Pham Tat Dong, president of the Vietnam-DPRK Friendship Association, noted that the relationship between friendship organisations of Vietnam and the DPRK has been constantly consolidated along with the positive developments of the two countries’ cooperative ties.

He said for the first time a club of Vietnamese alumni has sent a delegation to the DPRK to take part in National Day celebrations and visit their ex-teachers and schools in September. In addition, the two friendship organisations have planned to launch various activities in 2010 to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the DPRK.

The DPRK ambassador to Vietnam recalled a visit by General Secretary Nong Duc Manh to his country in October 2007 where General Secretary of the Korean Workers’ Party Kim Jong Il and Mr Manh held talks to boost bilateral cooperation.

The DPRK wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam in all areas, from politics to economics and culture, to bring bilateral ties to new heights, said the ambassador. 

DPRK people celebrate their National Day on September 9.