On June 9, the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association held a mid-year review conference to assess its activities during the first six months of 2026 and outline key tasks for the remainder of the year. Nguyen Van Thuan, President of the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association, chaired the conference.
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| Nguyen Van Thuan chairs the Executive Committee meeting of the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
According to the report presented at the conference, during the first half of 2026, the Association proactively carried out a wide range of people-to-people diplomacy activities, contributing to the strengthening of the traditional friendship between the two countries while promoting cooperation in economic, cultural and community exchange fields.
The Association maintained regular contact with Armenian partners and continued to strengthen relations with the Embassy of Armenia in Viet Nam. In early April 2026, it organized a New Year meeting between its Executive Committee and representatives of the Armenian Embassy to discuss and coordinate people-to-people exchange activities for 2026.
Efforts to connect localities and businesses also continued to gain momentum. Following meetings held on October 16, 2025, between the Armenian Ambassador, leaders of Hai Phong City, and the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association, a number of practical cooperation initiatives have been implemented.
One notable achievement was the official opening of the first showroom in Hai Phong for Armenia’s Ararat brand. The initiative helps promote Armenia’s signature products in Viet Nam and creates opportunities to strengthen commercial ties between businesses from both countries.
The Association’s leadership and members actively participated in events organized by the Armenian Embassy and facilitated connections between the Armenian Ambassador and Vietnamese businesses, organizations and local authorities, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Speaking at the conference, Duong Manh Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association, said that through discussions with the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Viet Nam, the Armenian side had identified Hai Phong as a locality with significant potential for cooperation in industry, logistics and port development, and expressed hope that the city would become a key hub for advancing bilateral economic relations.
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| Duong Manh Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association, speaks at the conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Armenia also expressed its desire to expand the promotion of its key products, including wine, dried fruits and high-quality agricultural products, in the Vietnamese market.
In the fields of industry and technology, Armenia proposed discussions with VinFast regarding the possibility of establishing a representative office or sales support center in Armenia. The country also seeks stronger cooperation with Vietnamese technology companies in innovation, startups, technology transfer and student exchange programs.
Alongside its external activities, the Association has continued to strengthen its organizational structure and improve operational efficiency by refining internal regulations, developing systematic work plans and assigning responsibilities appropriately among members. Membership development has also been prioritized, with efforts to recruit professionals experienced in economics, aviation, publishing and tourism to enhance the quality of people-to-people diplomacy activities in the new period.
Research, advisory work and external communications have also been intensified. The Association is currently developing a research project on Armenia’s political, economic, foreign policy and social developments, while continuing to provide members and partners with information on Armenia and Viet Nam-Armenia relations.
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| Delegates pose for a commemorative photo at the conference. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
In the second half of 2026, in line with the orientation of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Viet Nam-Armenia Friendship Association will continue coordinating with the Armenian Embassy to organize friendship exchange activities, conduct a working visit to Armenia under its foreign affairs plan, and prepare commemorative events marking the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence Day (September 21, 1991 - September 21, 2026), the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2026), and the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Armenia (July 14, 1992 - July 14, 2026).
Based on proposals and support from the Armenian Embassy, the Association will work with relevant agencies of both countries to prepare for a performance by the Yerevan State Chamber Symphony Orchestra in Hai Phong at the end of 2026. The event is expected to further promote cultural and artistic exchanges between the peoples of the two countries and create another milestone in Viet Nam-Armenia friendship relations.
The Association will also continue promoting the implementation of cooperation initiatives discussed between the Armenian Ambassador and Hai Phong authorities; strengthen its role as a bridge in economic, trade, cultural, educational and artistic cooperation; support connections between Vietnamese businesses, localities and organizations and Armenian partners; expand external communications and partner networks in both Viet Nam and Armenia; improve the quality of research and advisory activities; continue membership development; and formulate its 2027 action plan, thereby contributing to the consolidation of solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries in the new era.
Source: Vietnamtimes
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