Focus
Strong Innovation to Enhance the Substantive Effectiveness of People-to-People Diplomacy in 2026
On January 9 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) convened the 14th Conference of its Presidium, 6th term, to review the results of activities in 2025 and outline key directions and tasks for 2026.
Focus
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Reviews 2025 Performance, Sets Tasks for 2026
The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations held a conference to review its work in 2025, set tasks for 2026 on January 6 in Ha Noi.
Focus
Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van: People-to-People Diplomacy Has Effectively Promoted Vietnam’s “Soft Power”
This was shared by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van ahead of the 2025 Conference to Review People-to-People Diplomacy.
Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association: 70 Years of Nurturing People-to-people Ties
On December 27 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association held a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding (1955-2025), reviewing the steadfast journey of a leading people-to-people diplomacy organization in connecting, fostering understanding, and building trust between the peoples of the two countries.
People-to-people Diplomacy Must Directly Nurture Viet Nam-Lao Strategic Connectivity
The Viet Nam-Lao Friendship Association held its third Executive Committee Conference of the fifth term on December 26 in Ha Noi. Speaking at the conference, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy must directly take part in nurturing and deepening the substance of “strategic connectivity,” a new framework in Viet Nam-Lao relations.
Many Practical Vietnam-Thailand People-to-People Exchanges to Be Held in 2026
The Viet Nam-Thailand Friendship Association of Hue city held its fourth congress for the 2025-2030 term on December 26. Speaking at the congress, Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the Central Viet Nam-Thailand Friendship Association, said that 2026 will be of special significance as Viet Nam and Thailand mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Central Association will coordinate with the Thailand-Viet Nam Friendship Association and local chapters to organize many practical people-to-people exchange activities between the two countries.
Vietnam-Saudi Arabia People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation Hold Significant Potential for Growth
On December 24 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy, on a farewell courtesy visit upon the conclusion of his term of office in Vietnam.
Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Meeting Through Film Frames and Historical Memories
On December 23 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association, organized the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Meeting program. Through interactive activities and documentary film screenings, the event aimed to share information about the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, while promoting understanding and strengthening connections between the Association and its partners.
Nguyen Ngoc Canh Elected President of Vietnam-UK Friendship Association for 5th Term
On December 14, 2025, in Hanoi, the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association (VUFA) held its 5th National Congress of Delegates for the 2025-2030 term.
Vietnam Affirms Its Consistent Stance in Supporting Palestinian People for Peace and Freedom
On December 12th in Hanoi, the Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with Palestinian People, the Vietnam-Palestine Friendship Association, and the Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam jointly organized a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29th).
Enhancing Educational Cooperation, Promoting Vietnam-Russia Friendship
On December 2 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received a courtesy call from the delegation of Saint Petersburg State University (Russian Federation) during their visit to Vietnam.
"Vietnamese & American Sons and Daughters Meeting": Healing War Wounds and Deepening Vietnam-US People-to-People Bonds
On December 1 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-USA Society, and the “Two Sides Project” (2SP/USA) held a meeting between the children of Vietnamese martyrs and the families of American service members who were killed in action or went missing during the war in Vietnam. On this occasion, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented Commemorative Medals and Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals of 2SP.
People-to-People Diplomacy: Soft Power Strengthening Vietnam - Poland Friendship
On November 28 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a friendship gathering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland.
People-to-People Exchanges Strengthen Vietnam–Romania Friendship
On November 29 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam–Romania Friendship Association held a Friendship Gathering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Romania and the 107th National Day of Romania.
Promoting People-to-People Exchanges Between Vietnamese and Palestinian Youth
On November 25 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, on the occasion of her official visit to Vietnam from November 25-27.
Opening Ceremony of 13th Viet Nam-China People’s Forum: Strengthening Relations from People’s Foundation
On November 24 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries held the Opening Ceremony of the 13th Viet Nam-China People’s Forum under the theme “75 Years of Viet Nam-China Friendship: Building a Stronger People-to-People Foundation”.
Vietnam-US Friendship Festival: Enhancing Mutual Understanding and Strengthening Trust Between Peoples of Two Countries
On November 23 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the US Mission to Vietnam, and the Hanoi People’s Committee jointly organized the Vietnam-US Friendship Festival. This event is part of a series of activities commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Traditional Day and Patriotic Emulation Congress for 2025-2030 Period
On 17 November in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations solemnly celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its Traditional Day and convened the Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period, while also proudly receiving the First-Class Labour Order.
Remark on 75th Anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations
VietnamTimes Magazine respectfully presents the full text of the speech delivered by President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son at the Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Traditional Day (17 November 1950 - 17 November 2025), the Conferment of the First-Class Labour Order, and the National Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period.
Congratulatory Letter from the President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations
On November 17, 2025, in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations solemnly held the Ceremony Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of its Traditional Day, the Presentation of the First-Class Labor Order, and the Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period. On this significant occasion, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son sent a congratulatory letter to all officials, public servants, employees, and individuals who have been and are directly engaged in people-to-people diplomacy within the system of the Union.
Strengthening Viet Nam-Europe People-to-People Ties Through Knowledge and Technology
In a world marked by volatility, people-to-people diplomacy serves as a bridge that nurtures mutual understanding and trust among nations, providing a durable foundation for friendship and cooperation. From contributing to peace and stability to unlocking external resources, the people-to-people channel has increasingly demonstrated its capacity to mobilize knowledge, technology, finance, and international experience for development. Through exchanges and cooperation among peoples, Viet Nam not only gains access to advanced models but also strengthens bilateral and multilateral cooperation programs in education, health, science and technology, environment, and innovation, thereby transforming goodwill and friendship into actionable capacity.
Multilateral People-to-People Diplomacy: Some Lessons and Reflections
Throughout 75 years of formation and development, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations have affirmed their core role in people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to strengthening and expanding the network of international friends, promoting and safeguarding national interests, and enhancing the position of Viet Nam in the international arena.
Hai Phong: Integrating People-to-People Diplomacy into Foreign Non-Governmental Projects
In recent years, the integration of people-to-people diplomacy into the implementation of foreign non-governmental programs and projects in Hai Phong City has produced highly practical and meaningful results.
