The fifth National Congress of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) was held in Hanoi on December 30 with the theme “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Integration.”

Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnam ’s Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan said the Union ’s operations over the last five-year tenure have generated positive outcomes.

In addition to the promotion of the country’s image, the Union have been active in helping boost socio-economic development, mobilising support for Agent Orange/dioxin victims, connecting overseas Vietnamese and participating in international humanitarian programmes.

VFF President Nhan highly valued the Union ’s success in mobilising foreign non-governmental aid over the last five years with a total capital disbursement of 1.4 billion USD, which has made practical contributions to the country’s poverty reduction and socio-economic development.

He asked the Union and its members to uphold their performance to help people across the globe get a better insight into Vietnam .

Addressing the event, Vu Xuan Hong who was re-elected as VUFO President, expressed his belief that the Union will uphold their strengths and address rising challenges to make greater contributions to Vietnam ’s diplomacy and national development.

On behalf of international delegates attending the Congress, Gunner F. Andersen, Chief Representative of the Save the Children Office in Vietnam praised contributions made by the Union to the country’s achievements in maintaining macro economy, enhancing external relations and drawing international support.

He affirmed that the Union ’s international friends and the community of non-governmental organisations will continue providing more effective support to Vietnam ’s efforts in poverty reduction and sustainable development.-VNA