President of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Xuan Hong (Source: VNA) Participants at a conference hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) discussed how to reform and develop people-to-people diplomacy in the context of international integration in Hanoi on October 15.
In his remarks, VUFO President Vu Xuan Hong affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy was an important part of international relations, since it meant the mobilisation of those at home and abroad for the cause of national construction and defence.
Over the past 65 years, the association has made big strides, contributing significantly to diplomatic work, the Doi Moi (reform) process, national construction and defence, Hong said.
Carrying forward its achievements, the association has expanded its international friendship and improved the efficiency of diplomatic activities in the spheres of peace, solidarity, friendship and cooperation among citizens, Hong noted.
Apart from accelerating the mobilisation of donations, the association has worked to manage the operation of non-governmental organisations, he said.
Vu Mao, former head of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations and President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, said in his speech that international integration required a new conception of diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy, as well as renovations in their operations.
He stressed the need to increase scientific research and theory-building on people-to-people diplomacy, and better mobilise the involvement of overseas Vietnamese in national construction and defence, boosting cooperation between Vietnam and other nations.
At the conference, Chairman of the Vietnam-US Society Nguyen Tam Chien described Vietnam’s diplomacy as comprehensive in the new period.
He suggested the country diversify and improve the efficiency of its people-to-people diplomacy, so it could consolidate the country’s position in the world arena on the basis of sustainable and rapid development, as well as settle challenges facing national security and sovereignty.
The conference heard nearly 20 reports, which all focused on ways to boost people-to-people diplomacy amid international integration.-VNA
