Prime Minister asks Việt Nam Red Cross to renew operation

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc presents flowers to Nguyễn Thị Xuân Thu, Việt Nam Red Cross Society president yesterday in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc urged the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) to continue revamping its operation based on the co妹妹unity, and in a pragmatic fashion.

The leader was addressing the  一0th National Congress of the VRC in Hà Nội on Wednesday, where he asked the association to bring into full play its co-ordinating role in humanitarian activities to ensure the transparency, equality and efficiency of the work.

A supportive and caring spirit should be carried forward as Việt Nam still faces various challenges, he said, pointing to devastating post-war consequences, frequent natural disasters and poverty.

The VRC should propose measures to improve humanitarian work with heed paid to the grassroots level, and duplicate humanitarian models suitably, he said.

PM Phúc also suggested the association tighten co-ordination with agencies, especially the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organisations, along with enhancing international co-operation.

He highlighted the importance of foreign relations to attracting international resources to humanitarian activities in Việt Nam and called on the VRC to support global natural disaster victims.

The PM applauded donors, organisations and businesses both at home and abroad for their support to the VRC.

Praising the VRC’s performance, the leader said the society has significantly contributed to reducing poverty, ensuring social welfare and stabilising people’s lives.

The VRC was founded by late President Hồ Chí Minh, who worked as the society’s first Honourary President from  一 九 四 六- 一 九 六 九. Over the past seven decades, the association has undertaken humanitarian tasks assigned by the Party and State.

The association’s fund is worth about VNĐ 九. 五 六 trillion (US$ 四 二 二. 四 million), which has been channeled into social activities, health care, blood donation, natural disaster response and co妹妹unications. — VNS