Embassy gives State banquet to celebrate Russia Day in Hanoi

The Russian Embassy in Vietnam held a State banquet in Hanoi on June 14 in celebration of Russia Day (June 12, 1990).

Addressing the event, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov said since the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) on June 12, 1990, the country has witnessed many changes.

Russia has found its own development model that preserves the historical traditions of Russian people and the requirements of today’s world, he said.

He highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Vietnam and Russia, which guarantees the development of bilateral collaborative fields.

The two countries have agreed to host the Russia Year in Vietnam and Vietnam Year in Russia in 2019, he noted.

Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha extended his congratulations on Russia Day.

He said the Vietnamese State and people are glad of the achievements Russian people have gained over the years.

He expressed his belief that under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin along with the huge potential of Russia and determination of Russian people, the country will achieve goals set in 2018 and continue thriving in the global arena.

The Minister also showed his pleasure over the growing friendship between Vietnam and Russia, which has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people.

Bilateral political ties have become closer while cooperation in economics, trade, defence, security, science, technology, culture and education-training has been consolidated in a pragmatic and effective manner.

The two sides have also coordinated in international forums and joined hands to carry out major projects in wide-ranging realms, he said.

Russia Year in Vietnam and Vietnam Year in Russia will be held in 2019 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of signing treaty on fundamental principles of the bilateral friendly ties, he added.

Micronesian Speaker of the Congress concludes Vietnam visit

Micronesian Speaker of the Congress Wesley W. Simina (L) and Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan

Micronesian Speaker of the Congress Wesley W. Simina and his entourage left Hanoi on June 15, concluding his official visit to Vietnam from June 5 at the invitation of the Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

During his visit, Speaker Simina held talks with Chairwoman Ngan, and had meetings with President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

On the occasion, the high-ranking delegation of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia led by Speaker Wesley W. Simina attended a question-and-answer session of the fifth meeting of the 14th National Assembly.

They paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and visited the President Ho Chi Minh relic site, and had working sessions with some ministries, departments and localities.

At meetings, both sides highly valued the importance of the Vietnam-Micronesia relations, and said that the official visit is a vivid manifestation, affirming commitments to boosting the two countries’ ties on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the diplomatic ties (1995-2018).

The two sides agreed on key cooperation fields, including agriculture, aquaculture and tourism. 

In the coming time, the two sides will sign cooperation agreements in the fields of their strength soon, coordinate and support each other in regional and multilateral forums and organisations, particularly at the United Nations.

Regarding the parliaments’ ties, both sides will increase the exchange of delegations at levels and people-to-people exchange, set up mechanisms for cooperation and negotiation, toward signing agreements on investment promotion and protection, double-tax avoidance and technical cooperation. 

Besides, the two sides will promote trading in agricultural products, consumer goods and agricultural machineries.

HCM City – US ties to bear fruit: City official

US Consul General in HCM City Mary Tarnowka (left), US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink and Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Le Thanh Liem (right) join a a ceremony to celebrate the 242nd Independence Day (July 4) of the US in HCM City

Relations between Ho Chi Minh City and the United States will bear more fruit to contribute to the two countries’ bilateral ties, said Le Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee on June 14.

Liem made the statement while joining US Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink in a ceremony hosted by the US Consulate General in HCM City to celebrate the 242nd Independence Day (July 4) of the US in the city.

He said through the ups and downs of history, Vietnam-US relations have come a long way to mark an important milestone with the establishment of the two countries’ Comprehensive Partnership during President Truong Tan Sang’s official visit to the US in July 2013. The visit of President Donald Trump to Vietnam in November last year demonstrated the US’s commitment to deepening ties with the Southeast Asian nation, he added.

As Vietnam’s economic, cultural, scientific and technological hub, HCM City has been fostering cooperation with partners from the US, reaping encouraging results in trade, investment, education, healthcare and more, the city’s official stressed.

The trust and goodwill of both sides have removed many obstacles for Vietnam-US relations which have seen remarkable progress since the normalisation of ties, he said. He expressed his belief that the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership and US ties with HCM City will grow further.

Kritenbrink, for his part, said the celebration of Independence Day is an opportunity for people to get closer to honour friendship. This ceremony is also a chance to together look back at the two countries’ growing partnership and the long way they have come together, he added.

The ambassador moved on to say that the US has great interest in the Indo-Pacific region and is enthusiastic about Vietnam’s success. The US wants to see a strong, prosperous and independent Vietnam, he said.

Two sitting US Presidents have visited Vietnam over the past two years while bilateral relations in trade, investment and security have expanded alongside more opportunities for cultural and educational exchanges between Vietnamese and American people, the diplomat stated. All these showed a strong relationship that will continue to develop.

Vietnam, Russia enhance UN peacekeeping cooperation

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Be Xuan Truong, Deputy Defence Minister, received a Russian delegation led by Lieut. Gen. Luralenko Sergey Vasilievich, Deputy Commander-in-chief for Peacekeeping Operations of the Russian Ground Forces in Hanoi on June 14

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Be Xuan Truong, Deputy Defence Minister, received a Russian delegation led by Lieut. Gen. Luralenko Sergey Vasilievich, Deputy Commander-in-chief for Peacekeeping Operations of the Russian Ground Forces in Hanoi on June 14.

Truong affirmed that bilateral defence ties have seen gigantic developments in recent time, including in the field of UN peacekeeping.

A memorandum of understanding between the two countries’ Defence Ministries signed in November 2017 has proved both sides’ efforts in the field and contributed to defining their cooperation in UN peacekeeping in the coming time, he said.

The Vietnamese official suggested the two sides continue increasing the exchange of all-level delegations and the sharing of information, experience and professional skills in the UN peacekeeping operations through joint training courses, seminars and expert exchanges  while supporting each other at multilateral forums.

Truong also hoped that the Russian side will soon send sapper experts to Vietnam to share professional skills and experience as well as assist the country in dispatching a group of sappers to an appropriate UN mission.

For his part, Luralenko Sergey Vasilievich affirmed the Russian Defence Ministry will help Vietnam and the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre in particular to implement peacekeeping activities at UN missions in a suitable and effective manner.

Vice NA Chairman stresses traditional friendship with Cuba

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu (right) and Director for Asia and Oceania of the Cuban Foreign Ministry Alberto Blanco Silva 

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Assembly Uong Chu Luu highlighted the time-honoured friendship between Vietnam and Cuba during his reception for Director for Asia and Oceania of the Cuban Foreign Ministry Alberto Blanco Silva in Hanoi on June 14.

Over the past nearly 60 years, the solidarity, mutual support and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have been consolidated and developed, becoming a valuable asset of the two Parties and nations, Luu said. 

He commented on the thriving bilateral political ties with the regular exchange of all-level delegations, especially at the high-level one, via the State, Party and NA channels. 

The maintenance and improvement of cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, and the exchange of views at international organisations and forums have contributed to tightening the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, the legislator said.

Vietnam always keeps a close watch on the situation in Cuba, and has been delight at achievements the Cuban Party, State and people have recorded, especially the upgrade of the economic model, he said, adding that Vietnam is ready to share its experience with Cuba. 

For his part, Alberto told his host that he and his entourage met with Vietnamese experts to learn from their legislative experience since Cuba will continue to focus on amending its Constitution in the time ahead. 

He pledged to make more contributions to deepening the solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, legislatures and people of the two countries.

PM Phuc welcomes Vietnam-Luxembourg cooperation framework agreement

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hailed the signing of a framework agreement on cooperation between the Vietnamese and Luxembourg government at a reception for Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg in Hanoi on June 14.

PM Phuc spoke of his appreciation for the Vietnam visit by Minister Jean Asselborn, especially on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties, noting that Vietnam always considers Luxembourg an important friend and partner.

Minister Jean Asselborn expressed his impression on Vietnam’s land and people, saying this is the fifth time he has visited the country since 2004 and he will spend time touring the country.

Appreciating the signing of a framework agreement on cooperation between the two governments, the Vietnamese cabinet leader said this creates a cooperation framework suitable for the new situation, especially in cooperation for development and climate change response support.

He highlighted Luxembourg as the fifth biggest European Union investor in Vietnam and showed hope that both nations will work hand in hand to facilitate their businesses to partner in the areas of finance-banking, tourism, and green growth.

The two countries need to accelerate the finalization of all remaining issues of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and launch relevant procedures to sign the Free Trade Agreement on the sidelines of the forthcoming 12th ASEM.

Vietnam is grateful to and thanked Luxembourg for providing it with non-refundable aid worth 124 million Euros from 1995 to 2015, he told his guest.

Phuc said he hopes that the European country will continue assist Vietnam in responding to climate change, and step up cooperation with Vietnam in building and developing the financial and banking markets as it has a wealth of experience and has realized a number of effective cooperative programmes with Vietnam in the realm.

Minister Jean Asselborn said his nation’s maintenance of ODA provision for Vietnam over the past 25 years showed its recognition of importance to developing ties with Vietnam.

He noted with satisfaction the growing trade value between the two countries and pledged nation’s greater efforts to join hands with Vietnam to raise the value to a higher level.

Asselborn also hailed PM Phuc’s speech regarding environmental protection at the recent G7 Outreach Summit and offered the sharing of his country’s experience in green bond model for application in Vietnam.

He said he expects that the EU and Vietnam will sign their free trade agreement (FTA) soon in order to offer favourable conditions for both sides to augment stronger cooperation in the time ahead. 

HCM City desires stronger cooperation with Micronesia

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong (R) at a reception for visiting Speaker of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley W. Simina

Vietnam’s southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City is keen to boost cooperation with Micronesia in such potential fields as agriculture, aquaculture, environmental protection, tourism, and education-training.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong made the statement at a reception for visiting Speaker of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley W. Simina on June 14, saying the two sides have yet to carry out any special cooperation activities.

He hoped the two sides will maintain mutual visits of all-level delegations and people-to-people exchanges in the coming time.

HCM City is willing to share its experience with Micronesia in socio-economic reform and development, Phong affirmed.

He expressed his pleasure at the positive development of the political ties since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1995, and the good coordination between the two countries in regional and multilateral organisations and forums.

The current visit to Vietnam by the high-level delegation from the Micronesian Congress will contribute to strengthening the collaboration between the two parliaments as well as the overall relations between the two countries, he said.

“Vietnam, including HCM City, always wants to develop friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Micronesia,” he added.

For his part, the Micronesian Congress Speaker said the bilateral relations have seen development over the past years, but the cooperation is still limited.

Through this visit, Micronesia hopes to increase bilateral cooperation at both high and people-to-people levels, he added.

He shared that Micronesia’s economy is still small in comparison to Vietnam and HCM City. 

His country hopes to learn from economic development experience of Vietnam and HCM City while enhancing collaboration with other Vietnamese localities and local People’s Councils and People’s Committees, he said.

Democracy, objectivity in law-making process

Vietnam’s National Assembly has delayed the adoption of the draft law on the special administrative and economic units of Van Don, Bac Van Phong, and Phu Quoc until the next session.

The decision shows that the legislature and government have taken the opinions of voters into consideration to ensure democracy and objectivity in the law-making process.

The establishment of three special administrative and economic units of Van Don, Bac Van Phong, and Phu Quoc is of great significance in promoting local potential and generating growth momentum for adjacent areas. It is necessary to customize apparatus, policies, and mechanisms for the special zones. 

Considering that decentralization will create a favorable environment for development, the government and functional agencies expected the National Assembly to approve the draft law shortly. The bill, which has no precedent, embraces a breakthrough in apparatus organization, viewpoints, and orientation for global integration amid the complicated developments worldwide. 

Amid mixed reaction to the bill, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the media that the government will listen to public opinion for further revision. Vietnam has no special administrative and economic units, so law-makers have to learn experiences from other countries to ensure that special units will benefit the country and people.

The Party and State have always placed the national and people’s interest first. Postponing the adoption of the draft law has reflected the people’s aspirations, illustrating a spirit of democracy and objectivity.

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has called on the public to practice restraint and show belief in the Party and State, because the National Assembly always listens to public opinion. 

The postponement of the bill on special administrative and economic units of Van Don, Bac Van Phong, and Phu Quoc has lived up to the people’s expectation and given law makers more time to thoroughly assess the bill’s feasibility, comprehension, and effectiveness to prevent potential risks.  

The government has directed ministries, sectors, and localities to tighten the use of land scheduled to be zoned in the special units, prepare resources and conditions for the enforcement of the law in the future, and enhance communications to create a social consensus.

National Assembly passes two laws on June 14

The 14th legislature passed the draft revised Law on Physical Training and Sport and the law on Measurement and Map on June 14, within the framework of the on-going 5th session.

The Law on Physical Training and Sports (revised), which was adopted with 93.84 percent of votes, adds many regulations on mass physical training and sports; physical training and sports in schools; elite sports; professional sports; sport facilities and land for physical training and sports; sport betting, and some other contents. 

The law will take effect on January 1, 2019. 

The Law on Measurements and Maps was approved with 451 votes or 92.61 percent. 

It has 9 chapters and 61 articles, and will take effect on January 1, 2019.

Vietnamese PM vows all conditions for New Zealand’s Zuru Group

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Mathew Mowbay, founder and CEO of New Zealand’s Zuru Group on June 14 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told Mathew Mowbay, founder and CEO of New Zealand’s Zuru Group in Hanoi on June 14 that he will create all favourable conditions for the group to do business in Vietnam.

At the reception, Mathew Mowbay presented his group’s intention to invest in the construction sector with the use of modern and environmentally friendly technologies.  

Affirming the application of the achievements of the fourth Industrial Revolution to create higher quality and lower costs, he revealed his ambition to open an Industry 4.0 centre in Vietnam.

He said the group chooses Vietnam as its investment destination because the nation boasts young population, talented human resources and huge development potential. 

The Zuru leader stressed his determination to make the idea come true in Vietnam, thus contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Applauding the group’s intention to invest in Vietnam, the Government leader expressed his belief that this idea, with the application of modern and environmentally friendly technologies, will be successful in the country.

If entering the 100 million-strong Vietnamese market, the group can access a broader market as Vietnam has been engaging in many free trade agreements, he noted.