Enhancing the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Australia in the new phase.

On July 1st in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association held its 3rd National Congress for the 2025-2030 term. Professor Tran Tho Dat, Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council of the National Economics University, was elected as the Association's President.

The report presented at the Congress showed that during the 2016-2025 term, the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association closely followed the policies and guidelines of the Party and State, the directives of the Party Committee and the leadership of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), promoting a proactive, flexible, and creative spirit in its work, actively socializing people-to-people diplomacy activities; and proactively implementing advisory, research, and information dissemination work in foreign affairs.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird presents flowers to congratulate Professor Tran Tho Dat, President of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association, and the members of the Association's new Executive Board. (Photo: An Dang)

The Association has effectively implemented Directive 28-CT/TW of the Central Party Secretariat on continuing to innovate and improve the effectiveness of VUFO's operations, and Directives 04-CT/TW and 12-CT/TW of the Central Party Secretariat on strengthening the Party's leadership and improving the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in the new situation.

Under the leadership of VUFO, with the support and assistance of various departments, organizations, and social groups, and the contributions of dedicated individuals, the Association has played a pivotal role in people-to-people diplomacy; flexibly integrated the activities of the Association and VUFO; secured the support and coordination of central government departments and local Party committees and authorities; and mobilized the support and participation of organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally.

VUFO President Phan Anh Son delivers a keynote address at the Congress. (Photo: An Dang)

To carry out its work for the 2025-2030 term, the Congress unanimously elected the Executive Committee of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association, 3rd term, consisting of 40 members; and the Inspection Committee, consisting of 5 members. Professor Tran Tho Dat, Chairman of the Scientific and Training Council of the National Economics University, was elected as the President of the Association.

Attending and delivering a congratulatory speech at the Congress, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird affirmed that the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Australia is a genuine partnership, built on a foundation of mutual trust, shared values, and increasingly aligned goals.

Over the past 50 years, especially since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, they have become closer than ever before.

The ambassador stated that what makes the relationship between the two countries special is not only cooperation between the governments but also the strong ties between the people of the two nations. Friendship associations play a central role in this connection, promoting dialogue, understanding, and exchange.

Ms. Gillian Bird shared: “Since arriving in Hanoi earlier this year, I have felt the kindness, resilience, and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. It is a powerful reminder of why people-to-people interactions are at the core of diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association in the future.”

Delivering a keynote address at the Congress, VUFO President Phan Anh Son congratulated the new Executive Committee of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association and the delegates who were elected as President and Vice President of the Association for the new term.

VUFO President Phan Anh Son presents Certificates of Merit to outstanding collectives and individuals of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association. (Photo: Le An)

Mr. Phan Anh Son emphasized that the Congress is taking place in the context of the country transforming and entering a new stage of development, placing higher demands on international integration and foreign affairs, including people-to-people diplomacy.

Regarding future operational directions, Mr. Phan Anh Son suggested that the Executive Committee of the Association for the third term should convene soon to finalize the Congress documents, develop a comprehensive action plan for the entire term, and assign clear, substantive, and effective tasks within the Executive Committee.

Specifically, to enhance the effectiveness of the Vietnam-Australia people-to-people diplomatic channel in the new phase, Mr. Phan Anh Son suggested four directions: Strengthening the mobilization of the participation of the community of over 160,000 Vietnamese alumni in Australia; promoting connections with Vietnamese intellectuals and experts working and living in Australia; coordinating with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam to organize exchange sessions with the participation of the Ambassador and counselors in charge of economics, trade, education, etc.; creating a cooperation mechanism between the Association and domestic universities, especially those with close links to Australian educational partners, to promote academic exchange and student exchange.

The VUFO President also suggested that the Association actively facilitate two-way connections between businesses of the two countries, with a focus on supporting Vietnamese businesses that are investing and exporting to the Australian market.

On this occasion, VUFO President Phan Anh Son presented Certificates of Merit to the Club of Vietnamese people who have studied and worked in Australia and to two individuals: Professor Tran Van Nhung, President of the Association in its second term, and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Vice President of the Association in its second term.

Delegates attending the Congress pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Le An)

During the 2025-2030 term, the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association will focus on two main tasks: Promoting tourism connectivity, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people exchanges; strengthening exchanges between localities and friendship organizations of the two countries to deepen friendship and understanding between the two nations; and promoting the role of people-to-people diplomacy to serve Vietnam's socio-economic development by 2030, in accordance with Directive 15-CT/TW dated August 10, 2022, contributing to the goal of Vietnam becoming a developing country with modern industry and high middle income by 2030.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/phat-huy-hieu-qua-kenh-doi-ngoai-nhan-dan-viet-nam-australia-trong-giai-doan-moi-319611.html