Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Viet Nam Peace Committee Uong Chu Luu; member of the Central Party Executive Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of National Assembly Tran Van Tuy; Vice President, Secretary General of VUFO Don Tuan Phong; Vice President of VUFO Bui Khac Son; and delegates from central agencies, sectors and members of VUFO Executive committee attended the conference.
Speaking at the opening address, Don Tuan Phong noted that in the first half of 2017, VUFO’s people-to-people diplomacy has achieved numerous positive outcomes in multiple fields. The relations between Viet Nam and foreign partners have been diversified and vigorously multilateralized through establishing a friends network of Viet Nam in key areas in every continent and region.
Meanwhile, the relations with long-standing friends who had lent vast supports to Vietnamese people in two resistance wars are greatly enhanced and maintained. At the same time, relations with new friends are cultivated and expanded. Besides preserving and upgrading traditional relationships, people-to-people diplomacy has been amidst the reformation process, which place more emphasis on building ties in terms of economics, trade, investment, culture, science – technology, besides political ties, which are relevant for the development of the country.
By July 2017, VUFO jointly received totally 541 delegations with 1,0621 visitors who arrived in Viet Nam to assist the implementation of the projects, program for development. Total value of those projects hit over USD 103 million.
Website Vietpeace posted 230 articles including Vietnamese and English news about the events of the Friendship Union and people- to – people diplomacy activities and pageviews in the first 6 months of 2017 reached over 700 thousands. VUFO has also set up communication plan in term of 2017 – 2020 and upgraded administration page, as well as prepare mobile version for Vietpeace website. The press organizations of the Union have been renewed, enhanced in appearance, quality content to be widely read.
In addition, in the first half of 2017, activities promoting peace, solidarity and friendship and coordination among people by member unions in localities continued to be carried on effectively.
Besides, VUFO paid special attention to strengthening its structure and organization. The improvement of the organization is continued to be taken into account by friendship unions in localities. In the first 6 months of 2017, 3 provinces Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh and Hoa Binh have chartered their respective friendship organizations, marking the total number of branch friendship organizations in localities rising up to 51/63 provinces, cities.
The conference also reminded VUFO of significant tasks in the last half of 2017, including the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam – Cambodia diplomatic ties, 40 years of Viet Nam - Lao Friendship Treaty and 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, 100th anniversary of Russian October Revolution, 25th anniversary of the Viet Nam – Korean diplomatic relations.
Foreign NGO aid mobilization in localities unions continued to be reinforced.
Unions of localities continues to fulfill its role as focal points in mobilizing aids, actively provide recommendations to provinces, cities in finding potential partners in charitable aid; ensuring effective mobilization and management of foreign NGO aid.
Speaking at the conference, Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu agreed with the reports from the executive committee of VUFO on the first six month’s performance, as well as the plans for the rest of the year.
Luu also took the occassion to inform the participants that the Viet Nam Peace Committee is going to host the World Peace Executive committee meeting in November in Viet Nam, urging for assistance and supports from VUFO in facilitating the organization of the event.
On the same day, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations held a conference to review the work in the first 6 months of 2017, assign tasks for the last six months.
Don Tuan Phong acknowledged and highly appreciated the achievements of the Permanent Bureau of the union in the first 6 months of 2017 and affirmed its achievements thanks to the great contribution of all the officer and permanent staff of the union. It is requested that each individual strive to meet the requirements of work, pay attention to improve the effectiveness of professional work to complete assigned tasks in 2017; actively advise for the Party and State on the work of the people – to – people diplomacy.
At the meeting, Vice President Don Tuan Phong authorized by the Prime Minister handed over the Government's Emulation Flag to the organization – personnel department for their excellent work accomplishment in 2016.
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