Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng and heads of delegations participating in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)'s 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng hosted a reception on Tuesday for leaders of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent movement who are in Hà Nội to attend the IFRC’s 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference.

The President thanked the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of countries and international organisations for their cooperation and effective support for Vietnam over the past years, especially in times of natural disasters and diseases.

He said upholding the fine compassionate tradition of the nation, the Party and State of Việt Nam pay great attention to humanitarian activities in the country and in the world. Vietnam considers humanitarian work a regular task of the entire political system, the State leader said.

He pointed out that as climate change has brought about increasing extreme weather phenomena all over the world, the Asia-Pacific region is facing great challenges as one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. Climate change-related threats to humans’ survival are forecast to have serious impacts on efforts to improve the life of people in the region.

President Thưởng strongly believed that international cooperation and solidarity have decisive significance to enhancing the capacity of conducting humanitarian activities and responding to disasters.

With the theme "Asia-Pacific: Preparedness for Disasters", the IFRC’s 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference provides a good opportunity for the region to share experience and enhance capacity to build a humanitarian network for the region and the world, he said.

The IFRC delegates remarked that the Red Cross Society of Việt Nam has operated dynamically and strongly, contributing greatly to the international Red Cross movement.

Many delegates expressed the hope to continue coordinating with the Việt Nam Red Cross Society to further expand international humanitarian activities. — VNS