The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) held a conference in Hanoi on February 1 to review its activities in 2012 and set its tasks for this year.

Addressing the event, VUFO President Vu Xuan Hong said his organisation will continue expanding its network of global partners in 2013, and boost people-to-people relations with neighbour countries by establishing practical cooperation frameworks and enhancing friendship, mutual understanding and links with ASEAN member countries.

It will also hold activities to mobilise relevant sides to ease the aftermath of war in Vietnam, share experience with traditional counterparts and left-wing progressive organisations around the world, as well as contribute to progressive and democratic international organisations, of which Vietnam is a member, for peace, equitable and sustainable development, and social progress.

On top of this, the third international conference on cooperation with foreign non-governmental organisations will be held to call for aid and seek commitments to reduce poverty from them.

Last year, foreign non-governmental organisations disbursed nearly 300 million USD, mainly in healthcare, education, human resources development, disaster relief, coping with climate change and overcoming the aftermath of war. They committed to provide an additional 153.6 million USD to reduce poverty and support development in Vietnam this year.

VUFO enhanced bilateral and multilateral people-to-people cooperation, which increased solidarity and friendship in the region. Many significant diplomatic activities intensified links with countries all over the world.-VNA