People diplomacy, NGOs critical to Vietnam’s foreign relations

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung meets representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps and NGOs in Vietnam

Vietnam places great importance to the people diplomacy and the role of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in its foreign policy, stated Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung at a New Year gathering in Hanoi on January 25 of representatives of the foreign diplomatic corps and NGOs in Vietnam.

Dung said that the people diplomacy and NGOs have become an important factor in boosting cooperation and trust among countries and nations, helping make relationships deeper, stable and sustainable.

Vietnam has received precious support from the peace-loving community during the resistance wars as well as national re-construction and international integration, he noted, adding that in the current time, international friends and NGOs have still accompanied Vietnam during the poverty reduction and socio-economic development, as well as in implementing the Millennium Development Goals and the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

“We have seen your footprints in most remote areas, together with us, to bring stable life and livelihood to the needy, especially for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he underscored.

No single country is able to deal with traditional and non-traditional challenges such as climate change, poverty and epidemics, he said, stressing the need for multi-sectoral cooperation among public, private and non-state sectors, as well as closer coordination at the international level to deal with specific matters.

With their experience, resources and partnership network, NGOs can join hands in tackling socio-economic problems in each locality and community in Vietnam, said the Deputy PM.

He affirmed Vietnam’s wish to foster cooperation with international organizations, pledging to create optimal conditions for them to operate in Vietnam for inclusive and sustainable growth, heading to the completion of the SGDs.

On the occasion of the upcoming traditional New Year of Vietnam, Deputy PM Dung extended wishes to ambassadors, chargé d’affaires and representatives from international organizations and NGOs in Vietnam.

He also lauded the operational outcomes of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in 2018, making important contributions to common development of the country.

On behalf ofdiplomatic corps in Hanoi, Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcategui congratulated Vietnam for the country’s achievements in national construction and development. He expressed his wish that Vietnam will sustain its economic growth and gain more successes in its external relations.

The diplomat said he hope that the upcoming Year of the Pig will be a year of happiness, harmony, dialogue and common interest.