Friendship
People-to-People Diplomacy to Strengthen the Hegemony of Internationalism: The Practical Example of the Solidarity Between Viet Nam and Cuba
Viet Nam Times Magazine is pleased to present the article “People-to-People Diplomacy to Strengthen the Hegemony of Internationalism: The Practical Example of the Solidarity Between Viet Nam and Cuba” by Käch Marius André and Biermann, Felix Paul Biermann of the Switzerland-Viet Nam Friendship Association. The article was submitted to the Second Political Commentary Writing Contest on Protecting the Party’s Ideological Foundation in 2026, organized by the Party Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations, and received a Consolation Prize.
Friendship
Students Who Brought Me to Viet Nam
I met Dr. Keijo Varis when he visited Hanoi to attend activities marking the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day. After that visit, we stayed in touch through emails he sent from Turku, Finland. In those letters, the 65-year-old professor rarely spoke about his more than a decade of teaching or the milestones in his career. He wrote more about his Vietnamese students - people who had entered his classroom shy and reserved, then left a lasting impression through their sincerity, diligence, and relationships that endured long after graduation.
Friendship
More Than 900 Students in Tuyen Quang Learn About Green Living
Good Neighbors International (GNI) has organized a series of Environmental Festivals under the theme “Journey Towards Green Living” at three primary and lower secondary schools: Tan Bac, Bang Lang and Yen Thanh in Tuyen Quang Province, attracting more than 900 students.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong Elected President of Viet Nam-Belarus Friendship Association for 2026-2031
The fifth National Congress of the Viet Nam-Belarus Friendship Association, held in Ha Noi on October 24 for the 2026-2031 term, elected a new Executive Committee. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, was elected President of the Association for the 2026-2031 term. The Congress also set out directions for renewing and improving the quality of exchanges and connections between the peoples of the two countries.
First Congress of the Dong Thap Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026-2031 Term
On October 20, the Dong Thap Union of Friendship Organizations held its first Congress for the 2026-2031 term. Nguyen Quang Minh was re-elected as President of the Union for the new term.
Promoting People-to-People Diplomacy to Build a Solid Foundation Rooted in “the People’s Hearts”
Viet Nam Times Magazine is pleased to introduce the article “Ho Chi Minh thought - A spiritual legacy of national liberation and enhancing Viet Nam’s international standing” by Kusum Jain, President of the India-Viet Nam Solidarity Committee (IVSC). The article was submitted to the Second Political Essay Contest on Protecting the Party’s Ideological Foundation in 2026, organised by the Party Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organisations, and received a Consolation Prize.
American Friends Help Ease the Pain of Agent Orange
Providing scholarships, wheelchairs and livelihood assistance to families with victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, many Americans have spent decades helping the Vietnamese people. Their efforts have helped improve the lives of those affected and heal the wounds of war.
65 Years of the Agent Orange Disaster: Dialogue to Spur Action
Nearly two decades after the establishment of the Viet Nam-US Track II Dialogue Group on Agent Orange/dioxin, those who helped advance the initiative continue to seek solutions to support victims. At a seminar entitled “65 years of the Agent Orange disaster in Viet Nam,” held in Hanoi on October 21, participants emphasized the need to sustain long-term cooperation, prioritize families most severely affected by the consequences of Agent Orange, and accelerate dioxin remediation efforts.
Aris Alip: The Filipino Friend Who Helped Build the TYM Fund
More than three decades ago, Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, known as Aris Alip, a Filipino microfinance expert, helped lay the foundations for the Tinh Thuong Microfinance Institution (TYM), expanding poor Vietnamese women's access to capital and opportunities to develop sustainable livelihoods. Through their initial cooperation, he built lasting relationships with Vietnamese organizations and friends.
Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Wins Seven Awards in Party Ideological Foundation Protection Contest
Four of the seven winning entries were submitted by authors from Russia, Brazil, Switzerland and India. The Party Committee of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Collective Performance.
Spreading Responsibility for Safeguarding Party’s Ideological Foundation from Viet Nam to International Community
On October 19 in Hanoi, the Party Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations held a closing ceremony and award presentation for the second Political Essay Contest on Safeguarding the Party’s Ideological Foundation, 2026. The contest attracted 10,220 entries, a 16-fold increase from the previous year, with broad participation from officials, Party members, Youth Union members, members of mass organizations, Vietnamese living abroad and international friends.
DAFO Launches Activities to Promote Responsible Business Practices
On October 15, the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations (DAFO), in collaboration with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) for the Central and Central Highlands regions and Catalyste+ (Canada), convened the first consultation on the development and refinement of a Responsible Business Practices (RBP) Index. The Index is intended for adoption within the city’s business community, serving as a framework to promote ethical standards and sustainable practices among enterprises.
Seoul (Republic of Korea) Expands Employment Support for Vietnamese International Students
Universities and Seoul Metropolitan Government-affiliated support agencies and organizations are ramping up various programs to help international students, including those from Viet Nam, enhance their academic capabilities, clarify their career paths, and prepare for post-graduation employment.
NA President Meets with Chinese Friendship Figures in Beijing
The Vietnamese NA leader thanked the CPAFFC, the China-Vietnam Friendship Association and Chinese friendship figures for their deep affection for Vietnam and their sustained contributions to Vietnam-China relations over the years.
A Misfortune Turned into Happiness
One late July afternoon, an online call connected us with Bohdan Eduard, a young Ukrainian man who had just finished a day’s work in Ho Chi Minh City. Bohdan smiled, adjusted his camera and began telling me about his journey in Viet Nam.
Hai Phong: Vietnamese and International Melodies Foster Friendship
Familiar Vietnamese songs, alongside melodies associated with the cultures of Laos, Cambodia, Russia, Cuba and France, were featured at the 2026 Peace Song Exchange Program, held on October 7 in Hai Phong.
I Was Never Just Passing Through Viet Nam
In May 2026, during the final days of his tenure in Viet Nam, I met with Saadi Salama, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine and former Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Viet Nam. He spoke Vietnamese naturally and unhurriedly, occasionally using idiomatic expressions that made one forget he was a foreigner. When he spoke of Hanoi, his eyes lit up with joy tinged with nostalgia. “I am not just a visitor passing through Viet Nam,” he said.
Strengthening People-to-People Exchanges, Nurturing Viet Nam-RoK Friendship
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations held a ceremony on October 3 to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Korea (October 3, 2333 BC - October 3, 2026). At the ceremony, representatives of the two countries affirmed the important role of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening mutual understanding, close ties and friendship between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea (RoK).
More Than VND 1.46 Billion Supports School Meals for Children in Quang Tri
Zhi Shan Foundation, in coordination with the South Quang Tri Social Work Center and eight schools in five communes - Huong Hiep, Dakrong, Ba Long, La Lay and Ta Rut - reviewed the results of the Child Nutrition Improvement Project for the 2025-2026 school year and presented nearly VND 1.46 billion to support school meals during the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year on October 7.
HCMC Promotes People-to-People Diplomacy to Mobilize International Resources
With 117 foreign non-governmental organizations licensed to operate and more than VND 302.4 billion in approved committed aid as of September 2026, Ho Chi Minh City continues to promote the role of people-to-people diplomacy in connecting with international partners and resources for development and social welfare.
Some Volunteers Cannot Hold Back Their Tears When Saying Goodbye to Viet Nam
Returning to Viet Nam after nearly 20 years, I was truly amazed by the pace of change the country has undergone. Yet amid these changes, the warmth, hospitality and genuine affection that Vietnamese people have shown Japanese experts and volunteers remain unchanged.
Strengthening Ties with Hungarian Friends Who Love Viet Nam
In Budapest, the Embassy of Viet Nam in Hungary held a meeting with the Hungarian-Vietnamese Cultural Association to review joint activities carried out since the beginning of 2026 and discuss plans for activities to introduce and promote Vietnamese culture during the final months of the year.
Viet Nam’s Key Strength Lies in Its People
After 40 years of living and working in Viet Nam, Danish journalist, diplomat and businessman Thomas Bo Pedersen shares with Viet Nam Times Magazine his perspective on the country’s transformation, its people, and the attractiveness of its investment environment.
