(VNF) - The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) held a meeting to review its operation in this year, and discuss key tasks for 2018 on December 27^th.

Attending the meeting were Don Tuan Phong, VUFO Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General; Bui Khac Son, Vice President; and delegates from central agencies, sectors and members of VUFO.

Don Tuan Phong, VUFO Vice President in-charge cum Secretary General delivers his speech. (Photo: Thuy Linh/VNF)

In 2017, VUFO has actively carried out many activities effectively, actively and positively advocating peace, solidarity, friendship and mutual cooperation between people from different countries. The activities in 2017 have been conducted with more depth and strategic focus than in previous years.

In organising the activities, VUFO will continue to focus on strengthening the socialisation and saving State budget spending, carefully selecting the geographical areas and priorities for developed countries, neighboring countries, strategic partners, new regions have been strengthened relations or newly established associations to implement the guidance of the Central Commission for External Relations in the development and implementation foreign policy in 2017.

Vice President Bui Khac Son review VUFO’s operation in 2017. (Photo: Thuy Linh/VNF)

Offices and units of VUFO have well promoted their role in advising on the formulation of programs, plans and organising the effective implementation of key external tasks. Coordination between VUFO and the party committee, mass organisations, and the great contribution of all the officer and permanent staff of the union, have led to significant achievements recorded in people to people diplomacy and State diplomacy, contributing to successful realisation of diplomacy policy guided by the Party and the State.

Accordingly, in 2017, VUFO sent 47 delegations to foreign countries, including additional 13 ones. At the same time, the Union received totally 65 delegations including additional 17 ones, compared to 49 delegations sent to foreign countries and 72 guest delegations assigned in early 2017.

In the field of foreign NGOs, the Union continues to to serve as a bridge for cooperation between FNGOs and their Vietnamese partners. This year is the final year of the National Program for the Promotion of Foreign Non-Governmental Organisation Assistance in 2013-2017. As part of the review activities, the Union held a recognition ceremony for the contributions of 48 foreign NGOs.

In addition, the press organisations of the Union have been renewed, enhanced in appearance, quality content to be widely read.

In 2017, four provinces Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Hoa Binh and Son La have chartered their respective friendship organisations. By the end of this year, the VUFO has established 117 member organisations including 65 central member organisations and 52 branch friendship organisations in localities.

Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Thuy Linh/VNF)

For the action plan in 2018, the VUFO will focus on the implementation of the Union's foreign policy and multilateral agenda; to report to the Prime Minister on the results of implementation of the National Program for the Promotion of Foreign Non-Governmental Organisation Assistance in 2013-2017 and submit the National Program for the new phase; and to sum up the 20-year work of the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs.

In addition, the Union will also actively prepare for the congress of its Friendship Associations; preparing the establishment of a number of associations; continuing to enhance the press organisations in appearance, quality content, as well as increasing the number of external information products; and completing the construction of two Lao and Khmer language versions for the Vietnam Times newspaper.

The conference also announced the commendation decision to the collectives and inpiduals for their excellent work accomplishment in 2017./.

Translated by Tu Phan