The event was presided over by VCFA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh, who is also member of the National Assembly Standing Committee, head of the board for deputies’ affairs at the Standing Committee, and Vice Chairwoman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission.
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Ninh Binh People’s Committee Pham Quang Ngoc said as an active member of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, the VCFA has made substantial contributions to the enhancement of the Vietnam - Cambodia traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation. Its practical people-to-people diplomatic activities have helped promote mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples, thereby contributing to regional peace and stability, multifaceted cooperation, and socio-economic development in both countries.
Looking back on last year’s performance, participants shared the view that 2023 was the first year the Vietnam - Cambodia and Cambodia - Vietnam friendship associations carried out the memorandum of understanding on the coordination of their activities during 2022 - 2027.
Many practical events, delegation exchanges, meetings, and friendship exchanges were held. Improvements were recorded in the communications and education about the two countries’ traditional friendship among members and people of all social strata, especially the young. The number of Cambodian students in Vietnam sponsored by the VCFA in the 2023 - 2024 academic year surpassed the target.
VCFA chapters at all levels carried out a number of charitable activities, participants noted, adding that they raised billions of VND for assisting Khmer and low-income people in rural and border areas, thus helping ensure social security and reduce poverty in disadvantaged areas and strengthen the two countries’ friendship, solidarity, and all-round cooperation.
For 2024, the VCFA will continue developing its chapters at all levels, diversify forms of sponsorship for Cambodian students, and step up friendship exchanges along with charitable and community activities. It will also increase communications about the two countries’ relations and assistance for disadvantaged members.
