(VNF) - The Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association on August 4 had a new 78-members Executive Board for the 2018-2023 tenure with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung elected as the association’s President.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung (C) was elected as President of the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association. (Photos: Thuy Linh)

In the previous tenure, the association implemented a lot of activities to develop and deepen the Vietnam-Germany friendship and solidarity and boost the bilateral strategic partnership in terms of people-to-people diplomacy.

It also coordinated with several non-governmental organisations of Germany in carrying out charitable projects, granting scholarships to poor students with good learning performances, and those who are Agent Orange/dioxin victims or affected by natural disasters.

During 2018-2023 tenure, the association will continue reforming its method of operation, grasp opportunities and get adaptive to new conditions to persify and better its activities.

It will also develop its member network, boost information exchange with its chapters and people-to-people diplomacy, popularise Vietnam and its images, step up tourism and trade between the two nations, and serve as a bridge connecting the two countries’ businesses.

It also will intensify dissemination of the Vietnamese Party and State’s policies as well as the country’s renewal achievements to the German people to help them understand more about Vietnam and the Vietnam-Germany relations.

Vice President in-charge and General Secretary of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Don Tuan Phong spoke highly of the achievements gained by the association during 2012-2018, and asked the organisation to ensure consensus in implementing the people-to-people diplomatic work between the two countries.

Agreeing with the association’s tasks in the near future, Phong suggested that it is necessary to take the initiative in seeking new partners in the European country and pay attention to promoting bilateral ties across economy, trade, culture, education, science, arts, health care, environment, poverty reduction and social affairs; stepping up the exchange of delegations and the sharing of information, as well as expanding the association’s network.

Chargé d’ Affairs of the German embassy in Vietnam Wolfgang Manig stressed the Vietnam – Germany Friendship Association at provincial levels members in cities and provinces also worked effectively. The association has successfully organised various meaningful activities, such as cultural exchange marking the National Day of Germany, etc.

The diplomat expressed his hope that the Association will continue serving as a bridge to promote closer friendship between the two nations in the coming time.

He added the embassy will continue partnering with the association to reinforce bilateral friendship.

VUFO Vice President Don Tuan Phong presents a hanging bearing the words, "initiative, flexible, creative and efficient" to the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association.

On the occasion, on behalf of the Vietnam Union of Friend Organisations, Phong presented a hanging bearing the words, "initiative, flexible, creative and efficient" to the association and merit certificates to inpiduals and organisations in honour of their active contributions to the association’s activities./.

Translated by Hien Trinh