Remark on 75th Anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations

	Congratulatory Letter from the President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations
	VUFO Proactive and Effective in High-level Diplomatic Activities in Viet Nam

On the morning of 17 November in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations solemnly held the Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Traditional Day (17 November 1950 - 17 November 2025), the Conferment of the First-Class Labour Order, and the National Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period.

VietnamTimes Magazine respectfully introduces the full text of the Address of Celebration and the Review of the Patriotic Emulation Movement for the 2020-2025 period, delivered by Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, at the event.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son delivers the Anniversary Speech. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

"Your Excellency Comrade Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Delegation of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations, President of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front,

Your Excellency Comrade Bui Thanh Sơn, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam,

Your Excellency Comrade Uong Chu Luu, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, President of the Viet Nam Peace Committee,

Your Excellency Members of the Party Central Committee, Leaders of central Party bodies, ministries, sectors, central agencies, and Leaders of provinces and cities,

Your Excellency Saadi Salama, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to Viet Nam, Head of the Diplomatic Corps,

Your Excellency Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam,

Ambassadors, Chargés d’Affaires, representatives of embassies, United Nations agencies, international organizations, and foreign non-governmental organizations in Viet Nam,

Leaders and former Leaders, members of the Standing Committee, members of the Presidium, and Leaders of member organizations of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations across different periods,

Domestic and international partners,

Comrades and friends!

Today, with deep emotion and pride, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations solemnly holds the 75th Anniversary of its Traditional Day and the Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period. On behalf of the Presidium of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, allow me to extend my respectful greetings and sincere thanks to the leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front; the ministries, sectors, and localities; the diplomatic missions, international organizations; international non-governmental organizations; our partners and friends at home and abroad for joining us today, and for the flowers and congratulatory messages. Your presence is not only an expression of sentiment and support, but also a symbol of the friendship, trust, empathy, and solidarity that we deeply treasure.

Distinguished comrades and friends,

From the earliest days of the nation, with his sharp political vision, aspiration for peace, ideology of humanistic diplomaty, and profound understanding of the power of international solidarity and the value of mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples, as well as the connection between the Vietnamese people’s aspiration for independence and freedom and humanity’s conscience and justice, President Ho Chi Minh directed the establishment of the first people-to-people diplomatic organizations: the Viet Nam-America Friendship Association (17 October 1945), the Viet Nam-China Friendship Association (22 March 1950), the Viet Nam-Soviet Friendship Association (23 May 1950), and the Viet Nam Committee for World Peace (19 November 1950). These marked the beginning of a distinctive diplomatic approach - flexible yet steadfast, quiet yet deeply influential: people-to-people diplomacy.

Generations of leaders, officials, and staff members of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations take great pride in the fact that in 2008, the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee approved the designation of 17 November 1950 - the date when President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to the Establishment Congress of the Viet Nam Committee for World Peace - as the Traditional Day of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.

Reflecting on the journey of the past 75 years, we increasingly appreciate the power of faith, of international solidarity, and of unity in overcoming hardship. During the most brutal years of war, people-to-people diplomacy contributed to glorious achievements, helping to build a broad front of solidarity across the five continents, uniting ordinary workers, political activists, parliamentarians, intellectuals, journalists, and artists. Millions of letters, poems, photographs, marches, and anti-war movements in many countries became vivid evidence of humanity’s compassion rising above hatred, affirming that Viet Nam was never alone. Viet Nam became a symbol of justice, courage, and the aspiration for peace.

After 1975, in the context of a country devastated by war, isolated and embargoed, people-to-people diplomacy, together with Party diplomacy and State diplomacy, “took the lead and paved the way,” contributing to breaking through isolation, reconnecting bridges torn apart by conflict, building trust, and mobilizing international support to overcome war consequences, rebuild the nation, and stabilize and develop the economy and society.

Entering the era of Doi Moi (Renewal) and deep international integration, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations have not only helped bring Viet Nam “to the world,” but have also brought the world to every locality and every community. With a network of thousands of partners across continents developed over time, and with thousands of peace, solidarity, and friendship activities organized annually with wide reach, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has affirmed its active role at numerous regional and international forums. It has effectively served as a focal point in relations and mobilization of aid, making practical contributions to poverty reduction, social welfare, healthcare, education, environmental protection, post-war recovery, and responses to natural disasters and epidemics. Research, external information work, and engagement with overseas Vietnamese have also been strongly promoted, helping to enhance the visibility of Viet Nam’s image and foster greater understanding and trust among peoples.

Distinguished comrades and friends,

In keeping with President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching that “Emulation is patriotism; those who are patriotic must emulate, and those who emulate are the most patriotic,” the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has always regarded emulation as a driver of innovation and a measure of dedication. In recent years, we have actively responded to movements launched by the Prime Minister and the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, while also implementing emulation movements initiated by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations in connection with our political tasks, such as “Promoting the strength of the entire Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to excellently fulfill political tasks for the 2020-2025 period,” “People-to-people diplomacy in the new era,” and “Officials, staff members, and employees of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations strive to uphold workplace culture.” Numerous exemplary collectives and individuals with effective models and creative practices have emerged, contributing to enhancing the quality of activities across the entire system.

Commendation work has been carried out in a substantive manner, with strict procedures, in accordance with regulations, and in a timely fashion, thereby encouraging international friends and partners as well as those directly engaged in people-to-people diplomacy.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations has been honored with many prestigious awards from the Party, the State, and international friends (including two Ho Chi Minh Orders and one First-Class Labor Order). Today, on the 75th Anniversary of its Traditional Day, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations is once again honored to receive the First-Class Labor Order - a noble award, a source of pride, and a reminder of our responsibility to uphold our glorious tradition.

Distinguished comrades and friends,

The positive results achieved by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations in recent years are attributable to the wise and strategic leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and successive generations of Party and State leaders; to the support and effective coordination of ministries, agencies, and localities; and, above all, to the tireless and quiet dedication of generations of officials. From those who lived through the war yet held steadfast to their faith in peace, to today’s officers working in a world of constant change but remaining committed to revolutionary ideals, love of the homeland, and friendship among nations.

Allow me a solemn moment to express gratitude. We pay tribute to the generations of officials engaged in people-to-people diplomacy - those who lived through war, endured the years of embargo, and witnessed the ups and downs of history, yet never lost faith in humanity or in international solidarity.

We express our deepest appreciation to the people’s movements, to friends and peace lovers around the world who took to the streets for Viet Nam, who raised their voices for justice, and who offered us not only their support but also their hearts and trust. You stood with the Vietnamese people during the fiercest days of bombs and fire, when freedom remained an ardent aspiration and peace seemed distant. You shared our pain, transforming that pain into strength and into a call that stirred the conscience of humanity. To us, such sentiments reflect a friendship tested in the flames of war - a solidarity forged by courage and compassion.

We express our gratitude to people’s organizations and to veterans who returned to this land to heal the wounds of war, close the past, and open the path to reconciliation. We thank our partners, friends, and foreign non-governmental organizations who steadfastly stood by Viet Nam during its most challenging times. You came and stayed, quietly sharing our burdens, opening the first doors that reconnected Viet Nam with the world. Your acts of goodwill contributed to meaningful change and strengthened Việt Nam’s journey of renewal and integration. Today, as Viet Nam enters a new stage of development, we value even more the support and companionship of our friends. These bonds, nurtured over many years through trust, dedication, and sincere friendship, will continue to be a foundation for us to move forward together.

We cannot recount all that you have done for Viet Nam, but please believe that we forget no one. Allow us to extend our gratitude to all those who have kindled, are kindling, and will continue to kindle the flame of friendship between the Vietnamese people and the peoples of the world - a flame lit by faith, by humanity, and by our shared aspiration for a peaceful world.

Distinguished comrades and friends,

Looking back on our journey, we take pride in what we have achieved, yet we are even more aware of our responsibility to the future. The world is witnessing profound epochal transformations that present numerous new challenges. In this context, people-to-people diplomacy - the most accessible and enduring channel of diplomacy - must continue to uphold its role as a reliable bridge and the sincere voice of the Vietnamese people to the peoples of the world.

The 13th National Congress of the Party affirmed the goal of “building a comprehensive, modern diplomacy based on the three pillars of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy.” General Secretary To Lam emphasized that strengthening external relations and international integration is a vital and ongoing task. This is not only a source of pride but also a reminder for us to continue striving, innovating, and being proactive in this new stage of the country’s development.

In the time ahead, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to uphold its tradition; renew its thinking, activities, and operational methods; consolidate and organize its apparatus in a unified and efficient direction; and build a contingent of officials with competence, integrity, and capability that meet the new requirements of our work. We will further strengthen and expand our network of friends, partners, and areas of cooperation.

Distinguished comrades and friends,

As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Traditional Day, we not only look back on our past journey but also reflect on the values that have carried us forward: compassion, the aspiration for peace, and a steadfast belief in humanity. Through many trials, these values have shown that sincerity, empathy, and goodwill can generate the strength to unlock possibilities that once seemed beyond reach. From that journey, history reminds us that all enduring national achievements originate from the people, from unity, the spirit of sharing, and the noble values preserved across generations.

Ahead of us lie many difficulties, yet it is precisely these challenges that reaffirm that dialogue, friendship, and human connection - though requiring perseverance - remain the most righteous path, enabling us to move forward in peace and responsibility.

With that spirit, we move ahead: humble yet steadfast, innovative yet disciplined, humane yet effective. The 75-year tradition will continue to illuminate our path, reminding us that every kind look, every extended hand, and every sincere word can bring about change - small, perhaps, but powerful enough to spread.

At this moment, allow me once again to express my profound gratitude to our beloved President Ho Chi Minh; to the leaders of the Party and the State; and to our international friends and partners - those who have supported, are supporting, and will continue to support, share, and accompany us on the journey of developing Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy.

May the friendship between the Vietnamese people and the peoples of all nations remain enduring, sincere, and open, so that peace and cooperation may become a vibrant reality in the lives of every country.

Thank you very much!"

[Infographics] History of Formation and Development of Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations History of Formation and Development of Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.

[Photo] Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Presents Report to President Ho Chi Minh on Occasion of its 75th Traditional Day On November 13 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a ceremony to present its report to President Ho Chi Minh ...