Friendship
Sponsoring Cambodian Students Toward Long-Term Companionship
Going beyond providing living support and helping Cambodian students adapt to the culture and lifestyle of Vietnamese families during their years of study in Viet Nam, sponsorship activities are increasingly being viewed by many individuals, businesses, and collectives of the Viet Nam-Cambodia Friendship Association in a broader sense: linking real-life experience, career orientation, and long-term companionship as the students grow into adulthood.
Focus
Vietnam-Saudi Arabia People-to-People Exchanges and Cooperation Hold Significant Potential for Growth
On December 24 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Vietnam Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy, on a farewell courtesy visit upon the conclusion of his term of office in Vietnam.
Friendship
Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Meeting Through Film Frames and Historical Memories
On December 23 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association, organized the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship Meeting program. Through interactive activities and documentary film screenings, the event aimed to share information about the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, while promoting understanding and strengthening connections between the Association and its partners.
Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association Prioritizes Business Networking and Innovation in 2026
On December 15th in Hanoi, the Central Committee of the Vietnam-Singapore Friendship Association (VSFA) held a plenary meeting of its Executive Board to summarize activities in 2025 and set directions and tasks for 2026. Delegates affirmed the increasingly substantive role of people-to-people exchanges within the framework of the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; identifying 2026 as a pivotal year, focusing on business networking, innovation, and preparation for the 3rd Congress.
Vietnam Ready to Contribute Actively to Efforts to Maintain Regional Peace
Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that Vietnam is ready to coordinate with ASEAN countries, including Thailand, to make active contributions to joint efforts to maintain long-term peace and stability in the region.
Nguyen Ngoc Canh Elected President of Vietnam-UK Friendship Association for 5th Term
On December 14, 2025, in Hanoi, the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association (VUFA) held its 5th National Congress of Delegates for the 2025-2030 term.
Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association Enhances Engagement with Partners in Japan
As part of its annual work plan, a delegation of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association, led by Standing Vice President of the Association Bui Khac Son, paid a visit to and held working sessions in Japan from December 5 to 10, 2025. The primary objective of the visit was to strengthen people-to-people friendship between Vietnam and Japan, and to gradually further expand connections and coordination with Japanese friendship organizations with Vietnam, as well as with organizations and individuals in Japan.
Vietnam Affirms Its Consistent Stance in Supporting Palestinian People for Peace and Freedom
On December 12th in Hanoi, the Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with Palestinian People, the Vietnam-Palestine Friendship Association, and the Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam jointly organized a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29th).
Friendship Associations between Vietnam and Thailand Set out Seven Key Tasks for 2026
On December 11th, the 14th Conference between the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association and the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association took place in Hai Phong. Both sides agreed on new directions for cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, education, culture, economics, and local cooperation, leading up to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam - Thailand diplomatic relations.
Hai Phong Strengthens Vietnam-Thailand Connections through People-to-people Exchanges
On December 10, the Hai Phong Party Committee and the Hai Phong People’s Committee met with a delegation from the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association and the Thailand-Vietnam Friendship Association on the occasion of the 14th Conference between the Executive Committees of the two Associations, held in Hai Phong.
People-to-People Diplomacy in Can Tho 2025: Mobilizing Global Resources for Growth
In 2025, amid continued global complexities and numerous significant domestic events, the people-to-people diplomacy of Can Tho City achieved remarkable results, affirming its role as one of the three pillars of comprehensive diplomacy. External relations activities were implemented flexibly and effectively, bringing practical benefits to the city’s overall development.
Strengthening Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship
On December 6 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association held a friendly gathering to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria.
Kaneya Manabu and His Journey to Discover Viet Nam Through the Vietnamese Language
Kaneya Manabu, former head of the Saitama Prefectural Police Department in Japan, once gave up a monthly salary of more than 100 million VND and a stable life to move to Viet Nam. Over the past nine years, the Vietnamese language has become the bond connecting him with the country and people of Viet Nam, while opening a path for him to rediscover himself.
Viet Nam-UAE: Key Advances in Tourism, Culture, and People-to-people Exchanges
The celebration of the 54th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (1971–2025), held under the theme “Unity,” took place solemnly in Hanoi on the evening of December 2.
Strengthening Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Bulgaria
On November 30 in Hanoi, the Hanoi Vietnam–Bulgaria Friendship Association held its 2nd Congress for the 2025–2030 term, attended by more than 130 delegates and guests.
Enhancing Educational Cooperation, Promoting Vietnam-Russia Friendship
On December 2 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received a courtesy call from the delegation of Saint Petersburg State University (Russian Federation) during their visit to Vietnam.
"Vietnamese & American Sons and Daughters Meeting": Healing War Wounds and Deepening Vietnam-US People-to-People Bonds
On December 1 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-USA Society, and the “Two Sides Project” (2SP/USA) held a meeting between the children of Vietnamese martyrs and the families of American service members who were killed in action or went missing during the war in Vietnam. On this occasion, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented Commemorative Medals and Certificates of Merit to collectives and individuals of 2SP.
Hikaru Watanabe: Vietnamese Grows from Simple, Everyday Sounds and Greetings
Hikaru Watanabe was honored on stage at the 19th Vietnamese Speech Contest in Japan held on November 2, shining under the lights and applause. Holding the microphone, he spoke about his journey to the Vietnamese language: the early days of confusion in Hanoi, friendships formed in the classroom, familiar pho shops, and moments of saying things wrong and then laughing together. In that moment, Hikaru Watanabe was not only a contestant but also living proof of the connecting power of language, an inspiration to foreign friends who love Vietnamese.
International Friends, Foreign Affairs Experts Offer Recommendations to Strengthen Ties Between Vietnamese People and the World
Expanding and enhancing the effectiveness of the “Nurturing Friendship” program; promoting people-to-people diplomacy to boost economic cooperation; and increasing priority for addressing issues such as climate change and population aging - these are among the recommendations put forward by international friends, experts, and veteran diplomats to foster long-term cooperation and friendship between the Vietnamese people and friends around the world.
People-to-People Diplomacy: Soft Power Strengthening Vietnam - Poland Friendship
On November 28 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a friendship gathering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Poland.
People-to-People Exchanges Strengthen Vietnam–Romania Friendship
On November 29 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam–Romania Friendship Association held a Friendship Gathering to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Romania and the 107th National Day of Romania.
Promoting People-to-People Exchanges Between Vietnamese and Palestinian Youth
On November 25 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, on the occasion of her official visit to Vietnam from November 25-27.
Promoting Outcomes of Viet Nam-China People’s Forum and Strengthening Enduring Friendship
On 25 November in Hanoi, within the framework of the 13th Vietnam-China People’s Forum, Politburo Member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Bui Thi Minh Hoai received the delegates attending the Forum.
