On the occasion of the National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026-2031 term, the Lao-Viet Nam Friendship Association sent a congratulatory message. The message recognized the contributions made by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to the cause of protecting, building and developing the country, and to peace, friendship, national independence and international solidarity.

Over the next term, developments in the world and at home will open up new spaces for people-to-people diplomacy. This calls for new thinking in implementing work in this field.

In the article “Promoting comprehensive foreign affairs at new height,” General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that diplomacy in the new era must “ensure the highest national interests; take peace, independence, self-reliance and self-strengthening as its foundation; place the people at the center of all policies; and regard contributing to the international community as a responsibility.” This is an important orientation for diplomatic affairs, including people-to-people diplomacy. Viet Nam Times Magazine has compiled a number of orientations and directives from the Party, as well as experts’ views, on the concept of “serving the national interest” in people-to-people diplomacy.

Looking back on 10 years of cooperation with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, Margot Carlson Delogne, Founder of the 2 Sides Project (United States), said that relations between the two sides have been built on friendship, trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace and understanding among peoples. In a congratulatory letter to the National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations for the 2026-2031 term, she expressed her hope that the two sides would continue working together for peace, friendship, and a shared spirit of humanity.