Friendship
Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association Pays Tribute to Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane
On August 10 in Hanoi, a delegation from the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, led by Nguyen Dac Vinh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Society, and President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association, visited the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in Vietnam to sign the condolence book in memory of Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
Focus
50 Years of Viet Nam-Thailand Relations: Expanding Connections Among Localities, Businesses and Younger Generations
After 50 years of diplomatic relations, people-to-people exchanges between Viet Nam and Thailand are moving towards more concrete connections among localities, businesses and younger generations. At a commemorative ceremony in Nghe An, leaders of the two friendship associations outlined key priorities for the coming period, ranging from local economic linkages and connections among small and medium-sized enterprises to innovation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Friendship
Canadian Friend Shares about Vietnam’s Independence and Self-reliance Value
The member of CPC ML Margaret Villamizar said what impressed her about Vietnamese people was their steadfast determination to fight for independence and the right to self-determination.
Xaysomphone Phomvihane Leaves Great Legacy in Vietnam-Laos Special Ties
With the passing of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, the Party, State and people of Laos have lost a talented and exemplary leader, while the Party, State and people of Vietnam have lost a close, loyal and trusted friend and a comrade who always stood side by side with them.
People-to-People Diplomacy Strengthens Friendship and Expands Vietnam-Belarus Cooperation
On August 8, in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association, in coordination with the Embassy of Belarus in Vietnam, held a friendship gathering to mark the 35th anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Belarus. Representatives of both sides underscored the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening friendship, expanding practical cooperation, and deepening the Vietnam-Belarus Strategic Partnership.
Swiss Friends: From Opposing War to Standing with Vietnamese Agent Orange Victims
Since the 1960s and 1970s, many Swiss people have joined anti-war movements and spoken out in support of independence and peace for Vietnam. After the war, this solidarity continued through humanitarian activities, community support, and efforts to stand alongside those still suffering the consequences of the war, including victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.
IESC Supports Vietnam in Modernizing Agriculture and Promoting Digital Transformation
On August 7 in Hanoi, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, received Chad Ford, Vice President of IESC (United States), and presented him with the Certificate of Registration for the establishment of IESC’s Representative Office in Vietnam. The two sides also discussed the implementation of the “US-Vietnam Agricultural Trade Expansion and Food Safety” project, which aims to promote digital transformation, modernize agriculture, and expand development cooperation between the two countries.
30 Years of People-to-People Diplomacy between Vietnam and Thailand
The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026) and the 30th anniversary of the establishment and development of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association (1996-2026). Throughout the history of bilateral relations, the Association has consistently nurtured the friendship between the two countries while gradually expanding its activities from traditional exchanges to cooperation among localities and businesses, as well as in education, culture and among younger generations, thereby contributing to greater understanding and cooperation between the peoples of Vietnam and Thailand.
Traditional Attire Tells Story of 50 Years of Vietnam-Thailand Relations
On August 6, the exhibition "Woven Ties: 50 Years of Vietnam-Thailand Diplomatic Relations" opened in Hanoi, showcasing the traditional attire of Vietnam and Thailand while highlighting the cultural affinities between the two countries. The event also underscored the role of people-to-people exchanges throughout the half-century of bilateral relations.
Vietnam - Thailand Friendship Rooted in History, Culture and People-to-People Ties
Vietnam and Thailand share a close relationship rooted in history and culture. Long before the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, President Ho Chi Minh played an important role in fostering the bond between their peoples. Although he spent only a relatively short period in Thailand, he left behind a profound legacy of friendship.
Russian Veterans Reunite at Vietnamese Embassy to Honor Enduring Friendship
On 5 August, following longstanding tradition, the 53rd gathering of Russian veterans who served in Vietnam during the wartime period was held at the Embassy of Vietnam in the Russian Federation.
Strongly Innovating People-to-People Diplomacy Toward More Proactive, Enabling, Connected, and Development-Oriented Approach
On the morning of August 5 in Hanoi, as part of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a plenary session on Party diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. The session was held in a hybrid format, connecting participants in person with 34 provinces and centrally governed cities nationwide, as well as Vietnam's representative missions abroad.
People-to-People Exchanges Bring Thailand-Vietnam Relations Closer
On August 4, the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations and the Can Tho Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association, in coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, held a gathering to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976-2026). Highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the Thai Consul General said that cultural, educational, tourism, culinary, artistic, and youth exchange activities have helped bring Thailand-Vietnam relations closer and foster stronger bonds between the two peoples.
Memories of Fidel Castro - Great Friend of Vietnamese People
Having arrived in Cuba in 1963 and later serving as an interpreter and coordinator during President Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in 1973, Nguyen Xuan Phong, former Director General of the Department of the Americas under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recalled enduring memories of a steadfast and devoted friend of the Vietnamese people.
Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting and Contributing to Global Peace Movement
From August 2-7, 2026, representatives of the Vietnam Peace Committee and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations attended the 2026 World Conference against A and H Bombs in Hiroshima, Japan, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to standing alongside the peace movement of the Japanese people and the global movement in support of nuclear disarmament.
Special Program Series "President Ho Chi Minh - Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro: A Special, Steadfast Bond" Opens
On August 4, the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi inaugurated the special program series "President Ho Chi Minh - Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro: A Special, Steadfast Bond" to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the leader of the Cuban Revolution. The program is jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Embassy of Cuba in Vietnam.
Fidel Castro's Legacy and Enduring Strength of Vietnam-Cuba Solidarity
On August 3 in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics held a ministerial-level scientific seminar titled "Comrade Fidel Castro - Great leader of the Cuban revolution, resolute internationalist, and great friend of the Vietnamese people" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Fidel Castro Ruz (August 13, 1926 - August 13, 2026).
Vietnamese and Republic of Korean Students Join Hands for Children in Hai Phong
On August 2 in Quyet Thang commune, Hai Phong city, 70 Vietnamese and Republic of Korea students concluded a seven-day volunteer journey under the Hyundai Happy Move Global Youth Volunteers Programme 2026, carrying out a range of activities to improve learning conditions and support local children.
Ambassador Choi Young Sam: Vietnam-RoK Relations Will Continue to Grow in Depth and Sustainability
Concluding his diplomatic tenure in Vietnam, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Vietnam Choi Young Sam expressed confidence in the continued deepening and sustainable development of Vietnam-RoK relations, underpinned by growing mutual trust, close cooperation, and increasingly strong bonds between the peoples of the two countries. In an interview with Vietnam Times Magazine, Ambassador Choi Young Sam expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to further strengthen their bilateral partnership across a wide range of fields, including the economy, technology, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Connecting International Resources to Develop Youth Skills and Sustainable Employment
To help young people transition smoothly from education to employment and maintain stable jobs, a comprehensive support pathway is needed, spanning career guidance, training, practical experience, and continuous skills development throughout their careers. Participants at a recent workshop proposed engaging businesses earlier in the training process while connecting international resources with the specific needs of localities, educational institutions, and disadvantaged youth.
Seeking Solutions to Remove Bottlenecks to Socio-Economic Development
On July 29 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Peace and Development Council, in coordination with the Institute for Economic Strategy Studies, held a seminar to identify key bottlenecks hindering socio-economic development while proposing solutions and development orientations for Vietnam in the years ahead.
Vietnam-Austria Friendship Association Connects with Vietnamese Intellectuals and Scientists in Austria
A delegation of the Vietnam-Austria Friendship Association, led by Professor Dr. Tran Tuan Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and President of the Association, recently paid a working visit to the Republic of Austria. During the trip, the delegation met with members of the Vietnamese intellectual community, held working sessions with the Embassy of Vietnam in Austria, and visited several research institutes, universities, and international organizations to explore opportunities for cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Digital Transformation in Agriculture Requires Strength of Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation
Digital transformation is becoming a key driver for improving productivity, enhancing value chain transparency, and increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products. However, to ensure that this process delivers tangible results, it requires not only technology but also close coordination among the government, businesses, international organizations, research institutions, and farmers to build a multi-stakeholder cooperation ecosystem for sustainable development.
