(VNF) - Recently, the Medical Committee Netherland-Vietnam (MCNV) marked its memorable 50^th birthday with the fourth time receiving the Friendship Order of the State President to acknowledge the organization’s contribution to Vietnam in the last five decades.

Dutch Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman speaks at the celebration of MCNV 50^th anniversary. Photo: PY

The celebration was attended by Deputy Director of the United National Development Programme, Akiko Fuji; Ambassador of the Netherland to Vietnam, Elsbeth Akkerman; Vice President, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), Deputy Chair of the Committee for International Non-governmental Organizations (COMINGO) Don Tuan Phong.

Speak at the event, Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman, emphasized the tremendous contribution of MCNV to Vietnam, which has become beautiful symbol of friendship and solidarity. “When three founders of MCNV founded the organization in 1968, they were no doubt of where the difficulty of the mission that they were about to undertake, believing in the course is one thing, but actually taking action to realize it, it requires a completely different and more courageous mindset,” she said.

On this occasion, the diplomat expressed her gladness to see the legacy of MCNV has been inherited and further developed by the next dedicated generation of MCNV leaders, officers.

"The example of over 67,000 Dutch civilians donated to MCNV in 1968 continues to be followed by perse groups of supporters, and the cooperation, the friendship between MCNV and the Vietnamese government has growned into an invaluable asset that help overcome many obstacles on the road MCNV has been walking on," noted the Ambassador.

In addition, she emphasized that the Friendship Order conferred to MCNV is not only a token of appreciation but also a reminder for MCNV to keep walking persistenly on its path.

On the occasion, the Ambassador extended congratulation to MCNV, and affirmed the willingness of the Dutch Embassy in continue supporting MCNV in future endeavor.

Talking about MCNV's 50-year journey, Vice President of VUFO, Don Tuan Phong said: “From the initiative of building a bridge connecting the supports of the Dutch to the Vietnamese people in the resistant war for independence, MCNV has become a professional credible NGO, working in various provinces, cities, and even has expanded its assistance to needy people out of Vietnam."

“The 50^th anniversary of MCNV is not only a prominent milestone in the development history of the organization, but also a significant event for the Vietnamese, reminding us that we have been accompanied by many kind-hearted Dutch friends in half a century."

VUFO Vice President Don Tuan Phong speaks at the celebration. Photo: PY

Phong also emphasized, this is the fourth time MCNV received the Friendship Order from the President, and has so far been the only NGO receive this honorable token till now.

On occasion of MCNV’s 50^th birthday, on behalf of VUFO, COMINGO and the Vietnamese people, Vice President of VUFO expressed his gratitude to generations of MCNV’s leaders and staff, and affirmed commitment to create the most favorable condition for MCNV to excellently fulfill its coming plans.

In response to the congratulation from the guests and delegates in the event, Director of MCNV Vietnam, Pham Dung expressed appreciation to the supports of the Vietnamese government, people, and partners, who have been standing by MCNV's side through thick and thin.

On behalf of MCNV, he furthermore affirmed the organization's committment to overcome all challenges it may face to continue assisting Vietnamese people in the path toward a more prosperous, healthy and sustainable future.

VUFO Vice President Don Tuan Phong and representatives of MCNV in the Friendship Order presentation ceremony. Photo: PY.

On the same day in Vientiane city, Laos, a similar celebration was held. The anniversary uiwll be held in Amsterdam, Netherland as well on November 22.

Founded on November 18, 1968 by a team of dedicated Dutch doctors, MCNV aimed to deliver the aid from Netherland to Vietnam, to support the country’s resistant war through the sponsorship of medical supplies, building hospital, tuberculosis, malaria prevention, etc,

MCNV has persified its fields of operation, together joining hands with Vietnam in developing the country’s economy with various projects in improving the livelihood of people in poor regions, gender equality, rehabilitation for the handicapped, reproductive health education, among others./.

( Phi Yen )