Don Tuan Phong, Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO); Tran Phu Tieu, Chairman of Phu Tho Fatherland Front Committee, President of Phu Tho Union; Bui Van Quang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Hoang Cong Thuy, Vice Chairman of Provincial People’s Committee; Vi Trong Le, Standing Vice Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People’ Council; Do Ngoc Dung, Director of Phu Tho External Relations Department; over 100 representatives of VUFO, provincial Unions and offices of Phu Tho joined the event.
At the Congress. (Photos: Thuy Linh/VNF)
In his opening speech, Tran Phu Tieu, Chairman of Phu Tho Fatherland Front Committee, President of Phu Tho Union emphasized the active and effective conduct of people-to-people diplomatic activities in Phu Tho with close collaboration with offices and groups of all levels, bringing prosperity to the local socio-economy and fostering the friendship and cooperation established locally and nationally with foreign friends. This is also the foundation for Party diplomacy and State diplomacy, he said.
The First Term Report of the Phu Tho Union was presented and brought to discussion in the Congress. An outstanding accomplishment can be listed as the successful implementation of steering documents of national and local people-to-people diplomacy.
Since the establishment on Sep. 25th, 2013, the Phu Tho Union has witnessed the strong and unceasingly growth in scope, reaching seven member friendship associations with over 2000 members. The 7 are Vietnam friendship associations with Russia, Laos PDR, China, Czech Republic, Korea, Cambodia and Vietnamese overseas association in Laos and Thailand.
Annually, numerous exchange and sharing programs were delivered to foreign friends. These do not only promote local tourism but also stimulate foreign investment into the province.
Moreover, 146 projects by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been carried out widespread in the province with the total subsidy of USD 14.5 million. Their support is taking steps in improving the lives of people in remote and disadvantaged areas as well as the socio-economy of Phu Tho.
Skill training for the Union staff, improving their working conditions, work effectiveness evaluation, NGO funds mobilization, diplomatic information affairs were also among the Phu Tho Union’s priorities in the first term.
VUFO Vice President Don Tuan Phong in his speech.
In his remarks, on behalf of the Union Presidium, VUFO Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General Don Tuan Phong praised the achievements of the Phu Tho Union in all mentioned fields in the first term. He also suggested some methods to foster the people-to-people diplomacy affairs by the Phu Tho Union in the new context.
Firstly, the Union shall proceed with their diverse activities to develop the ties of Phu Tho with other localities and foreign partners to exploit resources and promote interdisciplinary cooperation.
Secondly, the Union shall advance the establishment and development of friendship associations, especially those with ASEAN countries. Personnel affairs are also a matter of concern, in which information updating and skill training of international relations, international integration and people-to-people diplomacy are the focus.
Vice President Phong presented a hanging bearing the words, "initiative, flexible, creative and efficient" to the Phu Tho Union.
Thirdly, the Union shall promote public understanding and responsibility of people-to-people diplomacy in the new integration context.
Fourthly, non-material resources shall be another emphasis of mobilization from NGOs, besides financial support.
According to Vice Chairman of Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Cong Thuy, the Congress is the time for reflection of the implementation of the Party’s guidance and State laws of people-to-people diplomacy; consolidate organizations and people’s trust in the Party, national and local leadership in diplomatic affairs.
The Phu Tho Union Executive Committee of the second term.
The Congress reviewed the Summary Report of the term 2013 – 2018, the Working Plan for the term 2018 – 2023; the Amended Charter of the Union.
The Congress also elected an 23-member executive board for the 2018-2023 tenure. Do Ngoc Dung, Director of Phu Tho External Relations Department was elected as President of the Union for the new tenure.
In his appreciation speech, Dung affirmed the will of the second Executive Committee to further the achievements of the first term and accomplishment the resolution of the Congress. He hoped the Phu Tho Union receive more guidance and support from VUFO, the People's Aid Coordinating Committee, leaders of provincial offices. The Phu Tho Union’s unity as a whole shall boost diplomatic activities in the coming term.
In the Congress, the Phu Tho Union with their great pleasure, received a hanging bearing the words, "initiative, flexible, creative and efficient" as an acknowledgement from VUFO of the achievements in the previous term. Six individuals and four member groups of the Union with remarkable contribution to the Union’s affairs received certificates of merit and insignia “For peace and friendship among nations” from VUFO./.
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