Friendship
“Vietnam Is My First Love”
That was the statement made by Furuta Motoo (77), President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association, at an appreciation ceremony held by the Vietnam Japan University (under Vietnam National University Hanoi) on March 24 in Hanoi. His final lecture as Rector marked the close of nearly a decade during which he directly built and led the university, and also offered an opportunity to reflect on more than 50 years of his connection with Vietnam.
Friendship
Vietnam-Thailand Promote Academic Exchange and Joint Research
Udon Thani Rajabhat University has always attached importance to developing international cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening collaboration with partners from Vietnam.
Focus
55 Years of Vietnam-Chile Relations: Journey Built on Trust and Empathy
On March 25 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association, in coordination with the Embassy of Chile in Vietnam, held a friendship meeting to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile (March 25, 1971 - March 25, 2026).
Papelucho: Bringing “Chilean Soul” to Vietnamese Readers
For the first time published in Vietnam, the classic children’s series Papelucho by Chilean author Marcela Paz has become a unique cultural bridge between the two countries. A reporter from VietnamTimes Magazine spoke with M.A. Nguyễn Thùy Trang, Acting Vice Dean of the Faculty of Spanish at Hanoi University and a member of the translation team, about the journey of bringing this renowned Chilean children’s work to Vietnamese readers.
Promoting Vietnam-Chile Cooperation Across Three Key Pillars: Politics, Economy, and People-to-People Exchange
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile (March 25, 1971 - March 25, 2026), in an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado affirmed that the two countries are presented with opportunities to expand comprehensive cooperation, focusing on three main pillars: political-diplomatic relations, economic-trade ties, and enhanced mutual understanding and people-to-people exchange.
Nearly 400 Delegates and Ambassadors Attend “Friendship Spring Excursion 2026” at Huong Pagoda
On March 21, 2026, at Huong Pagoda, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Hanoi Department of Tourism and the authorities of Huong Son commune, organized the “Friendship Spring Excursion 2026” program. The event attracted nearly 400 delegates, including representatives of diplomatic missions, international organizations, ambassadors, heads of foreign representative offices in Vietnam, as well as travel enterprises and agencies from Hanoi.
New Classrooms for Lao Cai Students from Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship
The inauguration ceremony for a classroom building at Tran Phu Primary School was held on March 18 in Luc Yen commune (Lao Cai province), attended by Shovgi Mehdizada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Vietnam, and Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Vietnam.
Seminar on “Scientific Foundations of Viet Nam’s People-to-People Diplomacy”
On March 20 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) convened a seminar titled “Scientific foundations of Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy.” The event formed part of a national-level research project, “Studying people-to-people diplomacy worldwide in the new context and proposing solutions for Viet Nam.”
Da Nang to Implement Diverse Vietnam-Laos Exchange Activities in 2026
Recently, the Vietnam–Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City convened its first Executive Committee meeting for the 2024–2029 term, following the recent provincial merger, to outline plans for exchange activities with Laos in 2026. The meeting was chaired by Tran Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee.
People-to-People Diplomacy Drives Practical Cooperation for Development
As Viet Nam steps up the implementation of its economic diplomacy strategy to support national development, people-to-people diplomacy has undergone significant changes, effectively contributing to the country’s socio-economic development programs.
Hanoi Event Marks St. Patrick’s Day and Three Decades of Vietnam-Ireland Relations
On March 19 in Hanoi, the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam hosted a reception to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Ireland (April 5, 1996- April 5, 2026).
3,300 Children with Disabilities in Vietnam Receive Free Surgeries Over 25 Years
Zhi Shan Foundation reported that after 25 years of implementing the project “Free Corrective Surgery for Children with Disabilities” in central Vietnam, a total of 3,343 children have received completely free medical examinations, surgeries, and post-operative care.
Venezuelan Friends Confident in Vietnam’s Success in the New National Assembly Term
The President of the Venezuela-Vietnam Friendship House expressed confidence that the election will usher in a new, dynamic, and effective term of the National Assembly, building upon and further advancing the achievements already attained.
Expanding Cooperation Between Can Tho and Australian Partners in Various Areas
Chairman of the Can Tho Municipal People's Committee Truong Canh Tuyen held a meeting with Gillian Bird, Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, and Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12.
Can Tho Strengthens Cooperation with France in Education and Healthcare
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, together with leaders of several departments and agencies, met and worked with Etienne Ranaivoson, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, during his visit and working trip to the locality on March 10.
Secretary-General of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association: The 16th National Assembly Will Continue to Drive Vietnam’s Development
In an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, journalist and historian Pedro de Oliveira, Secretary-General of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association, stated that the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is an important political event for Vietnam. It raises expectations for further advancing the country’s development and strengthening international cooperation.
The Election in Vietnam Through Eyes of International Friends: Foundation for Stability and Cooperation
According to ambassadors, experts, and foreign nationals working in Vietnam, the upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term represent an important milestone in the country’s political life. The event contributes to strengthening social consensus and reinforcing the international community’s confidence in Vietnam’s development prospects.
More Opportunities to Strengthen Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Uzbekistan
The election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels will take place on March 15, 2026. On this occasion, Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, shared with a reporter from VietnamTimes Magazine his views on the significance of this important political event for Vietnam’s development process, as well as prospects for international cooperation, particularly the friendship between the two countries.
AI and High Tech Open New Cooperation Opportunities for Vietnam, India
Artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, semiconductors and green energy are emerging as promising new areas of cooperation between Viet Nam and India, as both economies accelerate technological transformation and deepen their participation in global value chains. This was also highlighted by many experts at the international conference “Promoting Friendly Relations Towards a Vietnam-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership,” held on March 10 in Hanoi.
Legislative Cooperation Promotes Vietnam-Japan Bilateral Relations
On the occasion of Vietnam’s upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2030 term, a correspondent of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Japan interviewed Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance and former Secretary-General of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), on the role and importance of the highest legislative body as well as legislative cooperation between the two countries in promoting the sustainable development of bilateral relations.
Dr. Michael Parsons (Australia): Election Day in Vietnam Has Festival-like Atmosphere
Having lived and worked in Hanoi for many years, Dr. Michael Parsons (Australia) has had the opportunity to directly observe elections in Vietnam. According to him, election day in many localities has an atmosphere similar to a “festival,” where people proactively learn about candidates, dress formally to cast their votes, and participate in the event with a strong sense of responsibility.
Factors Influencing People-to-People Diplomacy in the New Context
On March 10 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) hosted a seminar titled “Factors influencing people-to-people diplomacy around the world in the new context.” The event was held within the framework of the national-level research project “Studying people-to-people diplomacy worldwide in the new context and proposing solutions for Vietnam.”
Seminar: Promotes Diplomacy and Deeper Global Integration in New Era
The Vietnam Peace and Development Council held a seminar titled “Promoting diplomacy and enhancing international integration in the new era of development in line with the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress” on March 6. The event attracted the participation of many researchers, experts, and officials working in the field of foreign affairs.
