Vanuatu treasures friendship, cooperation with Vietnam

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai 

Vanuatu attaches importance to its friendship and cooperation with Vietnam, Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai told his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc at their meeting on November 17. 

During the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the Vanuatu leader expressed his hope that the two sides will enhance the exchange of delegation to promote their cooperation in the coming time. 

Charlot Salwai informed PM Phuc about his country’s plan to open a consulate general office in Ho Chi Minh City, while affirming that Vanuatu supports Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2020-2021. 

Vanuatu will continue to create favourable conditions for the community of Vietnamese expats in the country, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s development and the bilateral relation, he said. 

For his part, PM Phuc applauded Vanuatu’s decision to set up a consulate general office in HCM City, while informing that Vietnam will also assign a honorary consul to Vanuatu. 

The two leaders agreed to effectively implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on technical and development cooperation between the two nations, to accelerate negotiations and signing of agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports; and on cooperation in the fields of aviation, forestry, fishery and aquaculture. 

They also affirmed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and stable environment in the region and the regional order on the basis of international law; and ensuring the security, safety and freedom of aviation and navigation.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh meets with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister

The talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea Rimbink Pato 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on November 17 held talks with Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea Rimbink Pato in the framework of the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 

During the talks, the two sides agreed on measures to further foster the bilateral relations in the time to come, including enhancing the exchange of delegations, investment promotion and business links in the fields of their strength such as aquaculture, agriculture, and health care. 

Rimbink Pato said his country wants to import rice directly from Vietnam, suggesting the two countries expand cooperation in fishery and aquaculture, and coffee growing and processing.

He also expressed the hope that Vietnam will support Papua New Guinea in training doctors. 

For his part, Minh welcomed the ideas and asked for collaboration of Papua New Guinea with Vietnam to address issues related to Vietnamese fishermen and fishing boats in the spirit of friendship and humanity. 

Pato thanked Vietnam for its assistance to his country to host the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and agreed to work with Vietnam to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached in the APEC Year in 2017 and 2018. 

He also affirmed his country’s support for Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2020-2021.

Defence ties, one of important pillars of Vietnam-China relations

 Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (R) presents souvenir to Ambassador of China to Vietnam Xiong Ba (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The defence ties has become one of the important pillars of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China, Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh said at his reception for Ambassador of China to Vietnam Xiong Ba in Hanoi on November 16.

He stated that the relations between the Parties, States and people of Vietnam and China have been growing soundly with the defence ties having seen new and result-oriented development, as evidenced by activities of defence leaders and the upcoming fifth Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange in Cao Bang (Vietnam) and Guangxi (China).

The Vietnamese officer said he believes Ambassador Xiong Ba will make contributions to bolstering the bilateral relations in general and the defence cooperation in particular during his working term in Vietnam.

Ambassador Xiong Ba said he will always work to promote the sound relations between the two countries and have active contributions to developing the bilateral cooperation and friendship in a sustainable manner.

Russian PM’s Vietnam visit promotes result-oriented cooperation

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and his Russian counterpart D.A.Medvedev 

Prime Minister of Russia D.A.Medvedev’s official visit to Vietnam from November 18-19 looks to continue stepping up ties across politics, economy, trade, national defence-security, science-technology, education-training, culture, tourism, and locality-to-locality exchange between the two countries.

The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, takes place at a time when the two countries will celebrate the Vietnam Year in Russia and Russia Year in Vietnam during 2019-2020, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on fundamental principles of Vietnam – Russia friendly relations in 2019 and the 70th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2020. 

On March 1, 2001, Vietnam and Russia signed a joint statement on strategic partnership. Later on July 27, 2012, both sides issued a joint statement on further strengthening bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. 

Over the past years, Vietnam – Russia political ties with high trust have been incessantly strengthened. The exchange of high-level visits has created a strong foundation to develop comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. 

Both sides established the annual diplomatic-defence-security strategic dialogue mechanism at the permanent deputy ministerial level in 2008 and a strategic dialogue mechanism at the defence deputy ministerial level in 2013. They also conducted regular political consultations at the deputy ministerial level within the framework of cooperation between the two foreign ministries. 

The two countries have maintained the Inter-Governmental Committee on military technical cooperation at the defence deputy ministerial level. Russia is now the top important partner of Vietnam in the field. Both sides launched the first defence strategic dialogue at the deputy ministerial level in December 2013, the second in March 2016 and the third in November 2017. 

Sharing the same views on many regional and global issues, the countries agreed to work closely together at international forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Russia backed Vietnam’s run for a seat at the United Nations Economic and Social Council for the 2016-2018 tenure while Vietnam also supported Russia’s bid for 2017-2019. 

Vietnam actively assisted Russia in joining ASEM in October 2010 and the East Asia Summit in 2011. 

On economic-trade ties, the two nations maintained the operation of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic, Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation which was established in 1992. In October 2018, the committee convened the 21st meeting in Moscow. The Vietnam – Russia Business Council was set up to facilitate bilateral trade and investment. The two countries recognised each other as market economies in 2007. 

Two-way trade rose from 2.2 billion USD in 2015 to 2.7 billion USD in 2016 and 3.55 billion USD in 2017. Vietnam mostly exports mobile phones, apparel, farm produce, and seafood to Russia while importing petroleum, iron and steel, fertiliser, machinery and equipment. 

Russia now ranks 23rd among countries and territories investing in Vietnam with 116 projects worth a total of 990 billion USD, mostly in oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, transportation, telecommunications, and aquaculture. 

Vietnam currently invests in 22 projects worth nearly 3 billion USD in Russia, predominantly in Rusvietpetro and Gazpromviet oil and gas ventures, Hanoi – Moscow cultural-trade centre, TH True Milk’s milch farming and agriculture, among others. 

As energy brings significant revenues to the two State budgets, Rusvietpetro, Vietgazprom and Gazpromviet ventures were established to expand oil and gas projects in Vietnam, Russia and the third countries, apart from Vietsovpetro. 

On cultural exchange, Cultural Days in Vietnam and Russia are held annually and alternately. Russia remains among the top 10 sources of tourist arrivals in Vietnam. The number of Russian tourists soared from 176,000 in 2012 to 300,000 in 2013, 364,000 in 2014, 340,000 in 2015, 430,000 in 2016 and 570,000 in 2017. 

In the past, Russia offered training courses to nearly 40,000 Vietnamese officials and experts in diverse areas. In 2011, Russia provided 345 tertiary and post-tertiary scholarships for Vietnamese students, which rose to 400 in 2012 and 70 others for nuclear experts, 600 ones in 2014, 795 in 2015, 855 in 2016 and 953 in 2017. More than 5,000 Vietnamese students are studying in Russia. 

Both sides conducted about 60 research and technological transfer projects while joint work at the Vietnam – Russia Tropical Centre have brought about positive outcomes. 

The two countries’ localities established cooperative ties, especially between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Moscow, Saint Petersburg. In November 2013, the Hanoi – Moscow Centre for Culture, Trade and Hotel was inaugurated in Moscow. 

About 60,000 – 80,000 Vietnamese nationals have been living and working in Russia for nearly two decades, contributing to the host country’s development. 

Since 1991, over 100 cooperation documents were signed in the fields of economy, trade, investment, oil and gas, nuclear power, education-training, science and culture, and military technology.

Vietnam has attached importance to stepping up its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a result-oriented, sustainable and efficient manner.

Deputy FM: 33rd ASEAN Summit, related meetings successful

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung 

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung has stated that the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Singapore have been successful and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc actively participated in all summit activities.

During an interview granted to the press, Deputy FM Dung said the PM attended the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit, summits between ASEAN and China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, Russia, Australia, and India, the ASEAN Plus 3 meeting with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, the East Asia Summit, and the meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states. 

The PM proposed specific measures to build a peaceful, safe, rules-based and people-oriented ASEAN during the 33rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings that recently wrapped up in Singapore. 

The PM also reiterated Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue as well as regional and global issues, he said. 

During meetings, leaders affirmed that amid complicated developments in the world, ASEAN needs a common voice to strengthen connectivity and promote a multilateral trade system, and maintain its central role and principles of protecting peace and stability, and respect of law in the region and the world. 

They adopted 63 documents to lay a foundation for ASEAN cooperation and its collaboration with partner countries in the fields of politics, security, economy, and socio-culture in coming years. 

Dung said participating countries expressed support to trade liberalisation, unilateralism prevention and determination to conclude negotiations on RCEP in 2019. 

About China’s proposal to conclude the negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) within the next three years, Dung said the negotiations need a favourable environment towards reaching a practical and effective COC in compliance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, making effective contributions to peace, stability and security in the region in general and in the East Sea in particular. 

On technological application amid the fourth industrial revolution, the Deputy FM said PM Phuc continued promoting several initiatives presented at the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2018, especially those regarding digital connectivity and data sharing. 

He highlighted the need to create a common digital platform to strengthen digital connectivity among the ASEAN member states and build an early forecast mechanism relating to financial, monetary and commercial risks, Dung said. 

According to the Deputy FM, all eight dialogue countries joining the East Asia Summit are strategic partners of ASEAN. Many others also want to join the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, proving the bloc’s improving stature. 

On the sidelines of meetings, PM Phuc met bilaterally with leaders from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and the US, while Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also met his Cambodian counterpart, during which they expressed wish to lift ties with Vietnam to a greater height. 

PM Phuc and the leaders discussed specific measures to increase the exchange of visits, promote economic, trade, investment, labour, culture-education, national defence-security ties, protection of Vietnamese citizens abroad, the settlement of concerns of each side, cooperation within the ASEAN framework, and multilateral mechanisms in the region and the world.

Vietnam, India to develop comprehensive strategic partnership

President of India Ram Nath Kovind. (Photo timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s upcoming visit to Vietnam from November 18-20,  his first trip to the country and Asia since taking office in July 2017, is of great importance to strengthening and developing the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam and India officially established diplomatic relations on January 7 in 1972. In 1954, India opened a consulate general in Hanoi, and two years later, Vietnam inaugurated its consulate general in New Delhi. The two countries set up the strategic partnership in 2007 and elevated it to comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2016. 

The Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership has been growing fruitfully. Political trust has been increased as a result of the regular exchange of visits and meetings between their high-ranking officials and at all levels via Party, State, National Assembly, locality, and people-to-people exchange channels. 

In March 2018, President Tran Dai Quang paid a State visit to India, while Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited India to attend the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and celebrations of the 69th anniversary of Republic Day of India in January 2018. Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Vietnam in June and August 2018, respectively.

Vietnam and India have built and upheld effective cooperation mechanisms. The Vietnam-India inter-governmental committee for economic, commercial, scientific and technological cooperation has to date convened 16 meetings, with the latest taking place in Hanoi in August 2018. The two countries organised their 10th political consultation and 7th strategic dialogue in New Delhi from April 8-10, 2018.    

Bilateral defence ties have been expanded between their navies, ground and air forces, focusing on personnel training, defence industry and ship visits. The two sides held their first deputy ministerial level security dialogue in July 2018. They have increased the exchange of experiences and information in criminal science as well as in the fight against transnational crimes, drug trafficking, cyber and hi-tech crimes, and terrorism.

Vietnam and India supported each other at multilateral forums like the Asia-Europe Meeting, ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting Plus, and the United Nations. The two nations backed each other’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Human Rights Council. Vietnam backed India's bid for a permanent seat when the UN Security Council is enlarged as well as its Act East policy and initiatives for the development of the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation. 

India values the importance of peace, stability, safety, security, freedom of navigation and aviation; peaceful settlement of disputes; observance of international law; and building of an effective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Aside from sound relations in politics-diplomacy and defence-security, bilateral economic-trade partnerships have enjoyed significant strides in recent years. India is among the top ten trade partners of Vietnam.

Bilateral trade enjoyed an annual average growth rate of 16 percent from 2008 to 2013. The figure hit 8.3 billion USD between January and September 2018, up 4.1 percent from the same period last year. The two countries are working to lift bilateral trade to 15 billion USD in 2020.

As of October 2018, India poured 876.73 million USD into Vietnam, ranking 26th among 127 countries and territories directly investing in the Southeast Asian nation. Vietnam, meanwhile, is investing in 7 projects worth 6.15 million USD in India. Both nations are members of the ASEAN-India Investment Agreement within the framework of the ASEAN-India free trade agreement.

Cultural cooperation between the sides has been boosted with the establishment of the Indian cultural centre and centre for Indian studies in Hanoi in 2016 and of the centre for Vietnamese studies in New Delhi in March 2018.

Vietnam and India have also boasted huge potential for tourism development. Almost 120,000 Indians toured Vietnam in 2017, up 30 percent year on year, and the number is expected to reach 150,000 – 170,000 this year. Meanwhile, the South Asian nation welcomes some 20,000 Vietnamese tourists every year.

Bilateral cooperation in agriculture, oil and gas, electricity, nuclear energy has also recorded positive progresses.

State visit to help sustain upward trend of Vietnam-India ties: diplomat

The State visit to Vietnam by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind from November 18 to 20 is meant to help maintain the sound development trend of bilateral relations, a diplomat has said.

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency ahead of the trip, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau said this is a reciprocal visit following a tour of India by then President Tran Dai Quang last March.

During this visit, the two sides will review what they have and haven’t achieved so as to enhance connections. They will also discuss issues of common concern, especially regional and global matters, he said.

He noted that the political ties and trust between the two countries have been increasingly strengthened through frequent mutual high-ranking visits, especially since they set up the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, including the tour of Vietnam by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (September 2016), and the trips to India by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (December 2016), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (July 2017), Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (January 2018) and then President Tran Dai Quang (March 2018).

Delegation exchanges at all levels have also been increased between their Parties, parliaments, defence ministries, courts and localities. The countries have effectively brought into play dialogue mechanisms and implemented the signed agreements. They have organised strategic dialogues and political consultations at the deputy foreign ministerial level every year, the ambassador said.

Meanwhile, defence-security cooperation is viewed as an important and effective pillar of their comprehensive strategic partnership, as reflected through regular mutual visits between military officers and dialogues at the deputy defence ministerial level.

The defence forces of Vietnam and India are also working closely in information sharing, personnel training and equipment provision. They have maintained dialogue mechanisms and stepped up cooperation in cyber security, counter-terrorism, capacity building, equipment procurement and technology transfer, as well as at regional forums like the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.

Defence cooperation has been lifted to the highest-ever level, and India has become one of the most important defence partners of Vietnam, Chau noted.

Aside from the sound relations in politics-diplomacy and defence-security, bilateral economic-trade partnerships have enjoyed great strides in recent years, he said, elaborating that India has emerged as one of the top 12 trade partners of Vietnam.

Bilateral trade soared by 41 percent from 5.6 billion USD in 2016 to 7.6 billion USD in 2017. It hit 9.2 billion USD between January and October this year, up 47 percent from a year earlier.

As of October 2018, India poured 876.73 million USD into Vietnam, ranking 26th among 127 countries and territories directly investing in the Southeast Asian nation.

There have been a number of exchanges between the two countries’ people and scholars, helping to deepen mutual understanding. An array of cultural activities have been held over the last two years such as photo exhibitions, film festivals, Vietnamese cultural days, the opening of Vietnamese books’ rooms in Indian libraries, and the establishment of a centre for Vietnamese studies, Ambassador Chau said.

Science and technology are also potential cooperation areas that are being promoted by both sides, the diplomat said, noting that many IT firms of India have opened branches in Vietnam, and many Vietnamese scientists have also received training in India over the past years. However, their collaboration in these areas has yet to meet expectations.

He said the countries also boast huge potential for tourism development. Almost 120,000 Indians toured Vietnam in 2017, up 30 percent year on year, and the number is expected to reach 150,000 – 170,000 this year. Meanwhile, the South Asian nation welcomes some 20,000 Vietnamese tourists every year, most of whom make pilgrimages to the Buddhist land and visit cultural and heritage sites of India.

Hanoi delegation on Egypt visit

Standing Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Ngo Thi Thanh Hang (second from right) and Egyptian Deputy Minister of Antiquities Ayman Said Abdelmohsen (third from right) 

A delegation from Hanoi city led by Standing Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Ngo Thi Thanh Hang made a working visit to Egypt from November 11-15. 

During a working session with Egyptian officials from the Ministry of Antiquities, Hang spoke highly of the host country’s expertise and experience in managing heritages and antiquities. 

Briefing the host about Hanoi’s cultural and historical heritages, Hang said Hanoi wishes to cooperate with and learn from Egypt in the management and exhibition of antiquities. 

Egyptian Deputy Minister of Antiquities Ayman Said Abdelmohsen, for his part, said with nearly 100,000 archeological sites and a huge number of valuable antique items, Egypt has accumulated experience and expertise in discovering, protecting and excavating archeological sites as well as managing, classifying and displaying ancient artefacts. 

He said the Ministry of Antiquities is ready to partner with Hanoi in the field via projects on museum management, planning and management of relic sites in the near future. 

At another working session with Egyptian Deputy Minister of Culture Heba Youssef, the Hanoi delegation informed the host about the city’s management of cultural affairs and its intangible culture in particular. 

Both sides agreed on several specific contents for their long-term partnership in culture, including holding Egyptian cultural days in Hanoi to help Vietnamese people learn more about the African country’s unique culture. 

Visiting the Vietnamese embassy in Cairo, Hang asked the embassy to serve as a bridge for coordination between Hanoi and the Egyptian ministries of culture and antiquities. 

Following Egypt, the delegation continued with its trip to Greece.

Party official: Vietnam wishes to promote ties with UK

The meeting between Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh and Prince Andrew in London on November 14 

Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Pham Minh Chinh has affirmed that Vietnam wishes to further deepen the bilateral ties with the UK during a visit to the UK from November 14-17.  

In a meeting with Prince Andrew in London on November 14, Chinh said the bilateral relationship should be promoted in the spirit of respecting each other’s political regime, with political-diplomatic ties as the foundation, and economic-trade ties as the focus, while cooperation in culture, science, education and people-to-people exchange serves as a driving force. The two countries should also support each other’s stances on regional and global issues, he said. 

Prince Andrew supported and appreciated the Vietnamese Party delegation’s proposals regarding economy, national defence-security, external relations and the East Sea issue. 

He pledged to work for the effective development of bilateral ties in diverse areas, especially in promising fields such as science, education-training, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchange. 

While in the UK, the delegation also held working sessions with Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Secretary General of the ruling Conservative Party Mark Field; member of Parliament for Caerphilly, Shadow Minister for Armed Forces and Defence Procurement and Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam Wayne David; Conservative Member of Parliament and Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy Edward Vaizey; Conservative Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Anti-Corruption Champion John Penrose and representatives from the House of Commons’ Committee of Public Accounts. 

During the meetings, the two sides agreed to facilitate the exchange of high-level visits and optimize existing cooperation mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue on diplomacy-national defence-security and the Vietnam – UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee, and continue to raise new initiatives on investment and tourism. 

They vowed to better use the Commonwealth Fund, Newton Fund and official development assistance for Vietnam in fields of Vietnam’s demand and the UK’s priority such as climate change, health care, science-technology, environment. 

The host side expressed support for Vietnam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, the early signing and ratification of the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, contributing to deepening bilateral ties in the near future. 

On the East Sea issue, the two sides concurred with each other in the need to settle disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ensuring freedom, security and safety of maritime and aviation, respecting and fully abiding by diplomatic and legal process, while trying not to further complicate the situation,

They shared experience in administrative reform, building a streamlined and effective State apparatus, personnel training and anti-corruption. 

The UK side also pledged to offer all possible support to Vietnamese nationals living in the country. 

During the stay, the delegation visited the Karl Marx Memorial Library in London and held a working session with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain Robert Griffiths.

Vietnamese, Cuban parties’ theoretical symposium concludes

At the closing ceremony of the symposium 

The fourth theoretical symposium between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) took place in Havana, Cuba, on November 14-15, highlighting experience of the two parties in socio-economic development and ideological and political work. 

Presentations at the event focused on determinants of socio-economic development, ideological and political work of each Party, and gave in-depth analysis of the situation and solutions of each side, thus further clarifying some urgent theoretical issues of common concern such as the Party’s leadership, inspection and supervision in socio-economic development; and political and ideological education for cadres, party members. 

Discussion also spotlighted the importance of the Party’s leadership in the struggle against "peaceful evolution" conspiracies and activities as well as subversion schemes of hostile forces; the fight against political and ideological degradation; and strengthening of the Party's leadership in political and ideological work, defending Marxist-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the ideas of José Martí and Fidel Castro.

Vietnamese delegates were invited to go on field trips after each session to get real life experience about issues under discussion, such as the Mariel Special Economic Development Zone, a key model in Cuba's socio-economic development, and the University of Information Science. 

In his speech at the closing ceremony, Nguyen Xuan Thang, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, who was head of the Vietnamese delegation,  and Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Jose Ramon Balaguer Cabrea, who led the Cuban delegation, highly appreciated the candidness, sincerity and openness discussion between the two sides, which show mutual trust and understanding between the two Parties and States. 

They affirmed that the exchange between the two parties is a useful and practical activity, stressing that it should be maintained in the time to come. 

The two sides agreed to continue their close coordination to well prepare for the 5th edition of the symposium in Vietnam in 2020. 

On November 16, Thang had a working visit to the Nico López School of Higher Education of the CPC, and signed a cooperation agreement in 2018-2023 between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the school. 

At a meeting with lecturers of the Cuban school, Thang stressed the special attention that the CPV pays to training cadres, saying that this is an important task, which is carried out regularly and systematically during Vietnam’s development process. 

He expressed his wish that the two training institutions will further foster their cooperation in training cadres, and in scientific research, thus meeting the requirements and tasks of the revolutionary cause of the two Parties and States in the time to come. 

During their stay in Cuba, the Vietnamese delegates laid wreaths at Ho Chi Minh Statue in Havana, and visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

NA Chairwoman asks Thai Binh to improve business climate

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in Thai Binh 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has asked the northern province of Thai Binh to continue stepping up administrative reform and improving business climate to attract more domestic and foreign investors. 

During a working session with the provincial authorities on November 17, the NA Chairwoman lauded the local agricultural sector for achieving a growth of nearly 4 percent, the highest rate since 2011 thanks to its switch to organic farming and value chain production. 

She expressed hope that with a 54km coastline, Thai Binh will pay more attention to the marine-based economy, including fishing and aquaculture. 

The top legislator hailed Thai Binh for its leading role in building new-styled rural areas, with 234 communes (88 percent of the province’s total) and one out of the total seven districts expected to be recognised as new-styled rural areas by the end of this year. 

Stressing Thai Binh’s revolutionary traditions and great contributions to the national liberation war, she asked the province to ensure preferential treatment policies for ex-revolutionaries. She also instructed the province to build a strong political system, improve the capacity of Party committees and crack down on corruption. 

The top legislator took note of the provincial authorities’ suggestions, including a pilot project on land accumulation in agriculture to boost commercial-scale production in the sector. 

Thai Binh has achieved and surpassed most targets of this year, with the gross regional domestic product forecast to expand by 10.58 percent and production value up by 12.26 percent annually. It is the three consecutive year the province has achieved a two-digit growth, becoming one of the three localities with the highest growth in the Red River Delta. 

The province ranks 34th out of 63 centrally-controlled cities and provinces nationwide in terms of investment attraction, up 6 places from 2016.

Vice President receives Japanese Kanagawa prefecture delegation

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (L) received Governor Yuji Kuroiwa of Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture in Hanoi on November 16 

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh has proposed that Japan and Kanagawa prefecture create favourable conditions for Japanese and Vietnamese businesses to strengthen investment partnership and implement economic and cooperation activities in other fields, especially creative industry, agriculture, education and training.

Receiving a delegation from Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture led by Governor Yuji Kuroiwa in Hanoi on November 16, the Vice President noted that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is growing strongly and practically in many fields, with strong political trust and expanded cooperation among localities.

Vietnam always considers Japan as its leading economic partner, she stated, noting that Japan is also the largest ODA provider and the second biggest foreign investor in Vietnam.

She said that the results have great contributions by localities of both sides, including Kanagawa. Currently, over 16,000 Vietnamese people are living, studying and working in the prefecture.

Vice President Thinh congratulated Yuji Kuroiwa on receiving the Friendship Order of Vietnam, which recognizes his contributions to the strengthened Vietnam-Japan ties.

She said Vietnam pledges to create optimal conditions for enterprises from Japan and Kanagawa to invest in Vietnam, expressing her hope that Japan and Kanagawa prefecture will support the Vietnamese community in Japan.

For his part, Yuji Kuroiwa said that his entourage includes 26 local businesses who are interested in investing in Vietnam. Highlighting Vietnamese workers’ working attitude, he affirmed that Kanagawa will back Vietnamese guest workers, while supporting local firms to invest in Vietnam.

He showed strong support to collaboration between Vietnam and Japan, vowing to work harder to promote the bilateral partnership.

Kanagawa, the second largest locality in Japan after Tokyo, has exerted efforts to foster the Vietnam-Japan ties. Kanagawa has set up partnership with many Vietnamese localities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho and Quang Ninh in various fields of economy, trade, education-training, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

Since 2015, Kanagawa has organised the Vietnamese Festival annually. This year, the event, on September 8-9, drew over 400,000 visitors. A Vietnam water puppetry art troupe was sent to perform at the event.

A Kanagawa Festival will be held in Hanoi for the first time soon.

Vietnam, Thailand foster air defence cooperation

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence (R) received Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, in Hanoi on November 16 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence received Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, in Hanoi on November 16.

Giang noted that defence cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand over the past years has grown strongly with practical outcomes, especially in delegation exchange, personnel training, air and naval defence cooperation.

The close defence partnership has helped reinforce and strengthen the friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the people and armies of the two countries, he said.

Giang also lauded the cooperation results between Vietnam’s Air Force-Air Defence and the Royal Thai Air Force, expressing his hope that the two forces will continue promoting their collaboration.

He affirmed that Vietnam backs Thailand in performing the role of ASEAN Chair in 2019 and expects to receive support from Thailand in 2020 when Vietnam assumes the same role.

For his part, Chaiyapruk said that his working visit aims to further foster cooperation between the air forces of Thailand and Vietnam.

He held that the cooperation between Vietnam’s Air Force-Air Defence and the Royal Thai Air Force has been deepened, especially through the exchange of experiences in aviation safety, rescue, training, and connectivity among young officers.

The cooperative ties between the armies of Thailand and Vietnam has also contributed to strengthening the ASEAN Political-Security Community, one of the three key pillars of the ASEAN Community.

Cooperation between Vietnamese, Japanese localities facilitated

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung (R) received Governor of Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture Yuji Kuroiwa in Hanoi on November 16 

Vietnam attaches importance to promoting locality cooperation with Japan, considering this a result-oriented and effective collaboration channel to step up economic, trade and labour ties as well as people-to-people exchange between the two countries, said Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung. 

At a reception for Governor of Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture Yuji Kuroiwa in Hanoi on November 16, Dung suggested the guest encourage Kanagawa businesses to pour more investments in Vietnamese localities in manufacturing, trade, services, and the agro-forestry-fishery sector. 

The Vietnamese Government stands ready to create optimal conditions for Kanagawa firms to operate in Vietnam, he said, calling on the two sides to bolster affiliation in personnel training, tourism and culture, and exchanges between citizens. 

Dung said the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan are developing fruitfully across fields, with enhanced political trust between senior leaders of the two countries. 

Economic, trade and investment cooperation has been seen as a pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership, he said, adding that Japan is Vietnam’s leading important economic partner, biggest official development assistance (ODA) supplier, second largest investor, third largest tourism market and fourth largest trade partner. 

Besides, exchanges between localities and people of the two countries have been intensified, contributing to deepening their mutual understanding and friendship, he said.  

For his part, Yuji Kuroiwa said his visit is to organise the first Kanagawa festival in Hanoi from November 16-18 with a range of art and cultural activities along with investment and tourism promotion conferences, aiming to promote Kanagawa’s image and seek opportunities to expand cooperation in such areas as health care and human resources development. 

According to the Governor, six Vietnamese firms have invested in Kanagawa. Meanwhile, 26 Kanagawa enterprises joining the visit want to seek investment opportunities in Vietnam. 

The Japanese side will do its utmost to support businesses of the two countries, he pledged. 

Yuji Kuroiwa raised an initiative to organise the Vietnamese festival in Kanagawa in 2015 which saw the attendance of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. 

The festival was then held annually, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 

Located south of Tokyo, Kanagawa is one of the five Japanese localities accommodating the most Vietnamese who number more than 16,000. It has set up cooperative ties with many Vietnamese cities and provinces like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Can Tho, and Lang Son.

Vietnamese culture day held in Egypt’s Damietta province

The Cultural Day of Vietnam was held in Damietta province on November 15.

The Cultural Day of Vietnam was held in Damietta province of Egypt by the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and the province’s authorities on November 15.

As part of a series of activities to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Egypt, the event featured a photo exhibition which highlights Vietnamese land, people, and traditional crafts.

Also, documents on Vietnamese culture, history, tourism as well as socio-economic achievements were introduced to Egyptian friends. Visitors to the day were especially enthusiastic about Vietnamese cuisine.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Do Hoang Long, as Vietnam is still little known of among Damietta people, the event is significant to help them gain a deeper insight into the Southeast Asian country.

He hoped that similar events will be held in other Egyptian localities.

Meanwhile, Governor of Damietta province Manal Awad Mikhail said that the event will make significant contributions to bolster cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.