The event was attended by Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh; Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Ba Ty; Don Tuan Phong, Vice President cum Secretary General of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Hong Xiaoyong.
Addressing the congress, Deputy PM Minh expressed his appreciation for the important achievements that the association has gained during the 2012 - 2017 tenure, significantly contributing to enhancing the mutual understanding between the two peoples as well as consolidating the solid foundation for the relations between the two Parties and States.
The association has proactively promoted its activities, practically contributing to the external activities of the Vietnamese Party and State, to enhance their cooperation with China and becoming an important bridge to tighten the friendship between the two nations, he added.
The Deputy PM emphasised that people-to-people exchanges are a social foundation and a source of strength for the two countries' cooperation, enhancing mutual trust, understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
At the event, he asked the VCFA to boost measures to develop the Viet Nam – China relations, including the strengthening of friendship exchanges, proactively participating in the communication activities on the two countries’ ties, improving the quality of its organisations, and inspiring the spirit of friendship of people from all walks of life, particularly in young generations.
The association should continue to encourage the people of the two countries to successfully implement the agreements and common awareness of the leaders, as well as to expand exchange activities in association with enhancing the relations in the fields of economy, trade, culture and education, noted Deputy PM Minh.
He noted his belief that the association will attain more achievements in the 2017 - 2022 term, contributing to increasing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese people.
Nguyen Van Tho, VCFA Vice President for the fifth tenure, said with branches in 30 cities and provinces, the association carried out many activities such as meetings, delegation exchanges and seminars, along with cultural and humanitarian activities.
Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Hong Xiaoyong emphasised that preserving and promoting China - Viet Nam friendship is a responsibility shared by both sides.
The Chinese Embassy in Viet Nam wishes to closely partner with the association to diversify people-to-people diplomacy.
The congress elected a new 70-member executive board for the 2017-2022 term. Nguyen Xuan Thang, member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee, and Director of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, was re-elected as President.
On the occasion, the association was honoured to receive the PM’s certificate of merits. Many of the association’s members were awarded the certificates of merit and the medal “For the peace and friendship among peoples” by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.
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