External relations and people-to-people exchange contributedsignificantly to Hanoi’s development in 2014 , said Le Hong Son, ViceChairman of the municipal People’s Committee.

At a conference inthe city on January 12 to review 2014 operations across Hanoi Unionof Friendship Organizations (HAUFO) and establish action plans for 2015,Son said the city’s main vehicle promoting people-to-people exchange,the Union, maintains strong connections and friendship with foreignembassies and international organisations in Vietnam.

Hereported that so far Hanoi has established relations with over 100cities, countries and territories, making 2014 a successful year for thecity’s external works. Numerous international events held in thecapital this year enabled meaningful cultural exchange and fosteredstrong people-based diplomacy.

Son said HAUFO collaborated withthe embassies of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, and Sri Lankato organise friendship exchange programmes, enhancing mutualunderstanding between locals and visitors across the world.

Accordingto the Vice Chairman, a seminar providing information about the EastSea issue was organised, while a special column at www.haufo.org.vnwas also launched to introduce international friends to Vietnam’ssovereignty in the East Sea and the Vietnamese Government’s consistentpolicy of abiding by international law in solving issues related tosovereignty.

Along with friendship exchanges, a series ofcultural and sporting events were also held throughout the year tocelebrate the nation’s holidays.

Speaking at the conference,President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations Vu Xuan askedHAUFO to continue forging links with relevant agencies in order tofurther promote its activities in 2015.-VNA