Friendship
President of Vietnam - Hungary Friendship Association Honored with Hungarian Cross of Merit
The State of Hungary has awarded the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary to Prof. Dr.Sc. Vu Hoang Linh, President of the Vietnam - Hungary Friendship Association, in recognition of his enduring contributions to promoting scientific and educational cooperation, as well as strengthening people-to-people friendship between Vietnam and Hungary.
Focus
Hungarian Ambassador to Vietnam Receives “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” Medal
On June 12 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations held a ceremony to award the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Viet Nam Tibor Baloghdi, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Viet Nam and Hungary.
Friendship
Vietnam and Russia Remain Closely Connected Through Shared Values
On June 11 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Russian Federation Friendship Association held a gathering to commemorate the 36th Russia Day (June 12, 1990 - June 12, 2026), affirming that shared values of patriotism, the aspiration for peace, and traditional friendship have helped connect the peoples of the two countries over many decades.
Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Associations Appoint New Leaders for 2026-2031 Term
Four member friendship associations under the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations: The Viet Nam-Sweden Friendship Association, the Viet Nam-Indonesia Friendship Association, the Viet Nam-Canada Friendship Association, and the Viet Nam-RoK Friendship Association, held Executive Committee meetings to appoint their presidents for the 2026-2031 term from June 2 to 5, 2026.
CHAI (United States): Healthcare Cooperation Builds Trust and Fosters Relationships
From pediatric HIV treatment and tuberculosis prevention to support for data management and supply chains, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI/United States) has worked alongside Vietnam in advancing public healthcare. In an interview with Vietnam Times Magazine, CHAI Vice President Zachary Katz praised Vietnam’s achievements in the health sector and expressed confidence in the prospects for future cooperation.
From Nha Rong Wharf: Journey to Shape the Future
On the morning of June 4, at the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) in Hanoi, the Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association organized a seminar entitled “From Nha Rong Wharf: A Journey to Shape the Future” to commemorate the 115th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s departure in search of a path for national salvation (June 5, 1911 - June 5, 2026).
Vietnam, Cuba Promote People-to-People Exchanges and Local-Level Cooperation
On June 3, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) held an online meeting to review the results of their cooperation in recent years and discuss directions for collaboration in the 2026-2031 period. The two sides agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges, cooperation between localities, education for younger generations about the special Viet Nam-Cuba friendship, and coordination of activities marking the 100th birth anniversary of Leader Fidel Castro.
Fostering Understanding of Peace and Reconciliation Among Future Generations: USABCI President
The Vietnam Wartime Accounting Initiative (VWAI) reflects a shared commitment to education, humanitarian action, and post-war reconciliation, according to Margaret Hanson-Muse, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council Institute (USABCI). In an interview with Vietnam Times, she discussed the organization's efforts to support accounting for those missing in action in Vietnam, engage younger generations in understanding the value of peace, and strengthen trust and cooperation between Vietnam and the United States.
US Businesses Support Vietnam's Efforts to Identify Missing Persons from the War
On June 1 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-USA Society (under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations) held a working session with a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council Institute (USABCI), along with representatives of US organizations and businesses, to discuss programs supporting the search for and identification of persons missing in action from the war.
ASEAN-China People-to-People Diplomacy Expands Connectivity Network
From May 25-29, nearly 100 delegates from 16 people-to-people organizations across 11 ASEAN countries and China gathered in Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, China, for the 5th Meeting of Leaders of ASEAN-China Friendship Organizations. Participants exchanged initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people exchanges, expanding cooperation, and reinforcing the social foundation of ASEAN-China relations.
Bac Ninh Learns From Italy’s Cooperative Development Model
The Viet Nam-Italy Friendship Association of Bac Ninh Province held a meeting on May 27 to mark the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Italian Republic (June 2, 1946 - June 2, 2026), combined with a seminar on sharing experience in developing the cooperative economy and cooperatives - a field considered one of Italy’s strengths in Europe.
Career-Oriented Multi-Functional Library Built for Students in Tuyen Quang
Good Neighbors International in Vietnam (GNI) has launched the project “Enhancing Skills and Career Orientation for Students at Kim Xuyen High School, Tuyen Quang Province” to improve the learning environment, develop students’ skills, and expand access to career guidance opportunities for local youth.
Clarifying Current State of Vietnam’s People-to-People Diplomacy Organizations and Activities
On May 29 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) hosted the scientific seminar entitled “The current state of Vietnam’s people-to-people diplomacy organizations and activities.” The event was held within the framework of the national-level research project “A study of people-to-people diplomacy activities around the world in the new context and policy recommendations for Vietnam.”
Viet Nam Peace and Development Council Reviews Work in First Half of 2026
On May 27 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Peace and Development Council held a conference to review its work in the first half of the year and set out orientations for activities in the remaining six months of 2026, focusing on people-to-people diplomacy, research, policy consultation, and external communications.
Australia Commits US$10 Million to Support Climate Businesses in Vietnam
The Australian government has just announced a commitment of up to US$10 million through the Australian Development Investments (ADI) fund to Do Ventures Fund II in Vietnam. This capital will be used by Do Ventures to support Vietnamese businesses developing climate change solutions, while also contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s climate investment market and attracting additional private financing.
Viet Nam and Venezuela Promote People-to-People Exchanges and Share Development Experience
On May 26, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and Venezuela’s Simon Bolivar Institute for Peace and Solidarity among Peoples (ISB) held their annual online talks to review the outcomes of past cooperation and discuss joint programs for the 2026-2027 period. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, agriculture, business connectivity, and the sharing of development experience.
Vietnam Showcases Culture at ICIF-22 in Shenzhen, China
The Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou, in coordination with the Shenzhen International Chamber of Commerce, organized the “Vietnam Cultural Space” within the APEC-themed section at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF-22) in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, from May 21 to 25. The event aimed to promote tourism, introduce traditional handicrafts, and showcase Vietnam’s representative national brands.
People-to-people Diplomacy Helps Strengthen and Sustain Vietnam-Bulgaria Relations
On the occasion of the Day of Bulgarian Culture, Education and the Slavonic Script, Huynh Quyet Thang, President of the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association, emphasized that people-to-people diplomacy should continue to play its connecting role, contributing to the deepening, substantive and sustainable development of the Vietnam-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership.
Vietnam-Cambodia Enhance Connectivity Among Youth, Businesses, and Localities
On May 25 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association co-hosted the 4th Joint Conference. Youth connectivity, support for international students, business cooperation, and local-level exchanges were among the issues that drew significant attention from delegates.
Vietnam - Bulgaria Foster Friendship through Culture and Education
On the morning of May 23 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Embassy of Bulgaria in Vietnam, held a ceremony marking the Day of Bulgarian Culture, Education, and Slavic Script.
Former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh Awarded the State of Palestine’s “Star of Merit” Order
On the morning of May 22, 2026, in Hanoi, the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Vietnam, in coordination with the Office of the President of Vietnam, held a ceremony to confer the State of Palestine’s “Star of Merit” Order upon former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh.
Vietnam, Thailand Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations at Nha Rong Wharf
The 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand took place on May 19 at Nha Rong Wharf, Ho Chi Minh City, featuring various cultural exchange activities and an exhibition of photographs of President Ho Chi Minh.
Palestinian Friend with More Than 40 Years of Ties to Viet Nam Receives “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal
Having maintained close ties with Viet Nam for more than 40 years, Palestinian Ambassador to Viet Nam Saadi Salama was awarded the “For peace and friendship among nations” medal in recognition of his contributions to Viet Nam-Palestine people-to-people relations. The diplomat, who speaks Vietnamese like a native of Hanoi, said an important part of his thinking and identity was shaped in Viet Nam.
