Friendship
Argentine Ex-revolutionary Details Lifelong Bond with Vietnam
From Argentina, Jorge Gessaga, a young man of Italian, Spanish and indigenous descent, followed Vietnam's resistance against foreign intervention. Vietnam's steadfastness in defending its sovereignty became a defining lesson: a small nation could achieve what seemed impossible with strong belief and determination under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Friendship
"Two Vietnamese Friends Devoted to Fostering Vietnam-Cuba Friendship"
For many years, Phuong Song Lien has brought together Vietnamese people who once studied in Cuba, introduced the country, its people and bilateral relations, and mobilized solidarity and support for Cuba. Nguyen Xuan Phong has directly engaged in foreign affairs, interpretation, introduced Vietnam in Cuba, and preserved materials documenting the relationship between the two countries. The Cuban State has awarded the Friendship Medal to Lien and Phong in recognition of these contributions.
Focus
“Red Journey” in Guangdong 2026: Connecting Vietnamese and Chinese Youth
On the morning of August 28, 2026, in Guangzhou, China, the closing ceremony of the “Red Journey for Study and Research by Vietnamese Youth” was held after five days of study, exchange, research and experiential activities.
Vietnam’s Transformation Through International Eyes
Through return visits to Vietnam and direct cooperation with Vietnamese partners, many international friends have seen a country that has changed rapidly in its appearance, living standards, research and technology, while also creating new opportunities for cooperation in emerging fields.
Connections Deepening Vietnam-RoK Friendship
The Vietnam-RoK Friendship Association has expanded its connections with communities, localities, businesses, educational institutions, and Korean friends, thereby contributing to deepening friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
World Peoples Assembly Days in Viet Nam 2026 Conclude, Opening New Avenues for Cooperation
On the afternoon of August 27, the event “World Peoples Assembly Days in Viet Nam 2026” concluded, opening a new chapter of cooperation between the World Peoples Assembly and its Vietnamese partners.
Expanding Scientific and Educational Cooperation for Vietnam-Russia Development
On August 26 in Hanoi, as part of the World Peoples Assembly Days in Vietnam, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and the World Peoples Assembly, in coordination with the University of Economics and Business (UEB) - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, held a seminar themed “International Cooperation in Science and Education as a Driver of Sustainable Development.” The seminar discussed solutions to expand cooperation in education, science and technology, with an emphasis on strengthening connections between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.
Nguyen Thanh Hai Elected President of Viet Nam-RoK Friendship Association for 2026-2031 Term
On August 26 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam-Republic of Korea (RoK) Friendship Association held its 4th National Congress for the 2026-2031 term. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee, Chairwoman of the National Assembly Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, and Chairwoman of the Viet Nam-RoK Parliamentary Friendship Group, was elected President of the Association. The Association aims to link friendship exchanges with substantive cooperation.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and World Peoples Assembly Maintain Regular Cooperation
On August 26 in Hanoi, Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, received a courtesy visit from a delegation of the World Peoples Assembly led by Andrey Belyaninov, Secretary-General of the World Peoples Assembly and a member of the UNESCO Committee of the Russian Federation. The two sides exchanged a number of proposals to maintain regular cooperation and expand connections in education, culture, local-level cooperation and the economy.
Youth Urged to Take Lead in Learning, Innovation and Fostering Viet Nam-China Friendship
On the evening of August 24, in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, the opening ceremony of the “Red journey for research and study” program for Vietnamese youth was held. At the event, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Hung emphasized that young people should take the lead in learning and creative work, become ambassadors of peace, and actively contribute to fostering the friendship between Viet Nam and China.
World Peoples Assembly Days in Viet Nam: Connecting Resources, Turning Ideas into Concrete Cooperation
Held in Viet Nam for the first time, the “World Peoples Assembly Days” aim to expand spaces for dialogue, connect resources and promote cooperation initiatives through people-to-people channels, thereby gradually moving from exchanges to substantive cooperation, and from ideas to concrete programs and projects.
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.
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.
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.
