Dien Bien: Renewing Content and Methods of People-to-People Diplomacy

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Speaking at the congress, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Nguyen Ngoc Hung stated that Dien Bien - the land “resounding across five continents and shaking the globe” - is not only an immortal symbol of the Vietnamese nation’s will for independence and self-reliance but also a vivid emblem of pure international solidarity. On this land, the friendship between the Vietnamese people and international friends, especially with the peoples of Laos, China, Cambodia, and other socialist countries, was established, nurtured, and strengthened over time.

Therefore, the official establishment of the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations, a specialized body in people-to-people diplomacy, carries profound significance. It demonstrates the strategic vision and determination of the Provincial Party Committee, the People’s Council, the People’s Committee, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee of Dien Bien Province in affirming that people-to-people diplomacy is an essential and indispensable channel for a border province with such a strategic position as Dien Bien.

It also reflects a deep awareness that people-to-people diplomacy serves as an important tool to promote the province’s proud history, introduce its socio-economic development potential, and attract resources to realize Dien Bien’s breakthrough and accelerated growth goals in the coming period.

Delegates attend the congress. (Photo: Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations)

The establishment of the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations also affirms that the process of organizational streamlining and consolidation has been carried out scientifically and practically, based on the actual needs of the locality rather than rigid or mechanical models.

In the new tenure, Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Hung requested that the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations continue to advise the Provincial Party Committee and the People’s Committee to thoroughly grasp the Party’s orientations and guidelines on foreign affairs, especially Directive No. 12-CT/TW of the Party Central Secretariat on strengthening the Party’s leadership and enhancing the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in the new situation.

It is necessary to clearly define the role of the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations as the core, coordinating, and connecting body that brings together forces and spreads the spirit of solidarity and friendship between the people of Dien Bien and those of other countries.

The Union should continue to promote activities that foster peace, solidarity, and friendship, particularly with neighboring countries and traditional partners, thus deepening the friendly and cooperative relations between Dien Bien and international friends.

Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Hung speaks at the congress. (Photo: Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations)

Given the demands of the new period, Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Hung emphasized the need for the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations to continue innovating its mindset and approach in mobilizing non-governmental aid. Specifically, it should proactively engage and advocate with foreign non-governmental organizations by focusing on retaining those already operating effectively in the province while also expanding cooperation and attracting new potential partners.

The Union should work with relevant departments and sectors to build a database of programs and projects in need of cooperation and support, as well as remove obstacles and create favorable administrative conditions for foreign NGOs operating in Dien Bien.

Vice President Nguyen Ngoc Hung also stressed the importance of renewing and strengthening external communication, and of building a team of professional staff with strong political will, a solid grasp of the Party’s foreign policy, professional competence, and proficiency in foreign languages.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the congress. (Photo: Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations)

According to the personnel proposal presented at the congress, the Executive Committee of the first tenure of the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations consists of 29 members; 28 members were elected at the congress, with one position left vacant. The Standing Committee includes nine members, of whom eight were elected, with one position remaining vacant.

Pham Ngoc Han, President of the Dien Bien Journalists’ Association, was elected President of the Dien Bien Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2025-2030 tenure.

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