Vietnam hopes to further cooperate with NASA

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan on December 11 told Charles Bolden, Administrator of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), that Vietnam hopes to cooperate further with NASA in aerospace technology development in the future.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan (right) meets NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. (Photo: VNA)

Nhan said Bolden’s visit is a step forward in the development of cooperation between Vietnam and the US in the field.

He informed the guest that Vietnam has implemented a project to build a satellite data and image analysing centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nhan expressed his hope that NASA will help Vietnam train personnel in satellite and Earth science, and support the country to participate in international space organisations as well as agreements regarding the use of outer space.

In reply, Bolden hailed the positive results of the Vietnam National Satellite Centre that was established one year ago.

He said the two sides should further strengthen space technology cooperation in the future.

Bolden briefed his host on the outcomes of his Vietnam visit, including his meeting with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). Bolden and leaders of the academy discussed cooperation scopes and prospects - particularly the application of satellite technology to monitor the environment, natural resources and disasters - to raise bilateral cooperation between the two agencies to a new height.

Deputy PM urges focus on basic science education

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan welcomed visiting professor Neal Koblitz of the University of Washington, saying he hoped the professor would help boost co-operation between Vietnamese universities and those in the United States, especially in mathematics.

The country considers basic sciences the foundation for its shift toward industrialisation and modernisation, he said, and Viet Nam will always welcome scientists, including mathematicians, who wish to share their experiences through seminars and lectures.

The Institute of Mathematics, he added, aimed to attract more scientists, researchers and students to conduct research in mathematics.

Professor Neal Koblitz said he would share his experiences in this field and urge other prestigous mathematicians to contribute to the institute.

Professor Koblitz and his wife instituted the Kovaleveskaya Prize in 1985 to recognise scientific research by women.

Young people gather for 10th National Congress

One thousand young people from across the country gathered for the Youth Union's 10th National Congress in Ha Noi today to make important decisions for the union's future.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also attended the congress, along with other senior Party and State leaders, Revolutionary veterans and mothers.

Permanent Secretary of the Union Central Committee Phan Van Mai said the congress takes place at a time when the country faces many difficulties, requiring everyone involved in the political system to work hard to overcome these challenges.

Reviewing the Youth Union's activities over the past five years, the union focused on the role of young people in economic development, national defence and social security. The union aims to help young people fulfill their aspirations, helping them set up businesses and stable lives.

An exhibition opened today alongside the congress that showcases about 350 photos and many historic objects.

Cuban veterans visit Vietnam

Lieutenant-General Dao Duy Minh, Deputy Director of General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army, warmly welcomed the Cuban veteran delegation to Vietnam on December 10.

Minh highlighted Cuba’s support and assistance to Vietnam during its war for national independence and freedom. It is those support and assistance that contributed to the victory of Vietnamese people, he stressed.

During the visit, veterans expressed their hope that Vietnam will make further achievements in building an independent, peaceful, democratic, socialist and prosperous country under the Party’s leadership.

Hanoi, Luang Prabang enhance cooperation

Hanoi and the Lao province of Luang Prabang will promote cooperation in education and training, tourism and conservation, and agricultural production.

The agreement was made at a meeting between visiting Secretary of the Hanoi municipal Party Committee, Pham Quang Nghi, and Secretary of Luang Prabang Provincial Party Committee, Khampheng Saysompheng, in Luang Prabang on December 11.

Saysompheng spoke highly of the delegation’s visit during Year of Vietnam–Laos, Laos–Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity.

He also thanked Hanoi for its support in the past.

For his part, Nghi congratulated the province on its achievements in socio-economic development in recent years, and stressed the visit will contribute to promoting the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos as well as between Hanoi and Luang Prabang.

VNN/VNS/VNA