The Vietnam-Czech Republic Friendship Association of Hanoi City held its year-end congress.

On December 14, 2024, at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Vietnam-Czech Republic Friendship Association of Hanoi City held its 3rd Congress of Delegates for the 2024-2029 term. This was an important event to summarize the activities of the 2019-2024 term and to set forth directions and tasks for the new term.

The congress attracted the participation of more than 200 delegates, including representatives from the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vietnam, members of the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association, and representatives from other branches and friendship organizations.

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

The congress took place against the backdrop of the continued strengthening and development of relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, marking more than 70 years of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Tran Thi Phuong, Permanent Vice President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized the role of the Union in promoting cooperation between the two countries in fields such as economics , culture, education, and tourism. She highly appreciated the Union's tireless efforts in building and developing a strong friendship between the people of the two countries.

During the past term, the Vietnam-Czech Republic Friendship Association of Hanoi has achieved many outstanding accomplishments. The Association successfully organized numerous cultural exchange events and celebrations of major holidays, especially the 105th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. Typical activities included photo exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and meetings and delegation exchanges, significantly contributing to strengthening the friendship between the two nations. In addition, the Association successfully facilitated over 30 investment projects from the Czech Republic into Vietnam, with a total value of approximately 30 million USD. The Association also coordinated the organization of economic, trade, and investment forums, contributing to the increasingly effective promotion of bilateral economic relations.

Overview of the congress. Photo: Hoang Huy

In the field of philanthropy, the association has made positive contributions both domestically and internationally. Notably, it has implemented numerous community support activities in disadvantaged areas such as Ha Giang and Bac Giang, as well as supporting neighboring countries like Laos. Particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, the association mobilized and donated over 40,000 face masks and financial support to hospitals in Vietnam and the Czech Republic. These contributions not only demonstrate social responsibility but also deepen the solidarity between the two countries.

Members who made outstanding contributions were honored at the congress. Photo: Hoang Huy

Entering its 2024-2029 term, the association aims to expand its network and establish new branches, focusing on areas such as industry, healthcare, education, and commerce. The association will also strengthen cooperation with partners in Prague and other major cities of the Czech Republic, while maintaining relationships with friendship organizations both domestically and internationally. A key highlight of the association's plan is the organization of cultural and artistic exchange programs to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the founding of Czechoslovakia in 2028. This event is expected to foster solidarity between the people of the two countries.

In addition, the association will promote the organization of economic and trade forums to foster business cooperation between the two countries. Emphasis will also be placed on promoting Vietnamese culture, image, and people, contributing to affirming Vietnam's position on the international stage. International charitable activities will also be expanded, with the aim of bringing more practical value to the community.

At the congress, delegates elected the 3rd Executive Committee consisting of 22 members and the Inspection Committee consisting of 3 members. Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Chi Trung, Head of the Inspection, Legal Affairs and Auditing Department of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, was elected Chairman of the Association for the 2024-2029 term. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ngo Chi Trung pledged to work with the Executive Committee to further develop the Association and achieve many accomplishments in the future.

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

Speaking at the event, Mr. Hynek Kmonicek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Vietnam, expressed his confidence in the important role of the Vietnam-Czech Friendship Association in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the Association serves as a bridge to promote bilateral cooperation in all fields. Regarding education, he stated that Vietnam and the Czech Republic have maintained regular student exchanges in recent years, thereby not only strengthening friendship but also promoting cultural exchange and educational cooperation. In particular, he revealed that the two countries are actively negotiating to sign a new educational cooperation agreement, which is expected to facilitate universities, colleges, and training institutions in both countries to enhance scientific research cooperation, exchange lecturers, and expand scholarship opportunities for students. According to him, this agreement is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's upcoming official visit to the Czech Republic.

Looking ahead, he said the Czech Embassy will organize many cultural, artistic, sports, and football exchange activities to strengthen friendship and solidarity between the people of the two countries. These events are not only opportunities to introduce Czech culture to the Vietnamese people but also help both sides gain a deeper understanding of each other, thereby consolidating a foundation for sustainable cooperation in many fields.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Vietnam speaks at the event. Photo: Hoang Huy

The 3rd Congress of the Vietnam-Czech Republic Friendship Association was successfully held, affirming the important role of people-to-people diplomacy in building and developing international friendship. At the same time, this event also opened up promising new directions for extensive cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic in the future.