(VNF) - The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Hanoi held its fourth Congress in Hanoi on the morning of July 30^th to discuss plans for 2017-2022 with Secretary of Hanoi Youth Union Nguyen Van Thang re-elected as Chairman.

At the fourth Congress of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Hanoi.

At the Congress, delegates were briefed on the operations of the Association in the third tenure from 2012 – 2017 and the plan for the fourth tenure from 2017 – 2022.

The Association of Hanoi has implemented effectively key tasks during the last term that is gaining awareness of staff and members about people-to-people diplomacy and organizing activities in important anniversaries such as celebrating the 55^th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam - Laos bilateral diplomatic ties and the 40^th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

In addition, the Association continued to maintain, strengthen and develop the solidarity and friendship with the Lao Embassy in Vietnam, actively participated in the activities held by the Central Association, and the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO).

The delegates at the Congress agreed to improve its activities towards organising more cultural, artistic and educational exchanges celebrating Vietnam-Laos friendship and solidarity year, Lao National Day and Bunpimay traditional New Year festival, in order to strengthen the bilateral friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Hanoians and Lao people.

The Association will also strengthen coordination with the Lao Embassy in Vietnam to explore the culture and customs of Laos and continue working as a consultant and a bridge for two countries’ people.

The new Executive Committee elected at the Congress.

The Congress also elected a new executive board of 35 members, with Secretary of Hanoi Youth Union Nguyen Van Thang re-elected as Chairman of the Association for 2017-2022.

Speaking at the congress, Can Viet Anh, HAUFO Standing Vice Chairman, highly appreciated the efforts of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Hanoi during the last term. He said that the activities of the Association have contributed significantly to the enhancement of understanding between the two peoples, promoting the friendly exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Thongsavanh Phamvihane expressed his pleasure to attend the event and stressed that Lao Embassy would continue to create favourable conditions to the Friendship Association to conduct its activities promoting friendship exchange activities, enhancing mutual understanding and tightening bilateral relations.

The Ambassador also expressed his confidence that the Congress will be a milestone in the development of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Hanoi and will contribute positively to strengthening friendly relations between the two peoples.

Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations awarded certificates of merit for 02 inpiduals of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Hanoi.

On the occasion, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations awarded certificates of merit for 02 inpiduals of the Friendship Association for their active contributions in people-to-people diplomacy in the term 2012 - 2017./.

Translated by Chau Pham