Ms Hoa made the remarks in a greeting letter to the US-based volunteer organisation, which marked its 25^th anniversary at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on March 1.

She wrote that over the past 10 years, the organisation has been providing effective support for Vietnam through long-term projects in different locations.

With support from Orbis, over 400,000 patients have received eye treatment, and some 40,000 adults and children have had their eyesight restored through surgery. The organisation has also helped open training courses for thousands of nurses and ophthalmic professionals.

At the ceremony in New York, Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) bestowed VUFO’s "For peace and friendship among nations" insignia on Al Ueltschi, President and Founder of Orbis International.

Orbis International began its cooperation programme in Vietnam in 1996 for the cause of blindness prevention and is now carrying out four major programmes with Vietnamese partners.