The Congress was attended by Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Oleksandr Hyshtymult, First Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine in Viet Nam; representatives of relevant agencies, organizations and friendship associations; and nearly 100 official delegates.

The Congress reviewed the Association’s activities during the 2014-2026 term, set out directions for the 2026-2031 term, discussed amendments and supplements to its Charter, and considered organizational consolidation. Alongside the need to maintain traditional friendship activities, delegates proposed various initiatives to strengthen connections in science, technology, education, culture and community engagement.

The Viet Nam-Ukraine Friendship Association holds its fifth National Congress for the 2026-2031 term. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Proposals to further foster friendship between the two countries

School No. 25 in Kyiv, named after President Ho Chi Minh, was among the institutions highlighted by Mai Van Minh, Vice President of the Viet Nam-Ukraine Friendship Association’s fourth-term Executive Committee, in his presentation at the Congress. Currently living and working in Ukraine, Mai Van Minh proposed that the Association continue to pay attention to and maintain its connections with the school, helping preserve an institution of significance to the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

He also proposed that the Association coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine and community organizations to keep abreast of developments and provide support to Vietnamese people there within its capacity; maintain relations with the Ukraine-Viet Nam Friendship Association; and organize cultural, educational and humanitarian activities.

In science and technology, Dr. Duong Quoc Sy, who previously studied and conducted research at Kyiv University and worked with Ukrainian research institutes and universities, noted that the potential for cooperation between the two countries remained considerable but had yet to be fully tapped.

He proposed promoting cooperation in agricultural processing and preservation, agricultural biotechnology, materials, welding technology and energy; conducting joint research projects on the extraction and processing of titanium and rare earths; and training highly qualified human resources.

Dr. Duong Quoc Sy also recommended that the Association coordinate the organization of regular scientific and technological exchanges and seminars, and consider establishing a working group comprising scientists, experts and businesspeople familiar with both countries to identify needs, propose projects and connect suitable partners.

Addressing the Congress, Association President Dang Van Chien recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Ukraine in 1959 and the support provided by the Ukrainian people in training thousands of Vietnamese students, postgraduate researchers and skilled workers. He affirmed that these contributions were always deeply valued and served as a foundation for successive generations to continue nurturing friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

During the 2014-2026 term, the Association made efforts to maintain cultural exchanges, introduce the countries and peoples of Viet Nam and Ukraine, and connect friendship organizations, partners and the Vietnamese community in Ukraine.

Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, addresses the Congress. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Renewing activities and enhancing connectivity

In her guidance remarks at the Congress, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang said the Association was established in 1995, with its core membership comprising Vietnamese people who had studied and worked in Ukraine. Over more than three decades, it had become a gathering place for fostering and preserving friendship between the peoples of the two countries. She acknowledged and commended the efforts of the Executive Committee, Standing Committee and members during the past term, as well as the support and cooperation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Viet Nam and its partners.

Regarding the Association’s tasks in the coming period, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang called on it to continue preserving and strengthening Viet Nam-Ukraine friendship, while maintaining relations with friendship organizations, traditional partners, diplomatic missions and communities with close ties to both countries. She also encouraged the flexible organization of online exchanges and cultural and educational activities, as well as information-sharing initiatives, to maintain trust and lay the groundwork for expanding people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

The Association should renew its thinking and operating methods and step up resource mobilization. Exchange and commemorative events should focus on substantive engagement, helping build partner networks and establish new cooperation programs. At the same time, it should promote the role of former students, experts, intellectuals, businesspeople and the Vietnamese community in Ukraine as bridges for knowledge, culture and economic cooperation. Efforts should also be made to attract younger members and strengthen connections among localities, schools, businesses and people in both countries.

Regarding organizational matters, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang called for building a proactive, streamlined and effective Association. Immediately after the Congress, the new Executive Committee should translate the Resolution into a comprehensive action program for the entire term and annual plans, with clear assignments, tasks, responsibilities and expected results. The Association should also focus on expanding its membership, making the most of each committee member’s strengths, diversifying legitimate sources of resources and regularly reviewing its activities to ensure they closely meet practical needs.

Nguyen Thi Thu Giang affirmed that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations would continue to accompany and facilitate the Association in promoting its role in people-to-people diplomacy, while closely coordinating with the Embassy of Ukraine and partners to expand its scope of activities and foster cooperation.

Dang Van Chien, former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Laws and President of the Association’s fourth-term Executive Committee, is re-elected as President. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At its first meeting, the fifth-term Executive Committee elected a seven-member Standing Committee. Dang Van Chien, former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Laws and President of the Association’s fourth-term Executive Committee, was re-elected as President for the 2026-2031 term.

The four Vice Presidents are Le Truong Thuy, Nguyen Duc Chinh, Tran Thanh Binh and Mai Van Minh. Le Truong Thuy will concurrently serve as General Secretary. The fifth-term Inspection Committee comprises three members, with Nguyen Duc Chinh as its Head.

On the occasion of the Congress, leaders of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented the Association with a commemorative flag in recognition of its contributions to people-to-people diplomacy during the past term.

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