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

Dungsaid that the people diplomacy and NGOs have become an important factor inboosting cooperation and trust among countries and nations, helping make relationshipsdeeper, stable and sustainable.

Vietnamhas received precious support from the peace-loving community during the resistancewars as well as national re-construction and international integration, henoted, adding that in the current time, international friends and NGOs havestill accompanied Vietnam during the poverty reduction and socio-economicdevelopment, as well as in implementing the Millennium Development Goals andthe current Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

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

Nosingle country is able to deal with traditional and non-traditional challengessuch as climate change, poverty and epidemics, he said, stressing the need for multi-sectoralcooperation among public, private and non-state sectors, as well as closercoordination at the international level to deal with specific matters.

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

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

Onthe occasion of the upcoming traditional New Year of Vietnam, Deputy PM Dungextended wishes to ambassadors, chargé d’affaires and representatives from internationalorganizations and NGOs in Vietnam.

Healso lauded the operational outcomes of the Vietnam Union of FriendshipOrganisations (VUFO) in 2018, making important contributions to commondevelopment of the country.

Onbehalf ofdiplomatic corps in Hanoi, Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Rondon Uzcateguicongratulated Vietnam for the country’s achievements in national constructionand development. He expressed his wish that Vietnam will sustain its economicgrowth and gain more successes in its external relations.

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