DPM Ninh visits RoK, attends Asia future conference

Deputy PM Vu Van Ninh on Sunday began his visit to the Republic of Korea from May 17-20 at the invitation of the host Government.

During his stay, Deputy PM Ninh is expected to meet with the host country’s officials and business representatives.

Both sides will discuss bilateral relations in such fields like investment, trade, development cooperation, finance, banking, agriculture among others.

The two countries will also talk about ways to implement the free trade agreement which was officially signed ten days ago.

Later on, Deputy PM Ninh will attend and deliver a speech at the 21st International Conference on Asia Future in Japan on May 21.

He is also expected to meet with Japanese officials and business leaders.

Vietnamese, Chinese armies to promote border links

The armies of Vietnam and China should enhance their comprehensive cooperation, especially border exchanges, to forge closer friendship and solidarity between the two nations, said Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh.

Minister Thanh made the remark during talks with his Chinese counterpart Senior Lieutenant General Chang Wanquan in Yunnan province, China on May 17 as part of the second Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange.

In their speech, the two officers concurred that the exchange was successful, reflecting the solidarity and friendship between the two armies and peoples.

Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan agreed to continue organising the event in the coming years.

The Vietnamese guest affirmed the Vietnamese People’s Army strictly executes the directions of the Party and State on stepping up defence cooperation between the two nations.

He stressed the need to maintain peace and stability and mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries, adding that the two armies should expand exchange activities and connections along shared-border lines.

Following the talks, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on their border defence friendship discussion and held interviews with press agencies.

Earlier, they witnessed a joint patrol between Vietnam’s border forces serving at the Lao Cai International Border Gate in Vietnam and China’s Hehou border battalion.

The Vietnamese high-ranking defence delegates returned home on May 18, concluding their activities in the four-day exchange.

The Second Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange, a pillar in maintaining and strengthening the nations’ bilateral friendship, took place in both countries from May 15-18.

Vietnamese, Chinese border forces hold joint patrol 

A joint patrol between Vietnamese and Chinese border forces was conducted in Muong Khuong district, the northern border province of Lao Cai on May 16, in the presence of Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh and his Chinese counterpart Sen. Lt. Gen. Chang Wanquan.

The activity was made as part of activities of the cecond Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange that is taking place from May 15-18.

Following the event, the two ministers together cut a ribbon to inaugurate the Vietnam-China border friendship culture house in Na Loc 4 hamlet, Ban Lau commune in Muong Khuong, which was built with the cost funded fully by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence.

Earlier, the two countries’ defence delegates visited the border guard station in Lau village.

According to the head of the station, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Phi Khanh, his unit is responsible for safeguarding a 13.1 km-long border route and managing 10 national border markers. It has also been taking part in preventing crimes along the border shared by Vietnam and China.

The unit has also been active in calling on the two people to strictly abide by border-related regulations stated in legal documents signed between the two Governments.

Talking to officers and soldiers at the station, Defence Minister Thanh asked Lao Cai’s border force in general and those in Ban Lau to boost closer links with Chinese border forces to ensure security and social order in border areas, facilitating the two people’s economic development.

Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan spoke of the Vietnamese border station’s activities, commenting that it stands out in the process of developing and modernising Vietnam’s armed forces, contributing to building the Vietnam-China peaceful and friendship boundary.

Later on the day, the Chinese Defence Ministry’s delegates left Lao Cai for their country, concluding their activities in the exchange in Vietnam.

As scheduled, a delegation from Vietnam’s defence Ministry will arrive in China to attend exchange activities there.

Culture helps cement Vietnam-Slovakia ties

Vietnam and Slovakia has signed a cultural cooperation agreement, which is in coincidence with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The deal was signed during a visit by Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh to Slovakia from May 14-17 on the occasion of the nations’ 65th anniversary of relations.

Hoang Tuan Anh and his Slovak counterpart Marek Madaric shared the view that the 65-year friendship is a foundation for the countries to promote their multi-faceted cooperation, including in culture, sports and tourism.

They mulled over concrete measures to realise the cultural cooperation agreement through 2020 such as organising Vietnamese and Slovakian Culture Days in the other country, and exchanging arts troupes.

The Vietnamese minister was also received by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who stressed the need to promote Vietnam’s images in his country and pledged to encourage Slovak journalists to visit Vietnam for the purpose.

During his stay, Minister Anh attended the Vietnamese Culture Day in Slovakia with a highlight being a photo exhibition on Vietnam’s beauty and a performance by Vietnamese artists.

Brazil wishes to expand partnership with Vietnam

Brazil wishes to strengthen its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam with a view to lifting two-way trade to 10 billion USD by 2020, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has said.

Dilma Rousseff made the statement during her reception for Vietnam’s Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan in Brasilia on May 15, on the occasion of the latter’s attendance at the 25th Global Summit of Women in Brazil.

The Brazilian leader said her country gave high estimation to Vietnam’s increasing position in the region and the world, congratulating Vietnam on its comprehensive achievements in socio-economic development and national construction and defence.

She voiced that Brazil is willing to support Vietnam in building power transmission networks covering remote areas and expressed her hope for the countries’ enhanced locality direct links.

Vice President Doan stressed Vietnam’s desire to deepen the comprehensive partnership between the two nations, noting great potential remains untapped for the two sides in energy, agriculture, science-technology, biotechnology, defence industry, and aviation.

She took the chance to convey State President Truong Tan Sang’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the Brazilian President.

The guest said Vietnam advocates Brazil becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as well as the country’s intention to expand connection with ASEAN member nations.

Meanwhile, the host affirmed Brazil backs Vietnam’s candidacy for a 2020-2021 UN Security Council post and will consider recognising Vietnam’s market economy.

The same day, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira hosted a reception for Vice President Doan and her entourage, during which the two sides discussed specific measures for stronger bilateral relations, focusing on trade and investment.

Later the same day, the Vietnamese leader met with the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff and representatives from the Vietnamese community in the country.

President Ho Chi Minh’s 125th birthday marked worldwide

Overseas Vietnamese communities worldwide held various activities to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s 125 th birthday anniversary (May 19).

At a meeting held by the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi, India on May 17, President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Lokesh Chandra, Chairman of the Indian-Vietnam Friendship Association K.L. Malhotra and President of the India-Vietnam Solidarity Committee in West Bengal Geetesh Sharma recalled memories of President Ho’s visit to India in 1958. They said the leader’s modesty and sincerity left great impression on many Indians at the time.

The Indian guests highlighted the great contributions of the late President Ho Chi Minh to Vietnam and the world’s revolutionary movements.

On May 16, the Vietnamese embassy in the capital city of Pretoria, South Africa, hosted a cultural and sport exchange with ambassadors and diplomats from the embassies of ASEAN member countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Huy Hoang stressed the late President’s thoughts on independence and freedom as well as his great contributions in fostering friendships with neighbouring and foreign countries worldwide.

The same day, the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in Paris, France organised a ceremony to mark 40 years since reunification day and the 125 th birthday anniversary of the late President.

Speaking at the event, Director of the centre Nguyen Thanh Vuong underscored the late President’s great contributions to the Vietnamese nation and his noble character.

Friendship association helps enhance Japan-Vietnam relations

The Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association has successfully nurtured and developed the time-honoured friendship between the two countries over the past six decades.

Attending a ceremony to mark the association’s 60 th founding anniversary and its 61 st national congress in Tokyo on May 16-17, association President Furuta Motoo said since its establishment, the association has supported Vietnamese nationals in Japan.

It has also worked to boost bilateral economic cooperation, organise cultural exchange activities and expand the teaching and learning of the Japanese language in Vietnam and the Vietnamese language in Japan to strengthen mutual understanding.

Today, the organisation has expanded its presence across Japan with numerous chapters in Akita, Saitama, Aichi, Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama and Fukuoka.

President clears up concerns of HCM City voters

President Truong Tan Sang met with voters in districts 1, 3 and 4 of Ho Chi Minh City on May 16 and 17, listening to their feedback and answering questions over a number of social issues ahead of the ninth sitting of the 13th National Assembly.

The constituents expressed their concerns over problems regarding social order and security, traffic safety, food hygiene, healthcare services, law-building and administrative reform. Many raised questions about the safeguarding of national sea and island sovereignty defence.

They also contributed ideas to the contents of some draft laws such as the revised Civil Code, the laws on civil procedure, administrative procedure, military service, and inspection activities of the National Assembly and People’s Councils.

President Truong Tan Sang thanked the voters for their opinions, saying that straightforward and truthful feedback from the public are urgently needed in order for the upcoming 12th National Party Congress to draw clear development directions for the country in the years ahead and effectively address shortcomings and weaknesses.

Regarding the national sea and island sovereignty safeguarding, the President said Vietnam has implemented a consistent policy on East Sea issues and called upon the parties involved to show mutual respect, specifically respect for each other’s sovereignty, interest and territorial integrity.

“While Vietnam wants to befriend with all nations in the region and around the world for peace, friendship, cooperation and mutual benefits and development, we are determined to protect our sovereignty without any concession,” the President said.

The President also reaffirmed the Party’s resolve in streamlining the State apparatus and intensifying anti-corruption efforts.

Ha Tinh voters ask to improve local governments

Voters from the central province of Ha Tinh have emphasised the importance of innovating the organisation and operation of local governments to the effectiveness of the socialist state of the rule of law.

They showed their interest in the draft Law on the Organisation of Local Governments during a meeting in their locality on May 16 with National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung who came up with the agenda of the upcoming ninth session of the 13th legislature.

The voters agreed that local governments hold an extremely important position in the State’s office system as they are nearest to local people and act as bridges between the State and people.

Some suggested maintaining the operating local governance model that includes the People’s Council and the People’s Committee at all levels, with tasks and competence adjusted to conform to urban and rural area features.

Local voters also gave opinions on the draft Laws on the Promulgation of Legal Documents, stating that the draft law should be clear in principles to ensure legal documents comply with the Constitution.

They also expressed hope that the legislative body will better its operations, especially at its meeting sessions, in order to meet expectations and aspirations of people and voters nationwide.

Acknowledging these opinions, the NA leader affirmed that they will be discussed at the coming session.

He asked local authorities to focus on developing agriculture and rural areas, and diversifying the agricultural production model in order to raise locals’ incomes and living conditions.

On this occasion, he also handed over documents on the NA Standing Committee’s resolution on establishing Ky Anh town to local authorities.

Vietnam, Poland celebrate 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties

A celebration marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Vietnam was held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 15.

The event, hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations and the HCM City chapter of the Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association, was attended by representatives from municipal authorities and the Polish Ambassador to Vietnam.

Head of the municipal Department of External Relations Nguyen Vu Tu said the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have stood the test of time, unceasingly fostered by generations of Vietnamese and Polish people.

Vietnamese people always remember Polish people’s valuable support in the past struggle for national independence and the nation-building process today.

Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska agreed that the pair have nurtured their traditional friendship as well as efficient cooperation over the past 65 years.

She underscored that the Vietnamese, who studied and worked in Poland, is playing a crucial role in fostering the bilateral relations.

Barbara Szymanowska said she believes that the two countries’ ties will grow further and their cooperation will flourish across sectors.

President Ho Chi Minh statue unveiled in southern metropolis

A 7.2m high bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh was inaugurated in the city named after him on May 17, ahead of the late leader’s 125th birthday (May 19, 1890).

Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee Le Thanh Hai said the statue was built from 2011 with wholehearted efforts, illustrating local people’s profound sentiment towards the President.

The statue is positioned in front of the headquarters of the municipal People’s Council and Committee, which is a convenient place for people from nationwide and foreign visitors to visit and pay respect to the beloved leader of the nation, he added.

Meanwhile, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong lauded the city’s efforts in constructing and unveiling the monument right on the occasion of the late leader’s 125th birthday and the 40th anniversary of South Vietnam liberation and national reunification.

He noted President Ho Chi Minh always gave special affection to the southern region, including Saigon (now HCM City), and in return, southern people persistently followed the leadership of the late leader and the Party.

Earlier, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other Party and State officials visited an exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh’s sentiment towards the southern region.

National leaders pay respect to President Ho Chi Minh

A delegation of the Party, State, National Assembly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front laid wreaths at President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Hanoi on May 18 on the occasion of the late President’s 125th birthday anniversary (May 19).

The delegation includes Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan.

The national leaders expressed their respect and gratitude to Uncle Ho, who founded and trained the Vietnam Communist Party, for his great contributions to the nation’s revolution.

The delegation also paid floral tribute at the Monument to Fallen Soldiers.

President Ho Chi Minh was born on May 19, 1890 in Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District, the central province of Nghe An. He devoted his full life to the national liberation cause while tirelessly striving for peace and progress in the world. He led the nation to success in the struggle for national independence and establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam following the August Revolution in 1945.

The president passed away in 1969.

VNA/VGP