Nguyen Phuong Nga, president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), described 2020 as a successful year for people-to-people diplomacy during a meeting with the press held on January 20 in Hanoi ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year festival, known locally as Tet.

Nguyen Phuong Nga, president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations
(VUFO) speaks at the meeting (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and uncertainties regarding political and security issues both globally and regionally has dealt a blow to different sectors nationwide, including people-to-people exchange activities.

Facing up to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the VUFO has devised a host of solutions aimed at fulfilling assigned tasks in an active, flexible, creative, and effective manner. This will serve to contribute to the successful implementation of dual targets regarding containing the spread of COVID-19 whilst promoting socio-economic development, Nga said.

The VUFO and its affiliates raised approximately one million face masks, thousands of medical devices, and cash worth over VND10 billion, equivalent to US$434,000, to help people abroad respond to the pandemic.

These activities have served to reinforce close ties with international friends, promote the country’s image, and elevate the nation’s global prestige, according to the VUFO leader.