President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga (Photo: VNA)

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Ms. Nga said despite the pandemic, exchanges with international friends were maintained and hundreds of activities, seminars, and celebrations have been organized. In addition to bilateral activities with other countries, people-to-people diplomacy has been strengthened to raise Vietnam’s prestige. Through participating in international mechanism and forums, Vietnam’s external and internal policies have been promoted.

Nga said the promotion of people-to-people diplomacy requires new mindset. People-to-people diplomacy should contribute to building a positive social foundation which is favorable for the country’s external relations. People-to-people diplomacy with its flexibility should take the lead in enhancing foreign friends’ understanding of and sentiment for Vietnam, said Ambassador Nga adding that people-to-people diplomacy should take the lead in mobilizing resources for national development.

People-to-people diplomacy should also help Vietnam raise its voice on multilateral forums while defending national interests and contributing to international efforts in responding to emerging challenges including non-traditional security challenges.