Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam - Germany Friendship Association celebrated its 35th founding anniversary at a ceremony in Hanoi on October 16.
Chairman of the association and Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung told the gathering that in contributing to bilateral relations for peace, cooperation, and development, the association has worked to introduce Vietnam to Germans to increase mutual understanding and friendships.
The association has attracted public attention in Germany for its activities supporting Vietnam’s poverty eradication efforts, socio-economic growth, fight for AO/dioxin victim’s rights and interests, and protection of national territorial sovereignty.
Guido Hildner, German Ambassador to Vietnam, said the celebrations are meaningful for both nations.
He said the association’s donation of over 80,000 face masks to the German people amid COVID-19 is a timely and valuable gift.
The diplomat stressed the importance of education in the many fields of Vietnam - Germany cooperation, adding that about 7,500 Vietnamese students are studying in Germany.
He hoped educational ties would be further enhanced and become a key point of the bilateral friendship.
On behalf of the Party and the State, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung presented the association with a second-class Labour Order in recognition of its distinct services to fostering relations and cooperation between the two countries.
He affirmed that the friendship and strategic partnership plays an important role in Vietnam’s policy on external relations, adding that Germany has for many years been a key partner in Europe.
To extensively, effectively, and practically reinforce ties in all fields, from politics and diplomacy, trade and investment, and defence, to education and tourism, he recommended the association follow the Party’s orientations on external relations, boost people-to-people exchanges, and actively cooperate with partners./.
VNA
