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Dr. Keijo Varis, member of the Board of the Finland-Viet Nam Friendship Association. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Journey of friendship, history, and mutual understanding

My visit to Viet Nam from August 31 to September 5, 2025, in my capacity as a representative of the Finland-Viet Nam Friendship Association, was one of the most inspiring and memorable experiences of my life. The trip offered me the opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO).

Dr. Keijo Varis attended the Ceremony marking the 80th Anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day at Ba Dinh Square, September 02, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

From the very first moments of my arrival in Hanoi, I was deeply impressed by VUFO’s thoughtful organization and gracious reception. Every detail of the visit, from airport reception and working meetings to academic exchanges and cultural activities, was prepared with meticulous care and a strong sense of responsibility. The young, dynamic, dedicated, and highly professional staff of VUFO fully embodied the spirit of friendship, cooperation, and openness that defines Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy. I felt not only welcomed, but genuinely respected.

Viet Nam left a profound impression on me. The country’s heroic history, resilient spirit, and remarkable development achievements stand as vivid testimony to the strength and steadfast determination of the Vietnamese people. During my visit, I had the opportunity to tour several museums that vividly recount thousands of years of nation-building and defense, as well as the enduring aspiration for independence and self-reliance of the Vietnamese nation. I was particularly moved to attend the Ceremony marking the 80th Anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day at Ba Dinh Square - a sacred moment symbolizing the pride, resolve, and vision of the entire nation.

One especially memorable highlight of the trip was the opportunity, arranged by VUFO, to deliver lectures at Viet Nam National University of Forestry and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. I was deeply impressed by the open-mindedness, intellectual rigor, and eagerness to learn demonstrated by Vietnamese lecturers and students alike. This clearly reflects a bright future for the country, where knowledge and international dialogue are highly valued. Being invited to present a lecture on “Strategic Thinking” at an academy bearing the name of President Ho Chi Minh - an outstanding yet humble strategist - was a great honor in my professional career.

Dr. Keijo Varis presented a lecture on “Strategic Thinking” at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in Hanoi, September 05, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Youth engagement - key to renewing Viet Nam-Europe friendship

Reflecting on my journey in Viet Nam, I can confidently affirm that VUFO and the Vietnamese people are truly professional in organizing, connecting, and nurturing friendship. The way VUFO builds sincere and meaningful people-to-people relationships clearly demonstrates the power of people-to-people diplomacy and mutual understanding among nations - foundational elements for building peace and cooperation in the modern world.

Dr. Keijo Varis (left) and Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Director General of VUFO’s Europe Department, during a visit with the international delegation to Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, on the occasion of Viet Nam’s 80th National Day. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Looking to the future, however, I also perceive a challenge that represents a significant opportunity for VUFO: enhancing the participation of younger generations. During my time in Viet Nam, I observed that most international delegates were of an older age group. I shared this observation with Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Director General of VUFO’s Europe Department, noting: “If European youth are not engaged in friendship activities, then in 10 to 15 years it will be very difficult for VUFO to maintain its connections with the region, because older friends like us will no longer have the strength to continue accompanying this journey.”

On that basis, I would like to propose that VUFO expand its youth- and student-oriented activities through cooperation with foreign friendship associations, Vietnamese embassies in Europe, and with the support of ministries of education, science, and culture in host countries. Developing exchange programs, academic cooperation, and volunteer initiatives for international students would help foster a new generation of friends of Viet Nam - individuals who will carry forward and spread the spirit of solidarity and friendship between Viet Nam and the world.

According to Dr. Keijo Varis, developing exchange programs, academic cooperation, and volunteer initiatives for international students would help foster a new generation of friends of Viet Nam. (Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper)

Generations will succeed one another, but friendship must be continually renewed and nurtured. Therefore, strategic thinking and a long-term vision that place youth and innovation at the center are key to the future of people-to-people diplomacy. I firmly believe that, with its experience, credibility, and aspirations, VUFO will continue to play a pioneering role in strengthening and expanding friendship between Viet Nam and countries around the world for many decades to come.

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