The launch ceremony of the establishment of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association of Hanoi (VBFA) for the 2020-25 tenure on December 27 in Hanoi attracted around 300 delegates, representing about 8,000 Vietnamese people who either studied or worked in Bulgaria.

An overview on the launch ceremony of the establishment of the Vietnam - Bulgaria Friendship Association of Hanoi. Photo: Vietnamnews

The launch of the association complied with the Decision No. 5002 on the its foundation approved in November by the municipal People’s Committee.  

Vietnam and Bulgaria have a traditional friendship and cooperation for over 70 years. In the cause of national construction, people of the two countries have cooperated and shared experiences for the socio-economic development. In international forums, the two countries have supported each other on issues mutual concern.

However, the people's diplomacy activities between the two countries in Hanoi have not been institutionalized through an organization. Therefore, the establishment of the association is expected to contribute to improving the effectiveness of the Hanoi people’s diplomacy, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

At the meeting, the delegates discussed and approved the operational orientations of the Association until 2025, which includes the consolidation of the Executive Committee, the expansion of the scope of activities as well as the enhancement of the relationships between the association with the Embassy of Bulgaria, Bulgarian businesses and community in Hanoi.

The meeting elected Dr. Le Thu Ha, the former Political Commissar of Military Hospital 108 as President of the Association.