Friendship
India and Vietnam: Partners United by Sacred Buddhist Bridge and Historic Solidarity
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of India’s Independence Day (August 15), VietnamTimes Magazine is honoured to present an article by H.E. Tshering W. Sherpa, Ambassador of India to Vietnam, highlighting India’s development achievements and the steadfast commitment of both India and Vietnam to advancing their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Friendship
Linking People-to-People Friendship Activities with the “Three Connections” Strategy
A meeting was held in Tuyen Quang on August 13 to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976 - August 6, 2026). At the event, Senior Lieutenant General and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Thanh, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, proposed linking people-to-people friendship activities with the “Three Connections” strategy covering supply chains, businesses and localities, and sustainable development. He also suggested areas of cooperation with Thailand that align with the province’s strengths.
Friendship
Quang Tri Preserves Memories of Cuban Leader Fidel Castro
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926–August 13, 2026), memories of his historic visit to the liberated area of Quang Tri in 1973 are being recalled. More than half a century later, the special bond forged at that time remains alive in the memories of local people and through monuments that bear witness to Vietnam-Cuba friendship.
New Zealand Media: Ties with Vietnam Enter New Closer Engagement Phase
Many New Zealand’s media agencies and observers have highlighted that Vietnam-New Zealand relations are entering a new opportunity of stronger growth, on the basis of growing political trust.
Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association Promotes People-to-People Connectivity Through Buddhist Exchanges
From Vietnamese-language classes and cultural activities to community support at Truc Lam Vietnam Zen Monastery in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Buddhist exchanges are creating more direct connections between the peoples of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The Vietnam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association has identified this as a channel that should continue to be promoted during its 2026–2031 term.
People-to-People Exchanges Provide Sustainable Foundation for Vietnam-New Zealand Relations
Acting President of New Zealand-Vietnam Friendship Association believes Party General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit could create further opportunities for Vietnam-New Zealand relations to become more visible and substantive in New Zealand.
Writing a New Chapter of Viet Nam-New Zealand Cooperation
At the invitation of New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam To Lam, accompanied by a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, is paying a State visit to New Zealand.
Viet Nam-Spain: Expanding from Friendship Exchanges to People-to-People, Knowledge and Local-Level Connections
On the morning of August 11 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam-Spain Friendship Association held its 4th National Congress for the 2026-2031 term. The Congress elected a new Executive Committee and expressed its confidence in re-electing Nguyen Duc Loi as President of the Association.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Pays Tribute to Lao National Assembly President
On August 11 in Hanoi, a delegation from the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, led by its President Phan Anh Son, visited the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam to pay tribute and sign the condolence book in memory of Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association Pays Tribute to Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane
On August 10 in Hanoi, a delegation from the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, led by Nguyen Dac Vinh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Society, and President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, visited the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vietnam to sign the condolence book in memory of Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
50 Years of Viet Nam-Thailand Relations: Expanding Connections Among Localities, Businesses and Younger Generations
After 50 years of diplomatic relations, people-to-people exchanges between Viet Nam and Thailand are moving towards more concrete connections among localities, businesses and younger generations. At a commemorative ceremony in Nghe An, leaders of the two friendship associations outlined key priorities for the coming period, ranging from local economic linkages and connections among small and medium-sized enterprises to innovation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Canadian Friend Shares about Vietnam’s Independence and Self-reliance Value
The member of CPC ML Margaret Villamizar said what impressed her about Vietnamese people was their steadfast determination to fight for independence and the right to self-determination.
Xaysomphone Phomvihane Leaves Great Legacy in Vietnam-Laos Special Ties
With the passing of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the Party, State and people of Laos have lost a talented and exemplary leader, while the Party, State and people of Vietnam have lost a close, loyal and trusted friend and a comrade who always stood side by side with them.
People-to-People Diplomacy Strengthens Friendship and Expands Vietnam-Belarus Cooperation
On August 8, in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association, in coordination with the Embassy of Belarus in Vietnam, held a friendship gathering to mark the 35th anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Belarus. Representatives of both sides underscored the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening friendship, expanding practical cooperation, and deepening the Vietnam-Belarus Strategic Partnership.
Swiss Friends: From Opposing War to Standing with Vietnamese Agent Orange Victims
Since the 1960s and 1970s, many Swiss people have joined anti-war movements and spoken out in support of independence and peace for Vietnam. After the war, this solidarity continued through humanitarian activities, community support, and efforts to stand alongside those still suffering the consequences of the war, including victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.
IESC Supports Vietnam in Modernizing Agriculture and Promoting Digital Transformation
On August 7 in Hanoi, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, received Chad Ford, Vice President of IESC (United States), and presented him with the Certificate of Registration for the establishment of IESC’s Representative Office in Vietnam. The two sides also discussed the implementation of the “US-Vietnam Agricultural Trade Expansion and Food Safety” project, which aims to promote digital transformation, modernize agriculture, and expand development cooperation between the two countries.
30 Years of People-to-People Diplomacy between Vietnam and Thailand
The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026) and the 30th anniversary of the establishment and development of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association (1996-2026). Throughout the history of bilateral relations, the Association has consistently nurtured the friendship between the two countries while gradually expanding its activities from traditional exchanges to cooperation among localities and businesses, as well as in education, culture and among younger generations, thereby contributing to greater understanding and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and Thailand.
Traditional Attire Tells Story of 50 Years of Vietnam-Thailand Relations
On August 6, the exhibition "Woven Ties: 50 Years of Vietnam-Thailand Diplomatic Relations" opened in Hanoi, showcasing the traditional attire of Vietnam and Thailand while highlighting the cultural affinities between the two countries. The event also underscored the role of people-to-people exchanges throughout the half-century of bilateral relations.
Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Rooted in History, Culture and People-to-People Ties
Vietnam and Thailand share a close relationship rooted in history and culture. Long before the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, President Ho Chi Minh played an important role in fostering the bond between their peoples. Although he spent only a relatively short period in Thailand, he left behind a profound legacy of friendship.
Russian Veterans Reunite at Vietnamese Embassy to Honor Enduring Friendship
On 5 August, following longstanding tradition, the 53rd gathering of Russian veterans who served in Vietnam during the wartime period was held at the Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation.
Strongly Innovating People-to-People Diplomacy Toward More Proactive, Enabling, Connected, and Development-Oriented Approach
On the morning of August 5 in Hanoi, as part of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a plenary session on Party diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. The session was held in a hybrid format, connecting participants in person with 34 provinces and centrally governed cities nationwide, as well as Vietnam's representative missions abroad.
People-to-People Exchanges Bring Thailand-Vietnam Relations Closer
On August 4, the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations and the Can Tho Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, in coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, held a gathering to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026). Highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the Thai Consul General said that cultural, educational, tourism, culinary, artistic, and youth exchange activities have helped bring Thailand-Vietnam relations closer and foster stronger bonds between the two peoples.
Memories of Fidel Castro - Great Friend of Vietnamese People
Having arrived in Cuba in 1963 and later serving as an interpreter and coordinator during President Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in 1973, Nguyen Xuan Phong, former Director General of the Department of the Americas under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recalled enduring memories of a steadfast and devoted friend of the Vietnamese people.
