People of the world join hands to continue writing the story of peace

Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Nguyen Ngoc Hung speaks at the program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the exchange program, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Nguyen Ngoc Hung emphasized the historical significance of the event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, this is a reminder of the resilient struggle history of the Vietnamese people and a tribute to the valuable support from international friends. Reviewing Vietnam's outstanding achievements since the Doi Moi process, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung stated: Vietnam is increasingly affirming its position as a trustworthy and responsible member of the international community.

“As the agency responsible for people-to-people diplomacy of Vietnam, VUFO plays an important role in connecting the profound aspiration for peace of the Vietnamese people with the common ideal of all humanity, and of Japanese friends in particular, of a world without war and nuclear weapons.”

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of VUFO

According to the Vice President of VUFO, maintaining peace is a common responsibility of all mankind, requiring solidarity, listening and action from all nations. Vietnam has been actively contributing to nuclear disarmament, accompanying the Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) towards a nuclear-free world.

Through people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, dialogues and initiatives such as collecting signatures in response to the Hibakusha Appeal , VUFO strives to connect communities, inspire and foster understanding. VUFO has collaborated with partners in Japan such as Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo), and the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association to address the legacy of war, raise awareness of the value of peace and the importance of international solidarity in peacebuilding.

With the theme “Continuing the story of peace”, the event is an opportunity to reflect on historical values ​​and lessons for the future, as well as a promise to unite, build bridges of friendship, enhance understanding, and strive to ensure lasting peace.

Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, Co-founder and CEO of Peace Ship. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, Co-founder and CEO of Peace Boat, shared his joy when visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification. He expressed his admiration for Vietnam's history of fighting for national independence and the resilient spirit and diligence of the Vietnamese people.

According to Mr. Yoshioka Tatsuya, the people of Vietnam and Japan have both experienced the pain of war and understand the severe consequences it left behind. At the time Vietnam waged its resistance war for national independence, Japan also experienced a nuclear disaster. Therefore, the exchange program “Continuing the story of peace” is important, an opportunity for both sides to discuss towards a peaceful, nuclear-free world.

The Peace Ship first docked in Vietnam in 1985. Since then, Vietnam has become a familiar destination on the organization's cruises. Mr. Yoshioka expressed his desire to expand cooperation and continue to organize friendly visits to Vietnam in the future.

Presentation about Vietnam by VUFO Youth Union. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the event, the VUFO Youth Union gave a presentation introducing Vietnam. The presentation reviewed important milestones in the history of the struggle for national independence and the cause of national renewal, development, and international integration; and shared information about Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development; and the "four no's" defense policy. Through the performance of national costumes and the introduction of local culinary specialties, the VUFO Youth Union members brought the Peace Ship delegates a visual look at the cultural and unique features of Vietnam. The presentation received enthusiastic responses from international delegates.

Exchange program "Continuing the story of peace". (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Within the framework of the program, an exchange session on “Continuing the story of peace” took place with the participation of Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of VUFO, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Ms. Kuramori Terumi, a survivor of the bombing in Nagasaki, representative of Nihon Hidankyo; Mr. Kawasaki Akira, President of ICAN; Mr. Lee Jae Young, Executive Director of NARPI.

The speakers shared diverse views and perspectives on peace, along with valuable lessons learned from practical activities; at the same time, they emphasized the role of global understanding and cooperation, and sent a message of international solidarity, calling on the younger generation to continue their efforts to maintain sustainable peace. According to the speakers, exchanges, discussions, and mutual understanding are practical activities to promote peace education. Young people need to listen to stories from witnesses who have experienced the pain of war, and actively spread messages of peace.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/nhan-dan-the-gioi-chung-tay-viet-tiep-cau-chuyen-hoa-binh-213131.html