Israel-Vietnam Friendship Association to promote people diplomacy
The Israel - Vietnam Friendship Association’s official ceremony was held at the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s headquarters on January 22, ahead of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.
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| Participants in the establishment ceremony for the Israel - Vietnam Friendship Association pose for a group photo. (Photo: VNA) |
The association gathers generations of Israeli ambassadors, deputy ambassadors, and diplomats who used to work in Vietnam over the last 20 years. While some have retired or moved to the private sector, they maintain special sentiment towards the Southeast Asian nation.
Association Chairman Amikam Levy, who served as Ambassador to Vietnam from 2001 to 2003, said the organisation hopes to further promote and intensify relations between the two countries, which boast a number of similarities, particularly in culture.
Former Deputy Ambassador Eyal Buvilski said the time he worked in Vietnam was a great experience for not only himself but also his family.
As bilateral ties are flourishing at the governmental level, it’s time for the people diplomacy to develop correspondingly, and the founding of the association is to do so, he noted, expressing his hope that more Israeli and Vietnamese people will visit each other’s countries.
Vietnamese Ambassador Ly Duc Trung said Vietnam attaches importance to the people diplomacy, which has a crucial role to play in creating and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for developing the country and raising its stature.
He added businesses of the countries have enjoyed thriving partnerships, but more cooperation between the two peoples is necessary for fostering bilateral relations. Ambassador Trung also expected the association will become a common home for all to contribute to the reinforcement of these ties.
(Source: VNA)
