Although the war of resistance for national liberation ended more than three decades ago, its consequences, especially Agent Orange, still linger on and inflict great sufferings on many Vietnamese people, said Mr Triet.

He thanked the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA), Vietnam Television (VTV) and benefactors for having provided heartfelt support for the victims over the past years to help them overcome daily hardships and publicise their demand for justice.

He called on individuals and organisations to continue to share sympathy and provide additional assistance to ease the victims’ pain.

Community sympathy and assistance will bring more hope and joy to these unfortunates, encouraging them to overcome their disadvantages and contribute to society, said Mr Triet.

Participants at the event, including Party and State leaders, businesses and AO victims watched documentaries illustrating the real everyday lives of AO victims and their struggle for justice. They heard some of the victims recall their trips to the US and Paris (France) early this year where they participated in an international court of conscience, to garner support for their lawsuit against American chemical companies.

The cultural exchange programme, co-hosted by VAVA, Thang Long Invest Group and VTV, aimed to raise funds and ease the sufferings that AO victims across the country have endured for years.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Rinh, VAVA president, launched a fund-raising campaign for the victims. He said VAVA expects to mobilise VND60 billion from philanthropists to build 55 care and functional rehabilitation centres and 550 compassionate houses, present 1,100 scholarships and generate 1,100 jobs for AO victims.

At the event, businesses, organisations and individuals raised VND6.5 billion and US$3,000. Also 700 shirts were presented to the victims.