Vietnam, EU end third negotiations for voluntary partnership agreement

Vietnam and the European Union (EU) concluded their third round of talks on a Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) in Brussels on November 15-16.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Vo Dai Hai, Deputy Head of the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, while the EU delegation was headed by Hugo Maria Schally, Head of the International Agreements and Trade of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment.

The two sides discussed issues related to the definition of timber legality, the development of the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) and list of timber products.

They agreed to acknowledge the fact that Vietnam is building a definition of timber legality. The country is preparing a TLAS comprising of wood products for both domestic and export markets.

They agreed upon an updated roadmap for technical meetings and the fourth negotiations scheduled for next April.

Both sides expressed their hope to conclude the round of talks in September 2013.

According to EU regulations, FLEGT, which will take effect on March 3, 2013, will establish a licensing scheme to ensure only licensed timber is exported to the EU.

The EU has signed FLEGT/VPA regulations with several countries, including Ghana, Cameroon and Indonesia. It is holding negotiations with others, including Vietnam.

Solomon wishes to boost multi-faceted cooperation with VN

Solomon Islands wants to further boost partnership and cooperation with Vietnam in fields of mutual concern.

Solomon Islands Governor-General Frank Kabui made the affirmation at a recent reception for Vietnamese Ambassador Hoang Vinh Thanh, who was there to present a letter of credential.

The Governor General spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements in the country’s renewal process.

The Vietnamese Ambassador was also received by Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister, Darcy Lilo, and Foreign Minister, Clay Forau Soalaoi, on November 15 and 16.

At the receptions, the two sides stressed to continue collaboration at multilateral forums and international organisations, such as the UN, IMF, WB and ADB.

They also exchanged views on cooperation opportunities in rice and wood production, fishery and tourism.
Vietnam and Solomon Islands established their diplomatic ties in 1996.

Top lawmaker salutes solidarity

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said Viet Nam has gained great successes thanks to solidarity and national unity.

At a ceremony to celebrate the 82nd founding anniversary of the Viet Nam National United Front in the northern province of Hung Yen yesterday, Nov 18, Hung stressed that solidarity is a culture, a tradition and a momentum for development.

He talked about the campaign on uniting people across the country and its practical gains on a national scale.

The campaign has created a democratic forum and empowered each individual and household to foster solidarity in eradicating poverty, maintaining national culture and reinforcing the great national unity bloc, Chairman Hung said.

PM holds talks with Cambodian counterpart

Vietnam and Cambodia pledge to continue working closely at regional and international forums, especially that of ASEAN, the Greater Mekong Sub-region and the United Nations.

The pledge came out at the meeting between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on November 17 on the occasion of the former’s visit to Cambodia to attend the 21st ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

PM Dung highlighted Cambodia’s efforts as the Chair of ASEAN in 2012, affirming Vietnam’s continued support and close coordination with Cambodia and other countries to ensure the success of the 21st ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

The two PMs talked through the key issues to be raised at these meetings.

Regarding bilateral ties, they referred to the activities to celebrate the Vietnam – Cambodia Friendship Year and the 45 th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties as support for solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries to expand.

They also discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation widely and step up the border marker planting and demarcation to build the common border of peace, friendship and mutual development.

The two leaders pledged to ensure the appropriate and sustainable use of Mekong water resources together with other riverside nations, for the common benefits of all basin countries.

Vietnam, Singapore discuss defence coordination

Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh discussed future defence cooperation with Singapore’s new ambassador to Vietnam, Ng Teck Hean.

During their meeting in Hanoi on November 17, they talked about orientations for the cooperation and mentioned the organisation of a defence policy dialogue as part of it.

Both were pleased with the coordination between the two countries’ armies in the recent time, however, felt cooperation in military science and technology should be increased.

Senior Lieutenant General Vinh suggested the Singaporean Government and army help with the training of Vietnamese military officers with scholarships.

Vietnam, China work to deepen ties

Vietnam always places great value on the neighbourliness, friendship and comprehensive cooperation with China, and is willing to work with China to continue deepening and pushing the relations between the two Parties and two countries to a higher level.

Hoang Binh Quan, the Special Envoy of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, made the remarks at his meeting with Liu Yunshan, Politburo member and member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (CPC CC) in Beijing on November 17.

At the meeting, Quan, who is member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) and Head of the CPV CC’s Commission for External Relations, handed over a congratulatory message of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the new General Secretary of the CPC CC, Xi Jinping.

Quan said the Party, State and people of Vietnam are happy with the success of the 18 th CPC National Congress as it will usher in a new development phase in China’s path of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

He said he believes that under the leadership of the CPC CC led by General Secretary Xi Jinping, Chinese people will successfully accomplish the goals set in the congress and reap greater achievements so as to realise the building of a moderately prosperous society by 2020.

Quan raised the issue of the two countries working together in solving satisfactorily their existing problems for the interests of their peoples and for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large.

On the occasion, Quan passed onto Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s invitation to visit Vietnam to China’s new Party General Secretary.

In reply, Liu Yunshan, on behalf of the CPC CC, spoke highly of the CPV CC’s sending of a congratulatory message and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s dispatch of a special envoy to China to deliver a congratulatory message to Xi Jinping following the just-concluded 18 th CPC National Congress.

Liu highlighted the move as an indication of the importance and close relations between the two Parties and the two States. He briefed the Vietnamese special envoy on the highlights of the congress.

He underlined that China highly values the relations between the two parties and will work with the Vietnamese side to develop bilateral relationship and promote the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Liu conveyed greetings and good wishes of CPC CC General Secretary Xi Jinping and other Party and State leaders to Party General Secretary Trong and other Party and State leaders of Vietnam.

Earlier, Quan had talks with Wang Jiarui, CPC CC member and Head of the CPC CC’s International Liaison Department, on specific measures to realise important common perceptions adopted by leaders of the two Parties and state in the coming time and a cooperation plan between the two Parties in 2013.

Focus on Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership

Scholars and experts from Vietnam and Russia gathered at a seminar in Hanoi on November 16 to discuss bilateral relations in the 21 st century.

Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Director, Dang Dinh Quy, Director of the ASEAN Research Centre under the Moscow State Institute of International Relations ( MGIMO University ), Victor Sumsky, and Russian Ambassador to Vietnam, Andrey Kovtun, all affirmed that the traditional ties of friendship between the two countries have been fostered through periods. The 21 st century has already witnessed the time-honoured bilateral relationship develop further.

The two countries presently assume active roles in mechanisms of international cooperation frameworks, and work with the international community to address regional and international issues.

The seminar offered a valuable opportunity for the two countries’ scholars to discuss measures designed to promote the strategic partnership, especially in security, economics, trade, culture, and education cooperation.

The focus of the seminar was reform processes in Vietnam and Russia over the past 20 years, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia in the 21 st century, Vietnamese-
Russian relations in East Asia , and Vietnamese-Russian cooperation on global issues.

They also discussed ways to help the two countries make practical contributions to each nation’s individual development strategy, as well as peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the world.

PM Dung meets Philippine President

The two leaders have compared notes on key topics at the ASEAN 21st Summit and regional and international issues of common concern.    

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN Summit which took place in Phnom Penh on November 18.

The two leaders expressed their delight at the fine development of relations between Vietnam and the Philippines over the years and agreed that the two nations’ similarities and common interests provide a foundation for them to lift their relations to a higher level.

PM Dung thanked the Philippine Government for saving Vietnamese fishermen and boats in distress and congratulated the Philippines on its achievements in national development and security including its preliminary peace agreement with the largest Islamic liberation group Moro in the country.

He said he hopes the Philippines will achieve long-term peace and stability.

Regarding the East Sea issue, PM Dung and President Aquino underlined the need to properly implement ASEAN’s six-point principle on the East Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards building the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China.

Both sides also emphasized the necessity of bringing into full play ASEAN’s central role in the region and believed that the success of the 21st ASEAN Summit and its related meetings will positively contribute to building an ASEAN community by 2015 and ensuring peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

The same day, PM Dung and his delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia.

Vietnam, Hungary boost security cooperation

Vietnam wants Hungary to help build a population management database system, combat crime and broaden cooperation at bilateral and multilateral security forums.   

Public Security Minister Tran Dai Quang made the request at a reception for Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Administration and Justice Tibor Navracsics in Hanoi on November 16.

Quang praised recent advancements in the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Hungary and continuing collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and relevant Hungarian agencies.

He spoke highly of Hungary’s achievements during its national construction and development and thanked Hungary for its assistance in training officials, building the population management database system, and fighting crime.

Tibor Navracsics agreed that the near future should see the two sides promote additional cooperation on personnel training, crime fighting, and immigration.

Earlier, on November 15, Tibor Navracsics and his diplomatic retinue met with Chief Judge of the Vietnam Supreme People's Court Truong Hoa Binh and Deputy Head of the People's Supreme Procuracy Tran Cong Phan.

Realising the Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership

A large number of scholars and experts from Vietnam and Russia gathered at a seminar in Hanoi on November 16 to discuss bilateral relations in the 21st century.
    
Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam Director Dang Dinh Quy, Director of the ASEAN Research Centre under the Russian MGIMO University Victor Sumsky, and Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrey Kovtun all affirmed that the traditional ties of friendship between the two countries have been fostered by different generations. The 21st century has already witnessed the time-honoured bilateral relationship develop further.

The two countries presently assume active roles in mechanisms of international cooperation and work with the international community to address regional and international issues.

The seminar offered a valuable opportunity for the two countries’ scholars to discuss measures designed to promote the strategic partnership, especially in security, economics, trade, culture, and education cooperation.

The focus of the seminar was on reform processes in Vietnam and Russia over the past 20 years, bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia in the 21st century, Vietnamese-Russian relations in the context of East Asia, and Vietnamese-Russian cooperation on global issues.

They also talked about ways to help the two countries make practical contributions to each nation’s individual development strategies as well as to peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the world.

Vietnam, Ukraine step up all-round cooperation

The two countries have consented to pursue a score of measures to further strengthen their time-honoured friendship and cooperation across various fields.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Azarov immediately after the Hanoi welcome ceremony organized for the latter on November 16.

The two PMs informed each other about the socio-economic situation in their respective countries, applauded the successes of the bilateral relationship over the years, and discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern. They also turned their attention to measures that could potentially develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

In response to media queries about the outcome of his talks, PM Dung cited the Ukrainian government leader’s first visit to Vietnam as contributing to the promotion of political reliability, traditional friendship, and equal, mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Ukraine.

The two government leaders underlined the need to maintain periodical political consultations at all levels and enhance relations between ministries, sectors, and localities to ensure agreements reached at higher levels are implemented properly.

They agreed that the two countries should fully exploit their complementary strengths, act positively to raise bilateral trade turnover, and expand investment in industrial sectors such as energy, hydro-electricity, and thermo-electricity.

The two PMs said they support and are willing to encourage businesses to exchange information and establish direct links to maximise cooperative efficiency.

Dung noted Vietnam is ready to create the best possible conditions for Ukrainian businesses to engage in direct investment projects in Vietnam that capitalise on Ukrainian strengths and needs.

Host and guest also agreed to advance cooperation in military techniques, agriculture, banking, education and training, science and technology, and tourism.

Dung thanked Ukrainian leaders and authorities for the support they have offered the Vietnamese community in Ukraine, helping consolidate the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on tourism, post-graduate education, and appropriate quality measurement standards.

At the reception for the Ukrainian guest on the same day, President Truong Tan Sang reiterated the importance Vietnam places on the traditional friendship with Ukraine and thanked the Ukrainian Government and people for their valuable assistance to Vietnam in the past.

He said he hopes that Ukraine will continue supporting Vietnam as it pursues its current phase of national construction.

President Sang praised the outcome of the talks between the two PMs, noting that both sides must enhance economic and trade cooperation and sign a free trade agreement (FTA) soon to raise their two-way trade turnover to a higher level.

The two countries need to broaden cooperation in energy, hydro-electricity, heavy industry, and defence to take advantage of Ukraine’s strengths. Vietnam is willing to share its experiences in seafood exploitation and agriculture, Sang said.

Ukrainian PM Azarov said he hopes the cooperative relations between the two countries will grow considerably in the near future, propelled by an FTA and an investment protection agreement.

Intensifying cooperation in shipbuilding and seafood exploitation will serve as key foundations for the two sides’ increased trade and economic cooperation to be built upon.

PM Azarov also conveyed an invitation to visit Ukraine from the Ukrainian President to President Sang.

Party and NA leaders greet Ukrainian PM

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung received Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov in Hanoi on November 16.   

The Party Chief described the visit as an important event marking a novel step in the development of comprehensive cooperation and partnership between Vietnam and Ukraine.

He stressed that Vietnam treasures its traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Ukraine.

Trong also affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) attaches importance to strengthening ties with political parties in Ukraine, including the Party of Regions.

For his part, Mykola Azarov said that Ukraine regards Vietnam as its traditional and significant partner in the Asia-Pacific region while noting that with combined efforts, economic and trade relations between the two countries will be promoted in the near future.

He emphasized that the Party of Regions values ties with the CPV and will make every effort to implement the signed cooperation agreement between the two parties.

Meeting with the Ukrainian PM, NA Chairman Hung stated that the Vietnamese NA will do its utmost to support relations between the two Governments to continuously advance the Vietnam-Ukraine friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

He expressed his wish for the two legislative bodies to ceaselessly enhance cooperation, making important contributions to consolidating the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations.

Vietnam is willing to bridge relations between Ukraine and ASEAN countries for peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large, he affirmed.

Azarov spoke highly of Vietnam’s role and position in the ASEAN community, especially in maintaining regional growth in the face of the global economic woes.

He said he hopes that more cooperation activities will be launched between the two legislatures, particularly in the Friendship Parliamentarians’ Groups, which will ensure more effective cooperation programmes and projects between the two sides.

On the occasion, Vietnam and Ukraine issued a joint communiqué on PM Azarov’s visit and the Ukrainian leader left Hanoi the same day, concluding his two-day official visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam strengthens links with Wallonia-Brussels

The Vietnam – Wallonia-Brussels Inter-Committee convened its eighth session in Brussels, Belgium on November 12 – 14.

Under the chairmanship of Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Cao Viet Sinh, and General Manager of the Wallonia-Brussels International Committee Philippe Suinen, the event reviewed cooperative results in tertiary education, development research, vocational training and tourism.

The two sides noted with pleasure the achievements in building the family doctor model, interpreter and translator training, enhancing the capacity of the Radio of the Voice of Vietnam, and informatics education at the Francophone Institute for Informatics.

The two sides signed a bilateral cooperation agreement for projects totaling more than 1 million EUR in the 2013-15 period.

As part of the event, the Vietnamese delegation and Governor of the Wallonia-Brussels region, Rudy Demotte, visited an outer-space research centre in Liège city and the Spacebel satellite production company, which previously signed a contract to provide Vietnam with a mini Earth observation satellite.

Solomon Islands boosts ties with Vietnam

Solomon Islands wants to strengthen its relationship and cooperation with Vietnam across various fields, said its Governor General Frank Kabui.

Kabui made the statement while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador Hoang Vinh Thanh who presented his credentials on November 16.

Ambassador Thanh conveyed the best regards and congratulations from State President Truong Tan Sang and his wife to the Governor Kabui and his wife.

Frank Kabui asked the Vietnamese diplomat to send his best wishes to President Sang, citing his respect for Vietnam’s significant achievements in its national renewal process.

He expressed his admiration for the Vietnamese people’s determination and eventual victory in its past struggles against foreign invaders for national independence and freedom.

“When you talk about peace and stability in the world today, we know that you are talking from the bottom of your heart,” he stated.

On the same day, Thanh was received by Solomon Islands Prime Minister Darcy Lilo and Foreign Minister Clay Forau Soalaoi.

Both sides pledged further cooperation and mutual support in multilateral forums and international organisations including the UN and its agencies, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

They also agreed to foster cooperation in rice production, fishery, wood processing, and tourism.

Vietnam and Solomon Islands officially established diplomatic relations in 1996.

Located in South Pacific, Solomon Islands consists of a chain of nearly 1,000 islands, covering approximately 28,400 square kilometres and housing a total population of more than 550,000.

Unity- momentum for development: NA chairman

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has reaffirmed that Vietnam has reaped great successes thanks to its great national unity bloc.

At a ceremony to celebrate the 82nd founding anniversary of the Vietnam National United Front in the northern province of Hung Yen on November 18, Hung stressed that unity is a culture, a tradition and a momentum for development.

He talked about the campaign, entitled “The whole people unite to build cultural life at residential area” and its practical gains on a national scale.

It has, in particular, created a democratic forum and gathered power of each individual and household to foster solidarity in reducing poverty, maintaining national cultural identities and reinforcing the great national unity bloc, Chairman Hung said.

VNN/VNS/VNA