Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association, Embassy Boost Cooperation
	Vietnamese workers in Romania Appreciated for Diligence and Cleverness

Information sharing session on Romania organized by VUFO in collaboration with the Vietnam - Romania Friendship Association and the Romanian Embassy to Vietnam on April 3 in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Attending the information-sharing session on the Vietnamese side were Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Ho Quang Loi, President of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association; along with representatives from various ministries, departments, sectors, research institutes, universities, as well as officials of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and members of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association.

On the Romanian side, Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Cristina Romila was present, accompanied by embassy officials.

Share information, enhance mutual understanding

In his remark, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Romania. He noted that Romania was among the first 10 countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam (February 3, 1950).

Over the past 75 years, the Vietnam-Romania relationship has been carefully preserved, consistently nurtured, and further developed by leaders of the Party, the State, and the people of both countries. Romania has provided invaluable support—both materially and spiritually—to Vietnam during its struggle for independence, freedom, and national reunification. Additionally, thousands of Vietnamese professionals trained in Romania have become prominent leaders, significantly contributing to Vietnam's nation-building and defense.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its own difficult circumstances, Romania donated 300,000 vaccine doses, aiding Vietnam in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic.

Building on this strong foundation, the bilateral relationship has continued to receive close attention and has made remarkable progress in recent years.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO, spoke at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In the context of rapid, unpredictable, and complex international changes, the exchange of information and the deepening of mutual understanding have become increasingly vital and urgent. These efforts enable both sides to strengthen solidarity, build trust, overcome challenges together, and contribute to peace, stability and shared development in the region and globally.

Through this information-sharing session, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association and the Romanian Embassy to Hanoi. At the same time, it aims to pass on the message of friendship and admiration for Romania and its people from earlier generations to today's youth.

People-to-people exchange - Important pillar of Vietnam - Romania relations

Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Cristina Romila presented an overview of the development, politics, economy, priorities in Romania's foreign policy, and the main highlights of Romania - Vietnam relations.

Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Cristina Romila speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Ambassador highlighted that the bilateral relations between Romania and Vietnam were founded on mutual respect, trust, and friendship, established during Vietnam's resistance war for independence and national reunification. This enduring friendship has been consistently reaffirmed and strengthened over the years through the joint efforts of the Governments and the solidarity of their peoples. Romania actively supports bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union.

Ambassador Cristina Romila emphasized that people-to-people exchanges is one of the most significant pillars of the Vietnam-Romania relationship. She noted that digital technology offers boundless opportunities for collaboration in fields such as economy, labor, culture, and education. The Romanian Embassy has been actively fostering dynamic and impactful exchange activities between the two nations.

Over the past three years, more than 300 Romanian delegates, including scholars, artists, and business professionals, have visited Vietnam, making the Romanian Embassy one of the most active embassies in the European region. In 2023, over 100 artists from the Romanian Symphony Orchestra performed in Da Lat, drawing more than 30,000 spectators. Educational institutions in both countries have also been proactive in advancing academic collaboration, with numerous delegations of scholars engaging in dialogues in Hanoi during the same period.

Additionally, several Vietnamese companies have established representative offices and production facilities in Romania, and Vietnamese workers have made significant contributions to major infrastructure projects there. The shared interests of the two nations in areas such as information technology, the digital economy, and green energy provide a solid foundation for expanding and diversifying cooperation.

Expand new areas of cooperation

Ho Quang Loi, Chairman of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association, emphasized that while cooperation between the two countries has yielded significant achievements, the outcomes of economic and trade relations have not yet fully realized their potential.

He stated, "As we recognize economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a central pillar of bilateral relations, it is imperative for both countries to adopt more active and dynamic measures to enhance existing cooperation mechanisms. This includes encouraging businesses from both sides to fully and effectively leverage the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Additionally, beyond strengthening the activities of the Intergovernmental Committee, it is essential to organize more seminars and meetings to bring together the business communities of both countries. These efforts will enable them to better understand the investment environment and market demands, facilitating the exchange of goods and products that align with their strengths."

Ho Quang Loi, President of the Vietnam – Romania Friendship Association, speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ho Quang Loi emphasized the importance of making Vietnam a 'gateway' for Romanian goods to access Vietnamese and ASEAN markets, while positioning Romania as a 'gateway' for Vietnamese goods to Europe, particularly in light of Romania's entry into the Schengen area. He highlighted the need to not only strengthen cooperation in traditional fields but also to explore new areas such as information technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, and the circular economy.

In education, he called for universities in both countries to enhance direct communication and develop specific cooperation programs. These could include initiatives like exchanging teachers for teaching and scientific research, as well as training students in areas where each side excels.

Regarding cultural, artistic, and tourism exchanges, Ho Quang Loi suggested that art troupes from both countries continue to organize new tours, with Romanian artists taking part in festivals across various regions of Vietnam, notably the Hue Festival. He also stressed the importance of closer collaboration between tourism agencies to promote appealing tours and foster deeper connections.

In terms of labor cooperation, it is important not only to continue recruiting new workers but also to implement better management measures for the Vietnamese workforce currently employed in Romania. These measures will ensure that Vietnamese workers adhere to the laws of both Romania and Vietnam, actively contribute to Romania's economy, and enhance the image of Vietnam and its people. Each Vietnamese worker in Romania can serve as an 'ambassador' of friendship, fostering goodwill between the two nations.

Ho Quang Loi, Chairman of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association, highlighted the Association's active role over the years in acting as a bridge to promote collaboration in areas such as economy, trade, education, culture, tourism, and labor exchange. The Association has significantly contributed to strengthening the comprehensive friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It has also worked closely with Romanian partners, particularly the Romania-Vietnam Lotus Friendship Association, chaired by Mihai Condescu. However, with many current members being elderly, the Association is eager to attract younger members to further develop the Vietnam-Romania friendship.

During the event, delegates shared their heartfelt memories and reflections on the country and people of Romania. They also engaged with Ambassador Cristina Romila, asking questions about Romania's current situation, policies, and the potential for deepening Vietnam-Romania relations.

In his concluding remarks, Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO affirmed that VUFO is ready to host, support and participate in activities to continue promoting Vietnam - Romania relations on the people's channel with the Vietnam - Romania Friendship Association, the Romanian Embassy in Vietnam and Romanian partners, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and connecting and exchanging between the people of the two countries.

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