(VNF) - The Union of Friendship Organisations in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau organised a ceremony on August 10^th to celebrate its 25^th founding anniversary.

Present at the ceremony were Bui Khac Son, Vice President of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO); Bui Thanh Nghia, Chairman of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Fatherland Front; Dang Minh Thong, Deputy Chairman of provincial People's Committee and representatives of departments, enterprises in the province as well as representatives of Consulate-Generals in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bui Thanh Nghia, Chairman of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Fatherland Front and Dang Minh Thong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, present a hanging bearing the words, "initiative, flexible, creative and efficient" to the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Union of Friendship Organisations.

Established in 1992 under Decision No. 380/QD-UBND of the provincial People's Committee, during its 25-year history of development, the Union held interesting activities, contributing significantly to general development of political, cultural, trade and economic relations between the two countries in the 1980s-1990s on one hand; it helped preserve and strengthen close friendship between internation friendship associations and Vietnamese friendship associations.

Delivering the opening remark, Do Thi Nhu Mai, Chairwoman of the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province Union, said that over the past 25 years, the Union has played a key role in people's external relations in the fields of friendship, cooperation, mobilization and management of foreign non-governmental aid, information and communication for foreign affairs.

It has established and maintained relations with 12 Consulate-Generals and many localities and organizations in other countries; 91 projects and 109 non-government projects funded by foreign NGOs with a total committed value of over USD 19.2 million, of which disbursed nearly USD 17.5 million (including goods, equipment).

Speaking at the ceremony, VUFO Vice President Bui Khac Son lauded the Union’s contributions to Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s sustainable development while contributed ideas for promoting people’s foreign activities between in the near future.

Meanwhile, Son affirmed that the relationship with international countries has been brought to a new high level, hoping that the Union would bring into full play their strengths and dedicate more energy and effort to further promote mutual understanding between the two peoples, contributing to strengthening the traditional good relationship with internationan friends.

On behalf of the provincial leaders, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Dang Minh Thong noted and appreciated the achievements of the Union achieved in 25 years.

He hoped in the coming time, the Union will continue to innovate and promote its achievements, operating under the motto "initiative, flexibility, creativity and efficiency"; promoting peaceful activities, solidarity, friendship and cooperation with the people of international countries; consolidating traditional relationships and broadening the partnership, strengthening the friendship and cooperation exchanges between the people of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province with the international friends, promoting the image of Vietnamese people in general and Ba Ria - Vung Tau province in particular; closely coordinating with the provincial Fatherland Front, social and political organisations as well as departments and branches so that the people's foreign affairs activities can be more effective and contributing to the overall achievements in the country’s foreign affairs.

Bui Khac Son, VUFO Vice President and Doan Thuy Ha, Deputy Chief Representative of Southern Office awarded the “For peace and friendship of nations” insignias for inpiduals in recognition of their dedicated services to promoting provincial people-to-people external affairs activities.

On this occasion, VUFO presented the commemorative medal "For the peace of friendship among peoples" for eight inpiduals who are leaders in charge of foreign affairs of the people and inpiduals in recognition of their dedicated services to promoting provincial people-to-people external affairs activities in the province./.

Translated by Chau Pham