he Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations (DAFO), on 8 November, celebrated the 70^th Traditional Day of People-to-People Diplomacy(17 November) and its 25^th birthday in the city.

Authorised by the State President, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Nguyen Phuong Nga (left) and Da Nang Party Committee Deputy Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (right) awarding the First-class Labour Medal to DAFO’s representatives

The event was attended by President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Nguyen Phuong Nga, Da Nang Party Committee Deputy Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, and Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh.

Over the past 25 years, DAFO has focused on building friendships and personal connections between Da Nang people with those around the world, gaining direct experience of these countries, their people and culture through exchanges. Contributors to the ongoing evolution of the relations between Da Nang and foreign countries worldwide include individuals, community organisations, educational institutions, sporting associations, scientific and technological research agencies and bodies, NGOs, and local government departments. This has helped Da Nang promote its bilateral cooperation with many countries around the world, and advertise the city’s beautiful images to international friends.

DAFO now has a total of 12 member organisations, and it has to date established its bilateral relationship with 70 embassies, consulates general, people's organisations, and non-governmental organisations worldwide.

Numerous cultural and people-to-people exchange activities, seminars, and conferences have been organised in the city by DAFO with the aim of promoting the friendship and cooperation between the people of Da Nang and those of other countries around the world.

Vice Chairman Minh (right) presenting an Emulation Flag 2019 from Prime Minister to DAFO’s leaders in recognition of its significant efforts for the city’s progress

During that period, DAFO has successfully sought aid from foreign non-governmental organisations, with a total committed funding of 53.2 billion VND, for the implementation of numerous social welfare programmes across the city.

These positive results have helped Da Nang to take maximum advantage of support from international organisations to promote the city’s sustainable development, and raise its reputation and position in the international arena.

In his speech delivered at the ceremony, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh extended his congratulations to DAFO on its special day and praised the orrganisation for its remarkable achievements over the past years.

He also asked DAFO to make every effort to intensify people-to-people exchange activities in the coming time in a bid to further the advertisement of the beautiful images of the city to international friends. The emphasis should be on calling on overseas Vietnamese people around the world, whose hometowns are in Da Nang, to actively engage in social welfare activities in Da Nang.

To mark this occasion, DAFO received the First-class Labour Medal from the State President, along with an Emulation Flag 2019 from Prime Minister.  

By THANH SON, XUAN DUNG - Translated by M.D