Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association Debuts

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The Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association has made its debut in the Portuguese city of Porto, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Attending the ceremony were Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal Nguyen Manh Thang; lawyer Jose Pedro Viera, president of the Portugal - Vietnam Friendship Association; Henrique Calisto, former head coach of the Vietnamese men's national football team, vice president of the Portugal - Vietnam Friendship Association and more than 30 members of the association, VNA reported.

Delegates at the launch ceremony. Photo: VNA

Addressing the launching ceremony on June 13, its President, José Pedro Vieira, expressed his delight at the association’s official establishment, noting that it brings together Portuguese individuals from various professional backgrounds who share a strong affection for Vietnam.

He stated that the association aims to foster mutual understanding, connection, and cooperation between the people of Portugal and Vietnam.

Vieira highlighted that even prior to its formal debut, members of the association had been actively involved in promoting bilateral collaboration in fields such as economics, education and training, culture, sports, and interlocal cooperation. Looking ahead, the association plans to carry out a wide range of activities to deepen people-to-people exchanges, connect businesses, enhance university partnerships, and expand cultural and sporting ties between the two nations.

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Portugal Nguyen Manh Thang at the event. Photo: VNA

Charge d'Affaires Nguyen Manh Thang congratulated the association on its launch, which comes at a symbolic time as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He hailed the association as an important initiative that will further bolster the warm and cooperative ties between Vietnam and Portugal.

He praised the valuable contributions of the association’s members and encouraged the group to continue promoting Vietnam’s image in Portugal, advancing bilateral cooperation in areas aligned with members’ expertise, and supporting key events organized by the Vietnamese embassy, including community development projects in Vietnam.

President of the Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association José Pedro Vieira presents certificates for new members, with the witness of Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal Nguyen Manh Thang. Photo: VNA/VNS

The Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association was founded by a group of Portuguese friends of Vietnam who have played an active role in enhancing bilateral relations in recent years. Notable efforts include the establishment of sister city ties between Ho Chi Minh City and Porto (July 2023), and between Dong Nai province and Nova Vila de Gaia (May 2025), as well as cooperation between the economics faculties of Vietnam National University-Hanoi and the University of Porto, alongside numerous trade, investment, cultural and sporting exchanges.

The association currently has around 50 members based in major Portuguese cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Nova Vila de Gaia, representing a variety of professions including law, academia, sports coaching, and city administration.

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