Association to push ahead with Vietnam–Russia people-to-people diplomacy

For the second half of 2026, the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association is set to press on with effectively implementing its cooperation agreement with the Russia–Vietnam Friendship Association for 2025–2030.

The 18th national conference of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association takes place in Ninh Binh province on July 18, 2026. (Photo: VNA)
The 18th national conference of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association takes place in Ninh Binh province on July 18, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Binh (VNA) – The Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association held its 18th national conference in the northern province of Ninh Binh on July 18 to review performance over the recent past and outline orientations and tasks for the time ahead.

The event drew representatives from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the association's central leadership, heads of 24 provincial and municipal chapters, alongside 19 member sub-chapters nationwide.

Addressing the conference, Phan Chi Hieu, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association, said that the meeting aimed to devise measures to improve the quality and efficiency of the association's operations, share best practices and effective models, and update members on the Party and State’s foreign policy directives, as well as current international and Russian affairs.

He asked association members to continue thoroughly grasping and effectively implementing the Party and State’s policy on people-to-people diplomacy regarding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia. He also stressed the importance of aligning actions with the objectives and guiding viewpoints of the Politburo's Resolution No. 59 on international integration in the new context, and Resolution No. 06 on the implementation of the foreign policy set at the 14th National Party Congress.

In addition, the association must proactively innovate its activities, improve operational efficiency, foster exchanges between the younger generations of Vietnam and Russia, and support the youth to preserve and promote the long-standing relations between the two countries, Hieu noted.

vnanet-vietnamrussia-friendship-association-2.jpg
Phan Chi Hieu (right), Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs and Chairman of the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association, presents a gift to a representative of the the Ninh Binh administration at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

The association reported that since the beginning of 2026, its operations have yielded significant results across various fields, including in promoting solidarity, friendship, people-to-people exchanges and mutual visits. It has continued to serve as a bridge for bilateral cooperation in economic, cultural, educational, and communication affairs.

Several reforms have been introduced to diversify and enrich its activities while strengthening its members’ ties with the Russian Embassy and the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Hanoi.

For the second half of 2026, the Vietnam–Russia Friendship Association is set to press on with effectively implementing its cooperation agreement with the Russia–Vietnam Friendship Association for 2025–2030. It will also organise friendship exchanges and experience-sharing sessions among local chapters and sub-chapters to elevate the profile of the association and enhance people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries./.

VNA

See more

A village hit by flash floods in Muong Than commune, Lai Chau province (Photo: VNA)

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.

The particularly serious coach accident, which occurrs at 00:20 in Chuong Duong commune on the Phap Van–Cau Gie–Cao Bo–Mai Son–National Highway 45–Nghi Son route. (Photo published by VNA)

PM orders urgent probe into deadly coach overturn on Hanoi expressway

An official dispatch, issued following the particularly serious coach accident, which occurred at 00:20 a.m. in Chuong Duong Commune on the Phap Van–Cau Gie–Cao Bo–Mai Son–National Highway 45–Nghi Son route, was sent to the ministers of Public Security and Construction, as well as the chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees.

The story of Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud, and Wyatt Lelouche is published in the Nice Matin newspaper (Photo published by VNA)

Three young French volunteers embark on humanitarian journey to Vietnam

While many French students have just completed their secondary school examinations and are preparing for their summer break, Elza Le Floch, Celeste Perotteau-Giraud and Wyatt Lelouche have embarked on a different journey. On July 15, the three members of the Scouts and Guides of France group in Menton left Nice for Xuyen Moc in Ho Chi Minh City.

At a classroom for hearing-and-speech impaired children in Bac Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Legal assistance project nears finish line with 95% of goals met

Legal support policies only matter when citizens know they exist, can tap into them, and receive quality service. That’s especially true for the poor, the disabled, ethnic minorities, children, domestic violence victims, and those battered by disasters and disease outbreaks.

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Efforts to safeguard religious values in digital age

Digital transformation is changing not only how people work and communicate but also how they practice their faith. A Buddhist sermon can now attract tens of thousands of online viewers. A Protestant believer in a remote area can join a Bible study class via smartphone. Religious activities once closely tied to places of worship are increasingly taking place in cyberspace.

Delegates tour the facilities of the industrial innovation centre at Eastern International University in Binh Duong ward, Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Digital, AI competencies made mandatory for university graduates

Under Circular No. 54/2026/TT-BGDDT on higher education curricula, learning outcomes must be defined as measurable and assessable competencies, providing the basis for curriculum design, teaching, assessment, quality improvement, credit recognition and degree awarding.

Nguyen Thuy Hang, Director of the Writers Association Publishing House, is questioned at the security agency for investigation under the Hanoi Department of Public Security. (Photo published by VNA)

Publishers detained over alleged anti-State propanganda

The move was made as part of an expanded investigation into a criminal case involving Nguyen Thanh Nam, who is accused of “making, storing, distributing or spreading information, documents and items aimed at sabotaging the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.”

Fishing boats at Quy Nhon Port of Gia Lai province (Photo: VNA)

Gia Lai digitises fishing fleet to strengthen fight against IUU fishing

Under Directive No. 16/CT-UBND, recently issued by the provincial People's Committee, combating IUU fishing has been identified as an urgent political priority requiring concentrated resources to address shortcomings in fishing fleet management, while holding agency heads and local leaders accountable for the results achieved.