(VNF) - At the headquarters of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), Vietnam – Ukraine Friendship Association (VUFA) held a friendship exchange event to celebrate of the 25^th Ukrainian Independence Day (August 24^th, 1991 - 2016) in Hanoi on August 30^th.

Participating in the celebration were VUFO vice chairman Bui Khac Son; Head of EU Department Pham Thi Thai; Vice chairman of VUFA Dang Van Chien; representatives of the Central Commission for External Relations and European Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; representatives of the friendship associations of CIS and Eastern Europe region; and members of VUFA.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine in Vietnam Oleksiy Shovkoplias; Ukrainian Embassy’s officials; and many Ukrainian students who studied and worked in Vietnam also attended the event.

VUFA Chairman Dang Van Chien addressed at the event

Speaking at the celebration, VUFA Chairman Dang Van Chien said the friendship between the two nations has developed.

The two countries established diplomatic ties on January 23^rd, 1992, paving the way for bilateral cooperation in numerous fields. The two countries have organized regular delegation exchanges through State, National Assembly and government channels.

He noted that, trade between the two nations has been modest with the total commercial trade of Viet Nam falling far short of its full potential averaging USD 540 million annually.

In addition, collaboration in culture, education and tourism is also thriving. Nearly 10,000 overseas Vietnamese currently reside in Ukraine, who act as a bridge contributing to strengthening the two countries’ relations.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Vietnam Oleksiy Shovkoplias at the event

Ukrainian Ambassador to Vietnam Oleksiy Shovkoplias shared that during his sixth years as ambassador in Vietnam, he saw the history of our two countries have many similarities; people of Vietnam are sociable and hospitable. This platform will contribute to promote the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Ukraine and Vietnam.

He also expressed his belief that the Ukraine-Vietnam friendship and co-operation would grow further in the coming time./.

Minh Phuong