Berlin (VNA) – The Germany-Vietnam Association (GVA) in Germany on October 7 successfully held its congress where a new executive board consisting of 19 members for the 2024-2027 term was elected.
For the first time, the event had been held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation.
Rolf Schulze, former German Ambassador to Vietnam in the 2007-2011 term, was re-elected as its President.
In his speech, Schulze reviewed the association’s activities over the past three years, highlighting its core mission of nurturing friendship and cooperative ties between Germany and Vietnam since its inception in 1991.
The association has seen itself as a bridge between the people of the two countries, he said.
Schulze highlighted key achievements in the past term, including discussions on social and historical issues at the German Federal Foreign Office’s International Club and the introduction of an illustrated book by photographer Thomas Billhardt in Wilmersdorf, which provided a broader audience with insights into Vietnam and its recent history.
The association's "Vietnam-Info" journal was also praised for its comprehensive coverage of Vietnam's political, economic and cultural situation, significantly contributing to the enhancement of Germany-Vietnam relations.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh, who has become the GVA's Honorary President, promised to join hands with the association to foster the friendship between the two nations and close relationship between their people.
He welcomed the association's initiatives to expand its membership, particularly among younger generations, and enrich its activities in education, vocational training, labour exchange, tourism, economy, investment and trade.
Minh also called for the association's support for upcoming activities, including official delegation exchanges, annual Lunar New Year celebrations, and the 50th founding anniversary of Germany-Vietnam diplomatic ties in 2025./.
