Thai defence minister’s visit promotes mutual understanding

Host Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich holds talks with his Thai counterpart on January 23. 

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan is currently visiting Vietnam from January 23-24, with the intention of enhancing the traditional friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations’ armies.

Right after the welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on January 23, host Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich held talks with his Thai counterpart, during which both sides spoke highly of the sound cooperation between the two countries in the past years and reached a consensus on collaborative orientations for the time ahead. 

Since the two countries upgraded their relations into a strategic partnership back in 2013, the defence cooperative ties have developed in a positive manner, with regular delegation exchanges and robust collaboration in the fields of air force and navy. The established dialogue mechanisms between the two ministries in particular have shown outstanding efficiency. 

Vietnam stands ready to support Thailand as the country starts its role as the rotating Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2019. As Vietnam becomes ASEAN Chair in 2020, it hopes that the neighbouring country will share experience in preparing and managing all conferences.

Regarding the search for and repatriation of Vietnamese martyrs’ remains, Thai veterans and competent authorities have provided information about Vietnamese soldiers who went missing or laid down their lives during the war.

In the coming time, both sides will continue their existing cooperative mechanisms, maintain delegation exchanges, promote language training, and closely coordinate at multilateral forums. These moves will contribute to bolstering the traditional friendship, as well as elevate the bilateral ties to a new high, bringing practical benefits to both peoples and for regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development. 

Foreign diplomats contribute to Vietnam’s success: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh has said foreign diplomats and heads of international organisations contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development in 2018.

Meeting with the diplomatic corps in Hanoi on January 23, the Deputy PM thanked them for their contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and countries as well as international organisations around the world. 

He highlighted the country’s achievements in the year, saying that despite formidable challenges, Vietnam fulfilled 12 socio-economic criteria set for the year, with GDP reaching 7.08 percent -the highest level recorded since 2008.

Regarding external affairs, he said that the 61 high-level visits in 2018 made the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and foreign countries develop into a more extensive manner.

In 2019, Vietnam will consistently promote its efforts to integrate into the global economy, he stressed, underlining that the country will strongly engage in economic linkages and implement the signed free trade agreements to bring more opportunities on economic cooperation, trade and investment between Vietnam and other countries.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said Hanoi comprehensively deployed its foreign work in 2018 and reaped remarkable results, contributing to promoting the socio-economic development of the capital city and the country in general. 

He thanked the diplomats and heads of international organisations and representatives foreign enterprises from countries for their contributions to the friendship and effective cooperation with Hanoi in recent times. 

Chung affirmed that in the coming time, Hanoi will continue pursuing its goal to build Hanoi into a green, civilised and modern city, while promoting administrative reform, improving investment and business environment, raising competitiveness and optimising resources for development, he stressed. 

For his part, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondon Uzcategui, who is head of the diplomatic corps, shared his joy with Vietnam’s strong and stable growth, saying that Vietnam is an open country in bilateral cooperation and always supports justice, he stressed. 

“We recognise Vietnam’s efforts and are determined to make more contributions to Vietnam’s development in the coming time”, he said.

13th National Party Congress: sub-committee on Party regulations meets

Pham Minh Chinh, Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and head of the CPV Central Committee’s Organisation Commission, speaks at the event. 

The sub-committee on Party regulations of the 13th National Party Congress convened its first meeting in Hanoi on January 23. 

Pham Minh Chinh, Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and head of the CPV Central Committee’s Organisation Commission, presided over the event. 

Delegates gave opinions on the draft working regulations and plan of the sub-committee and the draft plan on the inspection of the implementation of Party regulations.

They also looked into the sub-committee’s proposals for the draft report on the realisation of Party regulations, amendments and supplements to Party regulations, and the report on Party building during the 2016-2020 period. 

Addressing the event, Chinh, who is also head of the sub-committee, stressed that the working regulations should base on the sub-committee’s authority and responsibility as stipulated in Resolution No. 151-QD/TW dated October 26, 2018 of the 12th Party Central Committee. 

He urged the sub-committee’s members to soon complete the draft report on the implementation  of Party regulations and the report on Party building, thus building inspection and supervision plans in order to finalise documents which will be sent to the Party Central Committee. 

The 13th National Party Congress is scheduled for January 2021, the year marking the 35th anniversary of the Doi Moi (Reform) and the 10-year implementation of the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy, towards the 100th anniversary of the CPV (2030) and the 100th National Day (2045).

Revolution contributors’ devotion always remembered: official

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Do Ba Ty (L) greets war veterans at the meeting in Hanoi on January 23 (Photo: quochoi.vn)

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Do Ba Ty met with war veterans and families of outstanding martyrs in Hanoi on January 23, an activity to mark 40 years since the country’s fight to defend the northern border (February 17, 1979).

He noted that during the arduous wars to safeguard the nation, more than 9 million people contributed to the revolution and 1.2 million sacrificed their lives. Over 800,000 people were injured on battlefields while hundreds of thousands of others were imprisoned or tortured by enemies or exposed to toxic chemicals.

About 120,000 women have been bestowed or posthumously bestowed with the “Vietnamese Heroic Mother” title, and thousands of persons have been honoured with the “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” and “Hero of Labour in the resistance period” titles.

The Party, State, NA and people always keep in mind the great sacrifice and dedication of the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, martyrs, veterans and other contributors to the national liberation, defence and development, Ty affirmed.

He spoke highly of efforts by war veterans and martyrs’ relatives to uphold the heroic tradition, strive for a better life, and continue contributing to the national construction and protection. 

Many veterans have been active and creative in production and business activities and taken the lead in emulation movements to help with local development. They have been honoured with many noble titles by the Party and State.

The Vice Chairman added over the past years, the Party and State have always paid attention to the gratitude policy and considered this one of the key tasks to help improve the material and spiritual lives of war invalids, revolution contributors and martyrs’ families.

The NA and its Standing Committee will step up monitoring the implementation of policies targeting revolution contributors. They have also asked the Government, ministries and sectors to soon complete procedures so that all contributors can benefit from these policies, Ty said.

At the meeting, he asked all-level authorities and sectors to further educate the young on patriotism, enhance the care for revolution contributors, and step up the search for and repatriation of martyrs’ remains.

The official also called on war veterans, martyrs’ families and revolution contributors to remain bright examples for younger generations to follow.

Lao delegation pays Tet visit to Hoa Binh

Deputy Governor and Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pheng Kanyaphim 

A delegation from Laos’ Houaphanh province, led by Deputy Governor and Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pheng Kanyaphim, extended lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to Hoa Binh authorities at a meeting in the northern province on January 23.

At the meeting, the Lao official wished Hoa Binh’s officials and people a happy New Year.

Bui Van Tinh, Secretary of the Hoa Binh Party Committee, thanked his guest and stressed that the two provinces need to expand their collaboration. He named some of joint activities like building the Hua Muong school and holding an investment promotion conference in Houaphanh, as well as conducting a trade-tourism service promotion workshop.

The two officials took the occasion to review the long-standing Vietnam – Laos relations, which will continue to be fostered by the two sides in the future. 

They said Hoa Binh and Houaphanh have similarities in culture and tourism, but the Lao province is facing more difficulties in development. Therefore, Houaphanh officials expressed the hope for more cultural and tourism connectivity with Hoa Binh. 

The two sides agreed to consider establishing a tourism route connecting Houaphanh with Laos’ Luang Prabang and Vietnam’s Son La and Hoa Binh.

NA Chairwoman directs strengthening of Party inspection, discipline

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at the event 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan lauded the important achievements in Party inspection and discipline in 2018 during a conference held by the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission in Hanoi on January 23. 

She said the commission has contributed to preventing and driving back degradation in political ideology, morals, and lifestyle; combating “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” behaviour in internal affairs; and fighting corruption and wastefulness, thus improving the Party’s leadership and capacity, as well as strengthening trust in officials, Party members, and people. 

Pointing out shortcomings in Party inspection and discipline, Ngan said several units and localities have yet to take any substantial action in the field; while cooperation among inspectors, auditors, public security forces, courts, and people’s procuracies remains loose and irregular. Therefore, moral degradation, violations of democratic centralism principles, corruption, and wastefulness remain unresolved issues. 

The Party is set to build and rectify itself with stronger political determination to create new progress in all facets and towards fighting red tape and corruption amongst officials and Party members, she said. 

Concluding the event, head of the commission Tran Cam Tu said the year 2019 is important to successfully realise the resolution adopted by the 12th National Party Congress and prepare for the 13th National Party Congress. 

Regarding the tasks for 2019, Tu asked Party units to fully grasp their role and the importance of Party inspection and discipline, and outline synchronous and drastic measures to improve the efficiency of inspection. 

The commission will actively and proactively prepare for Party congresses at all levels towards the 13th National Party Congress; offer consultation to effectively realise the 2019 inspection programmes by the Politburo, the Secretariat, and Party committees at all levels; thoroughly deal with letters of complaint and denunciation; and build a contingent of quality personnel, he said. 

The conference agreed that the Party committees and inspection commission will monitor the implementation of Party resolutions and directives, and the State’s policies and laws, as well as fix existing shortcomings in 2019. 

Vietnam treasures friendship with Thailand: Party Chief

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan. 

Vietnam’s consistent policy is to treasure and promote its traditional friendship and all-round cooperation with Thailand, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong has said.

Hosting a reception for Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prawit Wongsuwan in Hanoi on January 23, the leader stressed that the Thai high-ranking military delegation’s visit to Vietnam will help enhance the friendship between the two militaries in particular, and the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership in general.

He took the occasion to thank the Thai government and people for assisting Vietnam during the period of national construction and defence.

Prawit Wongsuwan, for his part, informed Party General Secretary Trong of the outcomes of his talk with Vietnamese Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich, affirming that he wants to step up cooperative ties with the Vietnamese army. 

Thailand will closely work with Vietnam in promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation, as well as effectively implementing the signed agreements, he said, adding that he strongly supports the promotion of the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

NA Chairwoman presents New Year gifts to Can Tho residents

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visits hero of people's armed forces Nguyen Huu Phuoc 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visited and presented gifts to policy beneficiaries, ex-revolutionaries, and disadvantaged children in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on January 23, ahead of the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) festival. 

She assured them that the Party and State has never forgotten the sacrifices by war invalids, martyrs’ families, and ex-revolutionaries in the past, and wished them good health and a warm New Year. 

The top legislator also presented 150 gifts to poor households and Agent Orange victims, each worth 1.1 million VND (47 USD), and 100 scholarships to underprivileged students, each worth 1 million VND, along with study equipment. 

Speaking to recipients, she lauded the municipal Party Committee, authorities, and people for their economic achievements and social welfare. 

She took the occasion to wish a happy New Year to the local Party Committee, authorities, armed forces, and people.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh receives Lithuanian interior minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh  (R) and Lithuanian Minister of the Interior Eimutis Misiunas in a meeting in Hanoi on January 23.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received Lithuanian Minister of the Interior Eimutis Misiunas, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on January 23.

Deputy PM Minh spoke highly of the recent progress in the two countries’ relations, including an official trip to Lithuania by Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh in October 2017 on the occasion of the 25th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

He also thanked the European nation for supporting Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021.

For his part, Minister Misiunas said the Lithuanian Government treasures the traditional friendship between the two nations. It also pledges to continue supporting and promoting comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union (EU), including the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Protection Agreement.

At the event, the two officials signed an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders and another on the readmission of citizens between the Vietnamese and Lithuanian governments. These deals aim to perfect the legal framework to facilitate bilateral multifaceted cooperation in the time ahead.

Lao delegation pays Tet visit to Hoa Binh

Deputy Governor and Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pheng Kanyaphim

A delegation from Laos’ Houaphanh province, led by Deputy Governor and Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pheng Kanyaphim, extended lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to Hoa Binh authorities at a meeting in the northern province on January 23.

At the meeting, the Lao official wished Hoa Binh’s officials and people a happy New Year.

Bui Van Tinh, Secretary of the Hoa Binh Party Committee, thanked his guest and stressed that the two provinces need to expand their collaboration. He named some of joint activities like building the Hua Muong school and holding an investment promotion conference in Houaphanh, as well as conducting a trade-tourism service promotion workshop.

The two officials took the occasion to review the long-standing Vietnam – Laos relations, which will continue to be fostered by the two sides in the future. 

They said Hoa Binh and Houaphanh have similarities in culture and tourism, but the Lao province is facing more difficulties in development. Therefore, Houaphanh officials expressed the hope for more cultural and tourism connectivity with Hoa Binh. 

The two sides agreed to consider establishing a tourism route connecting Houaphanh with Laos’ Luang Prabang and Vietnam’s Son La and Hoa Binh.

Hanoi’s leader bids farewell to outgoing Sri Lanka ambassador

Chairman of the Hanoi People`s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung said that this is a successful working term of Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke.

Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung received the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam, Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke,  who came to say goodbye before ending her tenure.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on January 23 hosted a reception for Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Vietnam Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke, who came to say goodbye before ending her tenure. 

At the meeting, Ambassador Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke said, during the her term as ambassador, the cooperative relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam has achieved results in many areas, including culture, education and tourism.

Appreciating the recent development of Hanoi, the ambassador affirmed that Hanoi deserves to be one of the major capitals in the region, with many kinds of unique cultural architectures.

The ambassador expressed that, after finishing her term and returning to her country, no matter what position she will take, she will make more efforts in promoting relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka in general and Hanoi - Colombo (Sri Lanka’s capital) in particular.

Regarding the cultural field, the ambassador expressed her gratitude for the support of the Hanoi People's Committee in organizing food festivals, art exhibitions, especially the inaugurational event of Sri Lankan pattern painting on a section of the Ceramic Path.

Regarding tourism, Ambassador Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke said that this is one of the areas with great potential for cooperation. Typically, Vietnam and Sri Lanka need to establish a direct flight to bolster tourism between the two countries.

Appreciating the recent cooperation between the two countries, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said that Ambassador Saranya Hasathi Urgodawatt Dissanayke has had a successful working term.

Chairman Chung wants Vietnam and Sri Lanka in general, and Hanoi and Colombo in particular will promote cooperation in many areas, including investment, trade, education, tourism and culture. Besides, he wished, after returning home, in whatever pisition she will take, the ambassador will serve as a bridge in the cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka in general, and the two capitals in particular.