(VNF) - In the morning of December 16^th, in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association (VBFA) celebrated its 20^th founding anniversary. (1997 - 2017).

Nguyen Thai Lai, President of the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association. (Source: Thu Phuong/VNF)

Speaking at the anniversary, VBFA President Nguyen Thai Lai said that since its founding, the Association has actively organised many friendly and cooperative activities such as the bilateral exchanges; meetings of Vietnamese alumni in Belarus; the alumni delegations visited the school in Belarus; exchanges on the occasion of the National Day.

On this occasion, on behalf of the VBFA, Lai expressed his deepest and sincere thanks to the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and all members have been and will continue to make positive contributions to the activities of the Association. The cooperation and assistance of the Embassy of Belarus in Vietnam is also an important factor contributing to the success of the Association's activities in the past.

Charge d’affaires ad interim of Belarus in Vietnam Dmitry Gil. (Source: Thu Phuong/VNF)

In his speech, Charge d’affaires ad interim of Belarus in Vietnam Dmitry Gil highlighted the dynamic and strong development of the bilateral relations, adding that Vietnam is Belarus’s traditional trade partner in Southeast Asia, with two-way trade having tripled over the last decade.

He also hailed cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus, saying that the work has been actively supported by the VBFA.

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.

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations presents certificate of merit to the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association. (Source: Thu Phuong/VNF)

Established on April 20^th, 1997, the VBFA is working to enhance solidarity, friendship and mutual understanding between Vietnamese and Belarusian people, including the first Belarus Culture Days held in Vietnam in May this year.

Many friendship activities have been organised over the last two decades, contributing to promoting the diplomatic and economic relations between Vietnam and Belarus.

On this occasion, the VBFA has received the certificate of merit from the VUFO for their active contributions in people-to-people diplomacy in the term 1997– 2017./.

Translated by Phuong Nguyen