The Vietnam-France Friendship and Cooperation Association (VFFCA) set the goal of reinforcing solidarity and friendship between the two peoples between now and 2021 during its sixth Congress held in Hanoi on July 24.

The Congress elected a 48-member executive board and Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien as chairwoman of the association.

Participants called on the VFFCA to work as a bridge to further develop the bilateral strategic partnership in line with the law, and rally the French support for the country’s socio-economic development and the safeguard of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Health Minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien voted chairwoman of the association

Opinions suggested conducting humanitarian activities, including presenting books and notebooks to poor students in remote and mountainous areas, organising free health check-ups for the poor in rural and mountainous areas, as well as strengthening cooperation with French partners across health care, education and socio-culture.

Addressing the ceremony, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Xuan Hong asked the VFFCA to seek partnership with left-wing and non-governmental organisations, training facilities, universities and businesses in France.

The association should also combine friendship exchanges with activities to promote cooperation across the fields, he said.

In 2009-2016, VFFCA has successfully garner support from the French people for poverty reduction in Vietnam, the struggle for justice for Agent Orange victims and the fight to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as to maintain peace, security and stability in the East Sea.

The organisation also held many friendship and cultural and art exchanges celebrating major French anniversaries.

Source: VNA