Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association Congress reviews achievements

The Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association in Hanoi has made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the key areas of trade, investment, culture, education and tourism, said Tran Thi Phuong, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HAUFO).

Phuong was speaking at the third congress (term 2024-2029) on December 14, reviewing the achievements of the past term and outlining goals for the coming years. More than 200 delegates attended, including representatives from the HAUFO, the Czech Embassy in Vietnam, and various association chapters and related organizations.

Tran Thi Phuong, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, speaks at the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

During the 2019-2024 term, the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association of Hanoi organized numerous cultural exchange programs and events, especially the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. Activities such as photo exhibitions, cultural performances, and delegation exchanges have contributed to deepening the ties between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

The association made significant progress in promoting economic cooperation, facilitating more than 30 Czech investment projects in Vietnam worth approximately $30 million in various sectors. It also partnered with other organizations to organize business forums on trade and investment, creating a platform for businesses from both countries to meet and explore opportunities for cooperation.

Overview of the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

The association also expanded its social activities, supporting underprivileged communities in the northern provinces of Ha Giang and Bac Giang, as well as in neighboring Laos. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the association donated over 40,000 masks and provided financial aid to hospitals in both Vietnam and the Czech Republic. These initiatives demonstrated its strong commitment to social responsibility while further strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

Outstanding members of the association are honored at the  congress. Photo: Hoang Huy

Looking ahead, the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association of Hanoi plans to expand its network, strengthen partnerships and focus on new areas of cooperation such as industry, healthcare, education and trade. A highlight of the upcoming term will be a series of cultural exchanges in 2028 to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia and promote solidarity and mutual understanding.

The association will hold more forums to promote business networking, promote Vietnam's culture and economy globally, and expand humanitarian efforts to provide tangible benefits to communities in need.

The Congress elected Ngo Chi Trung, Head of Inspection, Legal and Internal Audit at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, as President of the Association for the term 2024-2029. Trung pledged to work with the Executive Committee to move the association forward and achieve new milestones.

Czech Ambassador to Vietnam Hynek Kmonicek reaffirmed the important role of the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association in promoting bilateral relations. He praised the association as an important bridge for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in various fields. On education, he noted that regular student exchanges between Vietnam and the Czech Republic have strengthened mutual understanding while furthering cultural and academic cooperation.

Czech Ambassador to Vietnam, Hynek Kmonicek, speaks the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

Ambassador Kmonicek revealed that the two countries are in advanced negotiations for a new educational cooperation agreement. It is expected to facilitate partnerships between universities and educational institutions in both countries, promote joint research projects, and expand scholarship opportunities for students. He expressed hope that the agreement would be signed during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Czech Republic.

The Czech Embassy plans to organize various cultural, artistic and sports events, including football matches, to strengthen people-to-people ties in the coming time. Such activities are aimed at spreading Czech culture among the Vietnamese public and fostering a deeper understanding between the two nations, thus laying a solid foundation for sustainable cooperation.

Czech Ambassador to Vietnam, Hynek Kmonicek, speaks at the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

The third Congress of the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association in Hanoi highlighted the role of people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening international relations. It reviewed past achievements and set an agenda for boosting cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

Delegates votes during the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

With the support of the government, international partners and its members, the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association strives to deepen the ties between the two nations and promote mutual understanding.

Delegates elect the 22-member Executive Committee for the third term. Photo: Hoang Huy

Delegates take a commemorative group photo. Photo: Hoang Huy