Officials meet with UNESCO leader

High-ranking Vietnamese officials yesterday welcomed the President of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA) George Christophides, lauding the federation's contribution to culture, education and science.

At a reception in Ha Noi, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung highlighted WFUCA's role, international position, as well as its noble missions and great contributions to the course of fostering global friendship and cultural, educational and scientific connections.


Christophides affirmed that his federation would work closer with the Viet Nam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA) to enhance the collaboration between Viet Nam and other countries.

The UNESCO representative was accompanied by VFUA President Nguyen Xuan Thang, who reported the performance of his organisation to Chairman Hung.

Hung asked VFUA to continue publicising the country's image worldwide as part of the State policy of expanding relations with all countries around the world.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with George Christophides, who is also Viet Nam's Honorary Consul to the Republic of Cyprus.

The host hailed WFUCA's assistance, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would give further support to VFUA to help fully highlight its role.

Minh asked WFUCA to aid VFUA, especially in popularising Viet Nam's image, preserving its cultural heritage and expanding life-long study centres in the country.

Meanwhile, he affirmed that Viet Nam was willing to boost ties with European countries, including Cyprus, and valued Christophides's contribution to the development of bilateral partnerships.

He suggested both countries step up the exchange of delegations to improve mutual understanding and multi-faceted co-operation.

In response, the guest pledged that as Viet Nam's Honorary Consul to Cyprus, he would make every effort to boost bilateral ties, especially in the recruitment of Vietnamese workers.