Friendship
Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association to Consolidate Local Chapters Following Administrative Merger
In the second half of 2026, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association will focus on consolidating its local chapters following the administrative merger of provinces and cities while implementing the 2025-2030 cooperation agreement signed with the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association. The Association also identified strengthening youth exchanges as a key priority for its upcoming activities.
Friendship
Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association Advances Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen People-to-People Ties
On July 18 in Quang Tri Province, the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association held its Executive Committee Conference to review its work during the first six months of 2026 and identify key priorities for the coming time. Among its major objectives are advancing the signing of a cooperation agreement with the German-Vietnamese Association (DVG) and strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Germany.
Friendship
Hai Phong Mobilizes Over USD 1.36 Million in Non-Governmental Aid
In the first six months of 2026, the Hai Phong Union of Friendship Organizations mobilized more than USD 1.36 million in foreign non-governmental aid, with over USD 1.1 million disbursed. In the coming period, the city will prioritize expanding cooperation in climate change response, sustainable livelihoods, education, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Vietnam Inaugurates Embassy Office in Timor-Leste
The inauguration of Vietnam's Embassy office in the capital city of Dili marks an important step in strengthening diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste, enabling the mission to fully perform its political, economic, consular and community functions while supporting the country's ASEAN integration.
People-to-People Diplomacy Contributes to Deepening Vietnam-US Relations
The celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' Independence Day in Ho Chi Minh City reaffirmed the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and the US.
Da Nang Promotes Connections with Localities and Businesses in Chile
At the ceremony commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile, leaders of Da Nang City called on the Embassy, trade promotion agencies, and Chilean businesses to strengthen connections with the city’s localities, organizations, and enterprises. They emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation in areas where both sides share strengths and mutual interests.
Vietnam Receives 14 Remains of Volunteer Soldiers and Experts from Cambodia
On July 14, at the Office of the Ta Keo Administrative Court in Cambodia, the Task Forces of An Giang and Ta Keo held a signing ceremony to officially hand over and receive the remains of 14 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts, collected during the 2025 - 2026 dry season.
Thanh Hoa and Saint Petersburg (Russia) Strengthen Cooperation
On the afternoon of July 13, Mai Xuan Liem, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Thanh Hoa, welcomed and held talks with a delegation from Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, led by Vyacheslav Gennadyevich Kalganov, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Saint Petersburg. The visit focused on exploring opportunities for cooperation with Thanh Hoa.
Vietnam and Timor-Leste Promote Cooperation
On July 13 in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, Vietnamese Chargé d’Affaires Pham Binh Dam met with Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who also serves as Minister for Coordinating Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment. They discussed measures to enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and agreed to promote the implementation of practical cooperation programs in the near future.
Ambassador Choi Young Sam Awarded “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal
During his tenure in Vietnam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam Choi Young Sam has made significant contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea. Through his support for high-level visits and efforts to strengthen connections among localities, businesses, and people of the two countries, the Ambassador has helped deepen the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while expanding cooperation in people-to-people exchanges. In recognition of these contributions, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented him with the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal at a ceremony held in Hanoi on July 14.
Vietnam, Algeria Strengthen Traditional Ties
Before concluding his tenure, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh paid a farewell visit and held talks with leaders of the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) on July 13 in Algiers. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to further consolidate the traditional friendship, strengthen cooperation between the two Parties, and expand collaboration across various fields.
Commemorating 47th Anniversary of Triumph of Sandinista People's Revolution: Expanding Vietnam-Nicaragua People-to-People Exchanges
On July 13 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), in coordination with the Embassy of Nicaragua in Viet Nam, held a Friendship Gathering to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista People's Revolution (July 19, 1979 - July 19, 2026). This marked the first time the two agencies had jointly organized such a commemorative event in Hanoi, contributing to the strengthening of the traditional friendship between the two countries, the expansion of people-to-people exchanges, and the promotion of practical bilateral cooperation.
Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Bac Ninh Expands Network Following Reorganization
For the 2026-2031 tenure, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Bac Ninh aims to recruite at least 70 new members. The Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association at the central level has proposed the establishment of additional units in Bac Ninh prior to the reorganization.
Vietnam-Japan Festival 2026 Launched
On the evening of July 9, at East Sea Park in Da Nang City, the Da Nang People’s Committee held the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Japan Festival 2026.
Vietnam Establishes First Honorary Consulate in Thailand
Vietnam established its first Honorary Consulate in Phuket, Thailand on July 9. The move expands Vietnam's presence in Thailand, strengthens support for Vietnamese citizens, and promotes cooperation with the dynamic economic region along the Andaman coast.
Vietnam Rescue Mission Returns Home After Venezuela Earthquake Relief Operations
Vietnam rescue team returned home after supporting relief efforts following the Venezuela earthquake, completing search, rescue and humanitarian operations before safely concluding its overseas mission.
People-to-People Bridges Across 50 Years of Vietnam-Philippines Relations
Half a century after the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and the Philippines have continuously expanded their cooperation while strengthening the bonds between their peoples. Throughout this journey, the Vietnam-Philippines Friendship Association and the Philippines-Vietnam Friendship Association have served as vital bridges, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and friendship, thereby providing a solid social foundation for the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Friends of Project RENEW Continues Supporting War Consequence Remediation Efforts in Viet Nam
Representatives of Friends of Project RENEW (FPR) affirmed their commitment to mobilizing additional resources to sustain and expand the organization's activities in Viet Nam, while strengthening cooperation in areas such as mine action and the application of science and technology to humanitarian work.
Three Priorities for Advancing Viet Nam-Philippines People-to-People Relations
Expanding connections from major cities to local communities and remote areas; leveraging people-to-people diplomacy channels to connect business associations, startups, and localities while supporting cooperation in high-tech agriculture and the digital economy; and establishing networks for young leaders, young scholars, and entrepreneurs from both countries to promote initiatives in education, digital capacity, and sustainable development. These are the three priorities for advancing Viet Nam-Philippines people-to-people relations proposed by Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), at the Friendship Gathering marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Philippines, held in Hanoi on July 10.
UN Women Reaffirms Cooperation with Dien Bien Province
Caroline Nyamayemombe, Country Representative of UN Women in Vietnam, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Dien Bien Province during her working visit to the province on July 8, 2026.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines: People-to-People Diplomacy Geared Toward Practical Cooperation and Benefits for the People
In an interview with Vietnam Times Magazine, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh said that people-to-people diplomacy should be further promoted in a practical, multi-layered, and multi-stakeholder manner, with a strong focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people. This, he noted, will continue to strengthen the social foundation of bilateral relations as the two countries enter a new stage of development.
Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Coordinates with Nghe An Province to Prepare for 50th Anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand Diplomatic Relations
On July 8 in Nghe An Province, the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association and the People's Committee of Nghe An Province agreed on a coordinated plan to organize activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (August 6, 1976 - August 6, 2026).
Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai - "Ambassador of Compassion"
On July 8 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) presented the "For Peace and Friendship Among Nations" Medal to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai. The distinction recognizes the Ambassador's contributions to promoting friendship, people-to-people exchanges, and expanding substantive cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia during his tenure.
