Hanoi will expand cooperation with other capitals through diplomatic activities, leverage external resources for development, and promote its image internationally to foster cultural and economic exchanges, contributing to the city's growth.

HUFO President Nguyen Ngoc Ky. Photos: Lien Ha/The Hanoi Times

President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) Nguyen Ngoc Ky expressed this view at a conference to discuss Hanoi’s foreign affairs works during the first six months of the year and priorities for the latter half on July 4.

Ky emphasized that in the final months of 2024, HUFO and its member associations will focus on implementing resolutions and directives of the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the Hanoi Party Committee. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of people-to-people diplomacy in the current context.

“A key focus will be the amended Capital Law, particularly Article 52, Section 2, which emphasizes the strengthening of people-to-people diplomacy,” said Ky.

He added that HUFO will focus on organizational development, connecting and mobilizing foreign NGOs for humanitarian and charitable activities. They will also organize annual peace and friendship events linked to political and diplomatic milestones of the city and the country, pursuing innovative and creative approaches to make a positive impression on international friends.

At the conference, Nguyen Van Hanh from the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in Hanoi highlighted that people-to-people diplomacy not only strengthens solidarity and friendship between Vietnamese and people from other countries but also fosters national pride and contributes to the common interests of the nation.

Recognizing its importance, the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in Hanoi plans to expand and diversify its activities with more flexible approaches, Hanh said.

Overview of the meeting.

Pham Ngoc Tram, General Secretary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association in Hanoi, said the association will focus on volunteer activities that resonate with youth, such as building new rural areas, supporting administrative reform, promoting digital transformation in youth union activities, and preserving traditional crafts.

"People-to-people diplomacy needs young leaders to connect with international youth, leveraging their expertise in culture, education, healthcare, business, and trade," Tram emphasized.

According to HUFO’s report, the first half of 2024 saw numerous successful activities for peace, solidarity, friendship, and cooperation, including the 45th-anniversary celebration of the victory in the southwestern border defense war and the defeat of the genocidal regime in Cambodia, the International Art Exchange "Welcome New Year 2024," the "Friendship Spring Travel 2024" program, and the Asian Lunar New Year celebrations.

Additionally, HUFO and its member associations actively organized international dissemination activities, commemorated the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's liberation and celebrated the 25th anniversary of Hanoi's designation as a "City for Peace" by UNESCO. These activities engaged members and international friends, contributing significantly to promoting Hanoi’s image and strengthening people-to-people diplomacy, thus boosting the city's overall development.