(VNF) - Mr. Vu Xuan Hong, President of Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), presented the country’s highest award for foreigners, the Friendship Order, to the World Vision International (WVI) President Kevin Jenkins on September 28^th.

The Friendship Order is a recognition awarded to WVI that have made significant contributions to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of needy children in Vietnam.

VUFO President Vu Xuan Hong (Right) presents the Friendship Oder to WVI President Kevin Jenkins. (Photo: Hoang Vu – Thuy Linh/VNF)

Addressing the ceremony, President Hong appreciated WVI’s assistance to socio-economic development in Vietnam over the past three decades.

On behalf of the VUFO, President Hong expressed his gratitude to Mr. Jenkins, to Mr. Danny Selvanayagam (former Country Director of WVI in Vietnam), WVI staffs in Vietnam, and the donor communities, because of what they has done for the development of Vietnam.

The President of the VUFO insisted that on the partner relationship between the two parties, the VUFO committed to continuing to work closely and effectively with the WVI, creating the most favorable conditions for WVI implement programs and projects in Vietnam.

For his part, President Jenkins said he felt honored to be recognized by the State of Vietnam for the contributions WVI had done in nearly 30 years. Mr. Kevin, on behalf of the WVI, expressed his appreciation and looking forward to continue the long-term cooperation with Vietnam to develop many more projects.

President Vu Xuan Hong (Right) congratulates Mr. Jenkins on receiving the Friendship Order. (Photo: Hoang Vu – Thuy Linh/VNF)

He said the Order reflects the long-lasting and sound relationship between the Vietnamese Government and WVI, adding that he hopes their cooperation will be enhanced in the future.

WVI is one of the first non-governmental organizations that began operating in Vietnam before 1975 with emergency aid and community development activities. It has been licensed to work in such fields as food security, clean water and environmental hygiene, micro-finance and economic development, climate change response, education, child protection, and health care.

Over the last 30 years, it has mobilized USD 300 million for Vietnam and effectively carried out 47 development programmes nationwide.

At the same day, Mr. Kevin Jenkins had an official meeting with President Tran Dai Quang and this is the first high-level meeting was held between the two sides./.

Minh Phuong