and sponsors to deploy activities and projects... In 2023, foreign non - governmental organizations contribute nearly 228 million USD to implement programs and projects in Vietnam.

Delegates watching performances to welcome the new year

To continue promoting the achievements, in the coming time, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations will focus on promoting the following work:

Firstly, promote and strengthen the organizational system from the central to local levels and train a team of specialized officials incharge of people - to - people foreign affairs.

Secondly, strongly innovate thinking, approaches, methods of organization and content of people – to – people diplomacy activities.

Thirdly, maintain, strengthen and expand a strong, reputable and widespread network of partners in the regions; expand, participate effectively in multilateral mechanisms.

Fourthly, improve the effectiveness of cooperation and support for the activities of foreign non - governmental organizations.

Fifthly, promote and boost the application of modern technology and new media trends to improve the effectiveness of information and foreign propaganda.

Sixthly, continue to improve the quality of management, research, and consultation work.”.

At the event, delegates met and discussed; enjoyed music and traditional Vietnamese food on the occasion of Lunar New Year.