VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga presents a certificate of merit to the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association. (Photo: VUFO)

The Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association held its second national congress, which elected new leaders for the 2021-2026 term, in Hanoi on Dec. 30.

The event was held both online and offline.

The congress selected members of the second executive committee. Dang The Vinh, deputy auditor general, was elected as the association's president for 2021-2026 tenure.

According to the congress's report, the association gained success in the 2016-2021 term. It completed the set tasks, performed as a bridge to promote economic, political, and cultural relations, and strengthened the traditional relations between the two peoples of Vietnam and Azerbaijan.

The delegates proposed to continue to strengthen the organizational structure, coordinate with the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Vietnam to hold major celebrations, such as Vietnam's National Day (September 2), Azerbaijan's National Day (May 28), the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations (1992 - 2022).

Along with that, the association plans to mobilize and support external communication, continue to hold activities to promote the country, people, and culture of Vietnam in Azerbaijan and vice versa.

Delegates joining the congress. (Photo: VUFO)

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), said he appreciated the efforts and contributions of the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association.

It has effectively practiced people-to-people diplomacy through many meaningful activities, making an important contribution to promoting the traditional and friendly relations between the two peoples, she said.

To further contribute to the relations between the two countries, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga recommended that the new executive committee and the president of the association see the association's work as a part of people-to-people and foreign affairs, thereby strengthening coordination with VUFO's departments and the Embassy of Azerbaijan to Vietnam.

The VUFO President also suggested that the association continue to promote its strengths, attract more businesses, scholars, newspapers, students, and Vietnamese citizens living in Azerbaijan, paying special attention to young people participating in the association's work, while establishing a counterpart in Azerbaijan to expand the network of Vietnamese friends.

The association should continue to innovate and expand its activities, especially in the application of digital technology.

Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga said that the Covid-19 pandemic was a great challenge but also an opportunity for the association to drastically transform, change its approach and diversify its methods of activities and connections.

Nga said she hoped that in the new term, the association's activities would become more practical and effective, and make more significant contributions to the development of each country.

She said VUFO would continue to accompany and support the association in its future activities.

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