Venezuela attaches importance to relations with Vietnam

Venezuelan Foreign Relations Vice-Minister for Asia, the Middle East and Oceania David Nieves Velasquez Caraballo has affirmed that his country wants to boost relations with Vietnam.

The diplomat made the statement following a courtesy visit to Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, a political consultation with Deputy FM Le Luong Minh and a meeting with President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong in Hanoi on August 13.

Both sides discussed measures to promote comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The Vietnamese officials congratulated Venezuela on its recent socio-economic achievements and its official admission to the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), and highly valued Venezuelan’s role in regional organisations, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas (ALBA).

The two sides spoke highly of the strong developments of their bilateral friendship and all-round cooperation, especially in politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, oil and gas, and education-training.

The Venezuelan guest agreed to speed up the implementation of cooperation documents and the signing of new agreements, expand bilateral cooperation in potential fields such as construction, agriculture and education.

Both sides discussed an action plan to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral diplomatic ties in 2014.
They agreed to enhance coordination and support each other at regional and international forums, especially the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and the South-South cooperation forum.

Hosts and guest also reached consensus on further promoting the Southeast Asia-Latin America cooperation through existing mechanisms.

PM urges greater efforts to build independent and self-control economy

Building an independent and self-control economy in the context of international integration is a must to effectively implement the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung was speaking at a conference to review the implementation of Resolution 08-NQ/TW relating to major policies for the Vietnamese economy to develop on a fast and sustainable basis after Vietnam attained WTO membership.

He said the implementation of the resolution has brought about positive and practical results.

He stressed the importance of persisting with a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, co-operation and development; multilateralism and diversification in relations and becoming more proactive in international integration.

Vietnam is a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community, which always creates a peaceful, stable environment and favourable conditions for national construction and development, he said.

Regarding multilateral relations, Vietnam has fully complimented most of its WTO commitments and is now able to assess their effects on the economy, the PM noted.

In the region, PM Dung said, Vietnam is deeply integrating into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the way to building an ASEAN economic community by 2015.

Vietnam has actively participated in negotiations for important free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and those with the EU and implement the ASEAN Framework for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The government leader asked participants in the conference to discuss what had been achieved and point out the remaining weaknesses in the implementation of the resolution, with a focus on the set targets and measures to improve the efficiency of international integration in the new period.

President extends condolences to Iran over earthquakes

State President Truong Tan Sang on August 13 extended condolences to his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over the heavy human and property losses caused by recent earthquakes.

The two earthquakes, which occurred in north-western Iran on August 11, killed at least 300 people and injured more than 2,600 others.

Laos grants VFF leaders honourable Orders

Fourteen leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Font (VFF) have been awarded the Laos Freedom Order and Labour Order in recognition of their great contributions to nurturing bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing the August 13 ceremony in Hanoi, President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee Phanduangchith Vongsa emphasized the time-honoured friendship between Laos and Vietnam.

He also said he believes that the VFF will stand side by side with the LFNC to foster the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation for peace and prosperity in both countries.

VFF Central Committee President Huynh Dam affirmed the friendship between Vietnam and Laos that has been built and nurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Cayson Phomvihan and their successors.

He said he is honoured to receive the Order on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 35th anniversary of the signing of their Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.

He also said that Vietnam will join hands with Laos to raise their bilateral relationship to new heights.

Nation increase co-operation with Laos on ethnic affairs

Viet Nam and Laos have signed an agreement to strengthen co-operation in ethnic affairs for the 2012-20 period.

The agreement was inked by Chairman of the Vietnamese Government's Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Giang Seo Phu and visiting President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee Phanduongchit Vongsa yesterday, Aug 13, in Ha Noi.

Under the agreement, the two sides will exchange experience in building and implementing ethnic minority policies, scientific research and cultural exchanges as well as training human resources in this field.

They will discuss the implementation of socio-economic development programmes, focusing on poverty reduction in areas inhabited by ethnic minority people.

On the occasion, the LFNC leader presented orders and medals to former and current leaders of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF). This move aimed to honour the officials for their contributions to the Viet Nam-Laos special friendship and comprehensive co-operation.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA