Lai Ngoc Doan, President of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association, speaks at the program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the program, Lai Ngoc Doan, President of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association, said that although Vietnam and Uzbekistan are geographically distant, their traditional friendship is close in sentiment. Tashkent and many other cities across Uzbekistan have become a “second home” for Vietnamese people, training nearly 3,000 engineers, scientists, and skilled experts for Vietnam. Many of them later went on to become key officials who contributed to the country’s development.

“For many generations of Vietnamese people who studied, conducted research, and worked in Uzbekistan, those years not only provided them with knowledge and professional expertise, but also left them with sincere international friendships, beautiful memories of their youth, and unforgettable affection,” he said.

The event provided an opportunity for generations of association members, former students and trainees, experts, and those with an affinity for Uzbekistan to meet, reminisce about cherished memories, share valuable experiences, and continue fostering friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Over more than three decades, Vietnam-Uzbekistan relations have continued to be strengthened and developed across various fields. The two sides have maintained exchanges of delegations at various levels, enhanced cooperation at international forums, and opened up numerous opportunities for cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Bilateral trade, in particular, has continued to grow. Uzbekistan has become Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner in Central Asia, while Vietnam is Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner within ASEAN.

According to President Lai Ngoc Doan, in response to the need to further develop the friendship between the two peoples, the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association was officially established on September 4, 1996. From its inception, the Association has been tasked with bringing together people who studied and worked in Uzbekistan, as well as those who have affection for the country and people of Uzbekistan; contributing to strengthening traditional solidarity and friendship while expanding exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

Looking back on this journey, we have every reason to take pride in the fact that the Association has become a bridge of friendship between the peoples of the two countries, as well as a common home for those who studied and worked in Uzbekistan and those who hold affection for this Central Asian country.

Over the past 30 years, the Association has maintained many practical and meaningful activities. These have included meetings, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural diplomacy activities. In addition, the Association has actively connected and promoted cooperation in the economic and educational sectors, while seeking opportunities for cooperation in trade, textiles and garments, agriculture, and other fields. One notable achievement has been the establishment and maintenance of cooperative relations with the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association and the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendship Cooperation with Foreign Countries of Uzbekistan.

Entering a new chapter, the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association will continue to closely follow the foreign policy guidelines of the Party and State and the direction of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations. At the same time, it will renew its content and methods of operation toward greater proactiveness, flexibility, creativity, and effectiveness.

A musical performance by members of the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Association will continue to maintain traditional meetings and exchange activities; expand its membership network; attract young people, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and those interested in Uzbekistan to participate in its activities; strengthen its role as a bridge for cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, education, culture, and tourism; create opportunities for young people and students from the two countries to interact and learn from one another; and promote the application of information technology and communications to connect members more widely and spread the positive values of Vietnam-Uzbekistan friendship.

At the program, the organizers screened a congratulatory video message from Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, demonstrating the close bonds and strong cooperative relationship between the friendship organizations of the two countries over the past 30 years.

On the occasion, the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association also organized a photo exhibition showcasing notable milestones in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, including activities carried out by the Vietnam-Uzbekistan Friendship Association and the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association. The anniversary program also featured musical performances by Association members, contributing to a warm and close-knit atmosphere.

Vietnam–Uzbekistan Friendship Association Elects New President The Congress elected Ambassador Lai Ngoc Doan, former head of the Department of Cryptography and Information Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to hold the position of president of the Vietnam–Uzbekistan Friendship Association for the 2025-2030 term.

More Opportunities to Strengthen Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Uzbekistan The election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels will take place on March 15, 2026. On this occasion, Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, shared with a reporter from VietnamTimes Magazine his views on the significance of this important political event for Vietnam’s development process, as well as prospects for international cooperation, particularly the friendship between the two countries.