The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has received numerous letters, messages and congratulatory communications on the occasion of the Congress from international partners and friends across all five continents. These messages have come from diplomatic missions, friendship organizations, people’s organizations, universities, non-governmental organizations and partners of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations in various regions.

Some letters, messages and congratulatory communications from international friends and partners on the occasion of the 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, 2026-2031 term. (Photo: Mai Anh)

“Trusted partner,” “important bridge,” “long-standing friend and partner,” and “effective coordination between the two organizations” are among the ways international friends and partners describe the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. Many of the letters and messages link these assessments to activities jointly carried out by the two sides, including forums, people-to-people friendship festivals, youth exchanges, local-level connections, support for international organizations operating in Viet Nam, community development programs, and efforts to address the consequences of war.

Many of the letters describe the Congress as a milestone opening a new stage of development, while expressing confidence that the Union will continue to fulfill its mission of strengthening friendship, peace, solidarity and international cooperation. Existing programs have been encouraged to continue, while established contacts and networks are expected to be further utilized to expand cooperation activities during the new term.

Connecting concrete initiatives

In the letters and messages, the Union’s role is recognized through its efforts to maintain channels for people-to-people exchanges, connect international partners with Vietnamese agencies, localities and communities, and provide support to help turn activities into practical outcomes. These contributions range from relations between friendship organizations and local-level connections to support for development programs and efforts to address the consequences of war.

The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) described the Union as a “brother organization,” expressing its appreciation for the support and solidarity that the Union has extended to Cuba and ICAP. The Institute also highlighted the Union’s participation in regional events as an expression of solidarity with Cuba, considering this evidence of activities that contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and people-to-people diplomacy.

A letter from the Yan’an Foreign People’s Friendship Association (Shaanxi Province, China) stated that during its visit to Viet Nam in March 2026, a delegation from Yan’an City worked with the Union and exchanged views on establishing sister-city relations, people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation. In June 2026, the two sides continued their discussions online on “red tourism,” developing agriculture based on local strengths, and urban-rural development. According to the Association, the Union subsequently took an active role in introducing Yan’an to and connecting it with suitable localities in Viet Nam, creating a foundation for further cooperation between localities on both sides.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son (right) receives Zhang Qiang, Head of the United Front Work Department of the Yan’an Municipal Party Committee (China), in Ha Noi, March 2026. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet spoke highly of the Union’s role in supporting foreign non-governmental organizations. The Ambassador said that more than 50 French NGOs are operating in Viet Nam. These organizations have made positive contributions to improving people’s living conditions, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. He expressed his confidence that, with the Union’s support, French NGOs will continue to have favorable conditions to contribute to Viet Nam’s development.

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Viet Nam said it has carried out humanitarian mine clearance activities in Viet Nam for nearly 20 years, working with Viet Nam to address the consequences of war and support local socio-economic development. NPA expressed its appreciation for the Union’s cooperation and support, noting that such guidance and coordination have played an important role in advancing the two sides’ shared objectives, while encouraging NPA to remain committed to and continue supporting Viet Nam.

The team leader of the NPA Hue multi-task team inspects an artillery shell discovered in a residential area in Hue City, August 2025. (Photo: NPA)

Building on shared achievements

Many partners wish to continue cooperation with the Union on the foundation of the relationships, mechanisms and networks already established. Their proposals focus on maintaining forums, festivals, people-to-people and youth exchange programs; further promoting connections among localities, universities and alumni; and implementing additional joint initiatives.

The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries expressed its desire to continue working with the Union to organize the Red Journey programs for Vietnamese youth to study and learn in China, the China-Viet Nam People’s Forum, and the China-Viet Nam Border People’s Friendship Festival; build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural exchanges and youth friendship. The Association said these activities would contribute to bringing relations between the two countries and between their peoples to new achievements.

The All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) spoke highly of its close and long-standing relationship with the Union, built over many decades on a foundation of trust, solidarity and a shared commitment to peace and international cooperation. AIPSO particularly highlighted the Viet Nam-India People’s Friendship Festivals, describing them as distinctive and vibrant forums where the peoples of the two countries can deepen mutual understanding, cherish the historical bonds between the two nations, and promote broader cooperation. The organization expressed its hope that the two sides would continue to expand exchange activities and implement new initiatives.

An Indian artists’ delegation participates in the 12th Viet Nam-India People’s Friendship Festival in Vinh Phuc (now part of Phu Tho Province), December 2024. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Saint Petersburg State University (Russian Federation) said that the study of Viet Nam and the teaching of Vietnamese at the university began in 1931. According to the university, the Ho Chi Minh Institute there is the first and only research institute of its kind in the world outside Viet Nam; it has contributed and continues to contribute to scientific research and the promotion of the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. Saint Petersburg State University affirmed that it would continue to serve as a bridge in education and science and support initiatives aimed at deepening Russia-Viet Nam relations.

Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition “President Ho Chi Minh - The founder of Viet Nam-Russia friendship” at the Ho Chi Minh Institute, Saint Petersburg State University, September 2025. (Photo: President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace)

The Association of Cambodian Alumni who studied in Viet Nam described the Union as a “trusted partner” and an “important bridge” in fostering friendship between the peoples of the two countries. The Association expressed its appreciation for the Union’s coordination and support for people-to-people, cultural, educational, youth and alumni exchange activities. Looking ahead to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Viet Nam in 2027, the Association pledged to continue working alongside the Union and to promote the role of generations of alumni who studied in Viet Nam as “ambassadors of friendship,” contributing to the development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region.

Events That Bring Partners Together People-to-people diplomacy activities have now become “events” that “bring together” Vietnamese organizations, businesses, localities and projects with international partners for cooperation and partnership, creating practical and tangible outcomes for their respective tasks.

Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to Hold National Congress The 7th National Congress of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), for the 2026-2031 term, is scheduled to take place on September 14 in Ha Noi. The Congress will be held under the theme “Proactive adaptation - Breakthrough innovation - Practical effectiveness.”