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At the conference. Photo: TV

The report summarizing the work of the association in 2020 showed that last year was an exciting year of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association (VCFA) in the context of the two countries celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960 - 2020) and also the year that the friendship organizations of the two countries celebrate their founding day: 70 years of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO)'s Traditional Day (November 17, 1950 - 2020) and 60 years of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) (December 30, 1960 - 2020). During the past year, the VCFA has successfully organized the fifth National Congress to sue and consolidate the organization; continue to well implement annual activities and successfully complete a series of activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of relations between Vietnam and Cuba.

In particular, the Association has supported the initiative launched by the club of Vietnamese alumni once studied in Cuba to help Cuban people cope with the COVID-19 epidemic. The campaign received enthusiastic responses and participation from many organizations, individuals, collectives and businesses, especially those who once studied and worked in Cuba and loved the Caribbean nation. The VCFA and Alumni Club have held the handover ceremony with a total amount of more than VND 1.5 billion (USD 67.000) and 2,000 antiseptic gel bottles. The above-mentioned gifts was given to Cuban side by the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

In addition, the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Associations in provinces and cities also organized activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations such as establishing the Ben Tre's Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association (June 26); holding children's painting competitions in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, organizing seminar to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba in An Giang; cultural exchange in Ba Ria - Vung Tau, etc. These activities have spread to people from different walks of life, especially the young.

In the year 2021, in addition to the annual solidarity and friendship activities with Cuba, the VCFA will focus on strengthening the Association's leaders; promote the establishment of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association in Quang Binh province and potential localities; participate in communication and propaganda about the results of the XIII National Party Congress and the Eighth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba; and coordinate with the Ministry of Defense to organize a friendship meeting celebrating 60th anniversary of Cuba's Hiron victory (April 19, 1961 - 2021).

VUFO Chairwoman Nguyen Phuong Nga speaks at the conference. Photo: TV

Speaking at the conference, VUFO Chairwoman Nguyen Phuong Nga highly appreciated the activities of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association in 2020, affirming that the results achieved are thanks to the close and dedicated direction of the VCFA President and Executive Committee, the efforts of the standing team as well as the enthusiastic participation and solidarity with Cuba within the hearts of its members.

The VUFO Chairwoman also expressed his hope that in 2021, the VCFA should promote the establishment of local associations, and at the same time, strengthen operating methods to adapt to the new situation. The VUFO, together with the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, will continue to promote campaign activities and urge friends to support the remove of embargo against Cuba.

Politburo member, head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission and VCFA President Truong Thi Mai. Photo: TV

Addressing the conference, Politburo member, head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission and VCFA President Truong Thi Mai said the VCFA will conduct practical activities to foster bilateral ties, in particular working more closely with the Cuban Embassy in Hanoi, research institutes and businesses having close ties with Cuba, and trying to engage the younger generations in those activities.

She suggested holding workshops to popularise the results of the 13th National Party Congress and provide additional information relating to the upcoming eighth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba, thereby raising mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Mai also proposed the VUFO work with relevant units to identify measures to improve people-to-people diplomacy in realising the country’s external policy.

Participants agreed with the need to set up VCFA chapters in Quang Binh and other localities of potential, as well as to partner with the Defence Ministry to hold a gathering marking the 60th anniversary of Cuba’s Hiron victory (April 19) this year.

Representatives of the club of Vietnamese alumni once studied in Cuba received the Certificate of Merit from the Presidium of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations for their active contribution to the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control. Photo: TV

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