Finland supports Vietnam’s continued renewal process to maintain economic growth and reduce poverty, said Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Kimmo Lahdevirta.

At the 2 nd congress of the Vietnam-Finland Friendship Association (VFFA) in Hanoi on May 17, the ambassador affirmed that he will do his utmost to foster the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The congress adopted the review of the association’s operations during the past term as well as orientations and tasks for the new term of 2013-2018.

It also elected a 32-member executive committee led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.

Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Thi Hoang Van praised the association’s efforts in promoting peace, solidarity and people-to-people friendship with Finland over the past years.

The VFFA was founded on May 15, 2006 with the aim of intensifying the solidarity, friendship and understanding between the two peoples. It has bridged Vietnam-Finland cooperation in culture, education, science-technology, and economics-trade.-VNA