Vietnam works to promote ASEAN-RoK strategic partnership

Heads of delegations at the 22nd ASEAN-RoK Dialogue pose for a photo 

Vietnam will work with other member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to develop the strategic partnership between the bloc and the Republic of Korea (RoK) in a more comprehensive manner.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung made the statement at the 22nd dialogue between ASEAN and the RoK in Seoul on June 20-21, which is held annually to promote bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The Vietnamese diplomat welcomed the New Southern Policy of the RoK, stressing that the RoK is one of the closest and most important partners of ASEAN.

He called on the RoK to coordinate with ASEAN to promote peace, stability and prosperity while building an open and rule-based architecture in Asia-Pacific.

At the dialogue, ASEAN and the RoK reiterated their commitments to deepening the strategic partnership.

The participating countries welcomed the New Southern Policy announced by President Moon Jae-in at the 19th ASEAN-RoK Summit in late 2017 to strengthen ties with ASEAN, and hoped to join the RoK to meet targets in this policy.

The RoK highlighted ASEAN as one of its most important partners in the south, due to the long-standing cultural connectivity between the two sides’ people.

As of 2017, ASEAN was the second largest trading partner and investor of the RoK. Close to 6.5 million Korean tourists visited ASEAN countries in the year. 

Meanwhile, the RoK was the fifth biggest trade partner and investor of ASEAN. Two-way trade reached 150 billion USD, a figure expected to hit 200 billion USD by 2020. 

Cooperation between ASEAN and the RoK has been promoted across three pillars: politics-security, economy and people-to-people exchanges. 

The two sides agreed to boost the implementation of the 2016-2020 action plan to realise the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Republic of Korea Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity.

They will host activities in celebration of the 30th founding anniversary of the dialogue relations in 2019.

The RoK informed that it will carry out programmes and cooperation activities with ASEAN countries such as the conference connecting small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the sixth ASEAN Connectivity Forum, investment promotion activities and events promoting ASEAN tourism and culture along with people-to-people exchanges.

The RoK affirmed its support for ASEAN Smart Cities Network, a priority initiative of the bloc in 2018, and to strengthen coordination activities to share experience with ASEAN in renovation, digital economy, green and environmentally-friendly technology.

The country also advocated the central role of ASEAN in the region and vowed to make contributions to promoting dialogue and collaboration for regional peace and stability through ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ASEAN 3, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM ) and East Asia Summit (EAS).

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in coping with non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, transnational crimes and cyber crimes.

On regional security issues, ASEAN welcomed the positive developments in the Korean Peninsula, particularly the significant historical outcomes of inter-Korean summit and the summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US.

The RoK hoped ASEAN will play a more active role in the peace process and denuclearisation in the Korean Peninsula. 

The country reiterated its consistent viewpoint of supporting the maintenance of peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea as well as addressing disputes via peace and exercising restraint without complicating the situation and militarisation and with respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Founded in 1967, the 10-member ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Revolutionary press day celebrated in Russia

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh speaks at the meeting 

The Embassy of Vietnam in Russia held a meeting in Moscow on June 21 for journalists of Vietnam’s press agencies based in the country, on the occasion of the Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2018).

The meeting was attended by journalists from the Vietnam News Agency, Radio the Voice of Vietnam, the Vietnam Television and the Nhan dan (People) newspaper.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh congratulated the journalists on their achievements. He also lauded the cooperation between the representative press agencies and diplomatic units in Russia, timely reporting on activities of Vietnam’s delegations in Russia and the country’s situation in a full manner, thus consolidating the two countries’ relations. 

He stated that as information is provided in many platforms, journalists’ responsibility has become more important to provide readers in the host country with the most accurate information.

At the meeting, participants revised the development of Vietnam’s press and the role of journalists. They also discussed measures to enhance prompt reporting.

Hanoi supports organisation of British festival

At the reception (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

Relevant authorities of Hanoi capital city will work with the UK Embassy to prepare for the British festival scheduled for October to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Hung made the statement while holding a reception for Charge d’Affaires at the British Embassy Steph Lysaght on June 21 to discuss the festival.

The British diplomat hoped that the festival will be held at the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake with various activities like an exhibition area for businesses, a fashion show and art performances. 

Notably, the London symphony orchestra will perform at the event.

Vietnam and the UK have enjoyed fruitful ties in the past 45 years, especially in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.

The UK is the second biggest European investor in Vietnam, after the Netherlands, with 267 foreign direct investment projects worth 3.75 billion USD and the third largest trade partner of Vietnam in Europe, after Germany and the Netherlands. Two-way trade grew rapidly to reach 5.7 billion USD in 2017.

As of April 2018, both sides enjoyed more than 2 billion USD in two-way trade, 1.75 billion USD of which from Vietnamese exports.

12th National Press Awards 2017 announced

President Tran Dai Quang (fifth from left) and winners of prize A

The 12th National Press Awards 2017 were announced at a ceremony in Hanoi on June 21, Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day. 

The event saw the participation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; President Tran Dai Quang; Standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong; permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh; Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh; Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education Vo Van Thuong, among others.

Speaking at the event, permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh lauded efforts of journalists nationwide and expressed his delight that the number of entries to the National Press Awards 2017 has been highest so far with improved quality. 

He asked the press sector to fully grasp, widely and effectively disseminate the Party guidelines and the State laws and policies, honour outstanding examples in the national patriotic emulation campaign, thus strengthening public trust in the leadership of the Party and the management and direction of the National Assembly and Government, popularising the image of Vietnam and its people, as well as extending exchanges and cooperation with countries. 

The press should be one of the core forces to promptly uncover and fight ‘peaceful evolution’ scheme, wrongful and distorted viewpoints against the Party, State and regime, he said. 

He noted that the press outlets must well perform their responsibility to orient public opinion and play an active part in protecting the national sovereignty over seas and islands and ensuring a stable and peaceful environment for development.

They must also pay more attention to the management of information on the Internet to orient thoughts or people, particularly the youth, he said.

Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association Thuan Huu said the 12th National Press Awards 2017 continued to be held in a professional manner with all journalists’ associations from 63 cities and provinces taking part in.

105 press works in 11 categories for printed newspaper, radio and television programmes, online newspaper, and press photos received awards.

The winning works at the 12th National Press Awards 2017 include eight A prizes, 25 B prizes, 43 C prizes and 29 consolation prizes.

Journalists from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) got several prizes, including a top award by a group of authors from Vietnamplus e-newspaper with the work “Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to the US: Shaping framework for diverse multilateral cooperation”.

Vice President receives Laos-Vietnam friendship association chairman

Vice President of Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh. Illustrative image.

Vice President of Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh received Vilayvong Bouddakham, Chairman of the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Association in Vientiane on June 21 before departing for Luang Prabang.

Thinh is on her first official visit to Laos from June 19 to 22.

At the meeting, the two sides expressed their delight at the development of the long-standing friendship, special bond and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos which have been greatly contributed by the Laos – Vietnam and Vietnam – Laos Friendship Associations.

They both highly spoke of the success of the Vietnam – Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2017, evidenced by a series of events to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties and the 40th year of the signing of the Vietnam – Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation.

Thinh said she expects the two friendship associations to continue working together to educate people on the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos, especially among the young generation. 

She also affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam provide all means for the two associations to bridge people of the two nations and ramp up people-to-people exchange activities.

Later the same day, the Vietnamese vice president left Vientiane to visit Luang Prabang, a northern province of Laos where she met with the province’s Governor Khamkhan Chanthavisouk.

Thinh said she is impressed with the beauty of Luang Prabang, an ancient capital and tourism hub of Lao and the world’s heritage town.

Governor Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, for his part, updated his guest on Luang Prabang’s socio-economic development and expressed his gratitude towards Vietnam’s support for the province. He also hoped that the cooperation between Luang Prabang and Vietnamese localities will grow further, particularly in the field of tourism.

The Vietnamese leader reiterated that the Party and State of Vietnam will create all possible conditions, in terms of mechanism and policy, to foster partnership between localities of both sides. 

She thanked the government of Luang Prabang for facilitating the Vietnamese community to live, do business and be a part of the local society; and for supporting Vietnamese enterprises to invest in the province.

She wished the province will continue making new achievements in all fields and attract more visitors to contribute to the success of the Visit Laos Year 2018. 

VFF official highlights religious dignitaries’ role in national solidarity

At the reception (Photo: daidoanket.vn)

Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Bui Thi Thanh has highlighted the role of religious dignitaries and clergies in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang in building national unity bloc.

During a reception in Hanoi on June 21 for a religious delegation from An Giang, Thanh lauded contributions to the society made by the religious dignitaries, including organising a line-up of charity events and engaging local people in the patriotic emulation movement.

She noticed that the dignitaries and clergies should channel more efforts to popularise the Party and State’s guidelines and regulations to people. 

According to Truong Hoang Trong, Vice Chairman of the VFF’s An Giang chapter, the province has a total population of 2.2 million people with four main ethnic groups - Kinh, Hoa, Khmer and Cham. It is home to 11 religious groups with 1,290 dignitaries, and 506 worshipping establishments.

In the past years, local livelihoods have been improved, he said, adding that local authorities have paid due attention to the construction or repair of worshipping establishments.

Many dignitaries and clergies have joined the provincial People’s Council and local chapter of the VFF, making contributions to local socio-economic development, social order, and border security.

PM directs strengthening cooperatives at all levels

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the event 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has directed strengthening cooperatives at all levels with the support of authorities as they have an important mission in the country’s integration effort and contribute significantly to the national socio-economic development.

He made the instruction during a working session in Hanoi on June 21 with the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA). 

He said the household-based economy model is not strong enough to compete in the current market economy so that there should be a professional linkage among them towards sustainable development to meet public demand. 

The PM admitted shortcomings in the State support and management of cooperatives, adding that infrastructure for production in rural and mountainous areas has been downgraded, thus failing to meet demand for high-scale and hi-tech manufacturing. 

The leader asked localities to refine mechanisms and legal regulations to develop value chain from manufacturing to consumption.

The Government will continue issuing new documents relating to cooperatives, he stressed. 

Localities need to consider the transfer of new technologies and varieties, processing and consumption, build new-style cooperatives and value chains, focusing on agricultural cooperatives, he said. 

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, who is also deputy head of the Steering Committee for Innovation and Collective Economy Development, said only 30 percent of cooperatives nationwide are working effectively. 

In order to deal with difficulties regarding workforce, manufacturing tools and consumption, he called for the support of Party units and local authorities in the effort. 

Chairman of the southern Lam Dong provincial chapter of the VCA Pham Van Tuong said the province is now home to 128 cooperatives and 2,900 working groups with 86,000 members working in almost cities and districts in different sectors. In particular, agricultural cooperatives contributed 80 percent to the locality’s total export value. 

He also appealed for the State support in case local firms meet difficulties regarding capital, consumption, planning, manufacturing orientations and seedlings.

Deputy head of the Steering Committee for Innovation and Collective Economy Development and VCA Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Bao said 20,767 cooperatives are operating nationwide with 6.5 million members, up 200,000 from the late 2017.  

He said VCA will launch 8 economic development schemes, and build 500 models of manufacturing cooperatives in tandem with value chain for the 2018-2020 period in 63 cities and provinces nationwide in the near future.

US’s 242nd Independence Day celebrated in Hanoi

Vietnam continues attaching importance to developing her comprehensive partnership with the US, said Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien at a celebration of the 242nd Independence Day of the US (July 4).

This works for the benefits of the two countries’ people, and peace, stability, cooperation and development in the India Ocean and Asia-Pacific regions, she said.

Minister Tien attended the event in Hanoi on June 21 hosted by Ambassador of the US to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink on behalf of the Vietnamese Government.

She expressed her delight to see the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US is growing efficiently, especially after the visit to the US by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in May 2017 and the State visit to Vietnam by President Donald Trump in November the same year.

She affirmed that Vietnam is keen to work seriously and constructively with the US in addressing appropriately each other’s concerns to satisfy both sides’ interests.

She spoke highly of the two countries’ signing of a non-refundable aid agreement for the dioxin remediation in Bien Hoa airport as well as their coordination to successfully organize humanitarian programmes, “Operation Pacific Angel” in Quang Nam province and “Pacific Partnership” in Khanh Hoa province in 2018. 

President Tran Dai Quang receives outgoing Polish ambassador

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska 

President Tran Dai Quang received outgoing Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Barbara Szymanowska in Hanoi on June 21, appreciating her contributions to the countries’ relations during her tenure in Vietnam.

President Quang described the ambassador as one of the important factors helping to enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Poland. 

He noted that Szymanowska has actively promoted cultural links through a number of arts exhibitions and performances along with activities to introduce Poland’s literature to Vietnamese people and bolster educational cooperation, thereby helping to bring the two cultures and peoples closer together.

He expressed his hope that with her experience and knowledge about Vietnam, Szymanowska, on a new position, will continue reinforcing the two countries’ friendship and cooperation in a more result-oriented manner.

The Vietnamese leader voiced his delight at the flourishing bilateral ties that date back almost seven decades ago, noting a State visit to Vietnam by Polish President Andrzej Duda in November 2017.

Economy, trade and investment partnerships have enjoyed great strides in recent years. Poland is currently the biggest trade partner of Vietnam in East-Central Europe when two-way trade hit a record of 1 billion USD in 2017. Its investment in the Southeast Asian nation doubled between 2014 and 2017 to reach over 182 million USD.

For her part, Ambassador Szymanowska stressed that the biggest success in her four-year term is the organisation of the Polish President’s trip to Vietnam. She added the Polish side hopes President Quang will soon visit Poland in 2019.

She said the two countries should further boost economic, trade and investment ties. The opening of a representative office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in Ho Chi Minh City also aims to foster bilateral connections in these fields.

Poland believes that the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will take effect soon so as to bring benefits to Vietnam, Poland as well as other EU nations, she noted.

The diplomat said as the number of Polish tourists to Vietnam is increasing, her country hopes that its citizens will receive visa exemption when visiting Vietnam. It also wants to expand cooperation in education and training since Vietnamese people who studied in Poland are a bridge linking the countries in all aspects.

Echoing the ambassador’s views, President Quang wants bilateral relations to become more substantive through maintaining mutual high-level visits and developing economic, trade and investment ties to match the fine political relationship. He also called for stronger connections between the countries’ sectors, localities and people.

He welcomed the opening of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency’s office in HCM City, adding that both sides should work together to find suitable projects to effectively disburse the preferential credit package committed during the Vietnam visit by Polish President Andrzej Duda.

At the meeting, the President also highly valued the two nations’ effective coordination at multilateral forums and thanked Poland for supporting Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2020 – 2021.

He asked Poland to continue supporting Vietnam’s comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the EU, including the EVFTA.

The leader also appreciated Poland’s support for the Vietnamese community in the country and hoped that it will continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to integrate into local society, thus helping to strengthen bilateral ties.