Friendship
Promoting Vietnam-Palestine Traditional Friendship through People-to-People Diplomacy
On July 22 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Vietnam Shadi Abu Zarqa. In a warm and trusting atmosphere, the two sides reaffirmed the importance they attach to the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Palestine and exchanged views on directions for strengthening cooperation in the coming period.
Friendship
Turning Older Persons Into a Resource for Development
The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations held a thematic workshop titled "Promoting the Role of Older Persons in the Context of Population Ageing: International Experiences and Opportunities for Cooperation for Sustainable Development" on July 24 in Hanoi. Participants said it is necessary to shift from viewing older persons primarily as recipients of care and support to recognizing and promoting them as a resource for development. They also called for stronger international cooperation in long-term care, the silver economy, digital transformation, and the development of active ageing models.
Friendship
Commemorating “A Truly Special Friend of Vietnam”
As the founding Chairwoman of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, revolutionary heroine Melba Hernández brought together Cuba’s political organizations, mass organizations, government agencies, and ministries, helping spread support for Vietnam throughout Cuban society and onto the international stage.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties, Unlocking Viet Nam-Iran Cooperation Potential
On July 24 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Viet Nam Akbar Ghasemi Ali Abadi. The two sides reaffirmed the importance they attach to the Viet Nam-Iran friendship and agreed to step up people-to-people exchanges, expand connections among localities, businesses, and organizations of the two countries, and contribute to advancing bilateral relations in a more substantive manner commensurate with their potential.
Lao Media Affirms Special Relationship between Vietnam and Laos
The editorial says the historical milestones demonstrate and reaffirm that the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two Parties, States and peoples will continue to develop and deepen in the years ahead.
Promoting Vietnam-RoK People-to-People Relations
From July 19-21, a delegation from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), led by Vice President Hoang Cong Thuy, paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), contributing to the promotion of people-to-people diplomacy and strengthening connections with the Vietnamese community of entrepreneurs, experts, and intellectuals in the country.
Friendship Order Conferred on Peter Jankowitsch and Austria-Vietnam Society
Peter Jankowitsch, Honorary President of the Austria-Vietnam Society and former Austrian Foreign Minister, together with the Austria-Vietnam Society, has made significant contributions to strengthening and developing the friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Austria.
Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association to Consolidate Local Chapters Following Administrative Merger
In the second half of 2026, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association will focus on consolidating its local chapters following the administrative merger of provinces and cities while implementing the 2025-2030 cooperation agreement signed with the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association. The Association also identified strengthening youth exchanges as a key priority for its upcoming activities.
Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association Advances Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen People-to-People Ties
On July 18 in Quang Tri Province, the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association held its Executive Committee Conference to review its work during the first six months of 2026 and identify key priorities for the coming time. Among its major objectives are advancing the signing of a cooperation agreement with the German-Vietnamese Association (DVG) and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Germany.
Hai Phong Mobilizes Over USD 1.36 Million in Non-Governmental Aid
In the first six months of 2026, the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations mobilized more than USD 1.36 million in foreign non-governmental aid, with over USD 1.1 million disbursed. In the coming period, the city will prioritize expanding cooperation in climate change response, sustainable livelihoods, education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Quang Ninh and Hanoi Friendship Unions of Friendship Organizations Strengthen Cooperation in People-to-People Diplomacy
The Quang Ninh Union of Friendship Organizations and the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations reached agreement on a wide range of cooperation priorities during a working session held on the morning of July 16, aiming to enhance the quality of people-to-people diplomacy and strengthen coordination between the two organizations.
Vietnam and Greece Promote Substantive and Effective Cooperation
On July 17, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung held talks with George Gerapetrins, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Greece, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam. The two sides discussed ways to further advance the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Greece in a substantive and effective manner.
“Encountering the Japanese Language in My Youth Was the Greatest Blessing of My Life”
“That is the greatest blessing of my life,” shared Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Ha, former Dean of the Japanese Language Faculty at the Foreign Trade University, at the ceremony honoring her with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, conferred by the Government of Japan on July 17 in Hanoi.
Artistic Artifacts Strengthen Vietnam-Russia Cultural Connection
The wife of the Russian Ambassador to Vietnam handed over three water puppet artifacts used in water puppetry performances of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to the Director General of the Museum of Oriental Art.
Can Tho Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam - Philippines Ties
A ceremony held in Can Tho marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines, highlighting five decades of friendship while reaffirming the role of people-to-people exchanges, education and local cooperation in advancing the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two ASEAN members.
Vietnam Inaugurates Embassy Office in Timor-Leste
The inauguration of Vietnam's Embassy office in the capital city of Dili marks an important step in strengthening diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste, enabling the mission to fully perform its political, economic, consular and community functions while supporting the country's ASEAN integration.
People-to-People Diplomacy Contributes to Deepening Vietnam-US Relations
The celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence Day in Ho Chi Minh City reaffirmed the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and the US.
Da Nang Promotes Connections with Localities and Businesses in Chile
At the ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile, leaders of Da Nang City called on the Embassy, trade promotion agencies, and Chilean businesses to strengthen connections with the city’s localities, organizations, and enterprises. They emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation in areas where both sides share strengths and mutual interests.
Vietnam Receives 14 Remains of Volunteer Soldiers and Experts from Cambodia
On July 14, at the Office of the Ta Keo Administrative Court in Cambodia, the Task Forces of An Giang and Ta Keo held a signing ceremony to officially hand over and receive the remains of 14 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts, collected during the 2025 - 2026 dry season.
Thanh Hoa and Saint Petersburg (Russia) Strengthen Cooperation
On the afternoon of July 13, Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Hoa, welcomed and held talks with a delegation from Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, led by Vyacheslav Gennadyevich Kalganov, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg. The visit focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation with Thanh Hoa.
Vietnam and Timor-Leste Promote Cooperation
On July 13 in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, Vietnamese Chargé d’Affaires Pham Binh Dam met with Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who also serves as Minister for Coordinating Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment. They discussed measures to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and agreed to promote the implementation of practical cooperation programs in the near future.
Ambassador Choi Young Sam Awarded “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal
During his tenure in Vietnam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam Choi Young Sam has made significant contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea. Through his support for high-level visits and efforts to strengthen connections among localities, businesses, and people of the two countries, the Ambassador has helped deepen the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while expanding cooperation in people-to-people exchanges. In recognition of these contributions, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented him with the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal at a ceremony held in Hanoi on July 14.
Vietnam, Algeria Strengthen Traditional Ties
Before concluding his tenure, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh paid a farewell visit and held talks with leaders of the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) on July 13 in Algiers. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to further consolidate the traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation between the two Parties, and expand collaboration across various fields.
