Friendship
Three Decades of People-to-People Friendship Between Vietnam and Uzbekistan
On August 22, a program marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association (1996-2026) and the annual gathering of people who have studied, worked, or developed an affection for Uzbekistan was held in Hanoi.
Friendship
Ho Chi Minh City Celebrates Vietnam-Hungary Friendship
Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a gathering to celebrate Hungary’s National Day (August 20), demonstrating the solidarity and friendship between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the people of Hungary.
Friendship
Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Friendship Celebrated Through Traditional Dances
As the country prepares to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, soldiers from Regiment 4, Division 5, Military Region 7 joined in friendship dances featuring the cultural colors of Laos and Cambodia.
Building Shared Space for Vietnam-Singapore Friendship
On August 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a gathering to celebrate the 61st National Day of the Republic of Singapore. At the event, the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association proposed establishing a “Vietnam-Singapore Cultural and Friendship Space.”
Culture Strengthens Understanding and People-to-People Bonds in ASEAN
On August 19 in Hanoi, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Embassy of the Philippines and embassies of ASEAN countries in Vietnam, organized the 2026 “Colors of ASEAN Culture” Friendship Exchange Program, contributing to greater understanding, closer bonds and friendship between the Vietnamese people and peoples of countries across the region.
Honoring Enduring Friendship and Close Cooperation Between Vietnam and Thailand
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said the 81st National Day celebration marks a pivotal year for Vietnam, following the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties Between Vietnam and Uruguay
On August 18 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son received a Uruguayan delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries through education, cultural exchanges, local cooperation, and other areas.
Promoting Vietnam-Mexico People-to-People Friendship
On August 17 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received a high-level delegation of the Mexican Labor Party led by General Secretary and Federal Senator Alberto Anaya Gutiérrez, who is visiting and working in Vietnam. The two sides discussed strengthening exchanges and promoting friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Mexico, with particular attention to gradually establishing focal points and friendship organizations between the two countries.
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.
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.
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.
