IPU-132: Vietnam backs UN reform efforts

Vietnam supports endeavours to reform the UN’s development activities, and vows to actively engage in the inter-governmental negotiation mechanism on UN reform.

Ha Minh Hue, member of the Vietnam National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs, made the statement at a debate during a session of the Standing Committee on UN Affairs in Hanoi on March 29, as part of the ongoing 132 nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

He proposed the UN and the UN Security Council push ahead with the reform in a comprehensive, balanced, equal and transparent manner and meet the interests of member countries.

He noted that Vietnam is actively implementing the “One United Nations” initiative and is ready to share experience with other countries in the field.

The Southeast Asian country also made active contributions to reforming the working style of the UN Security Council while serving as a non-permanent member of the council in the 2008-2009 tenure, Hue said.

The issue of reforming the UN Security Council as the most powerful organ of the UN attracted great attention at the debate, where delegates reviewed the achievements and challenges to the UN as the world’s first multilateral international organisation seven decades after its foundation.

The discussions also focused on what to help the UN carry out its missions more effectively in the current complicated world, the relations between the UN and multilateral forums like G20, and social media’s impact on encouraging cross-border exchanges.

The same day, the Standing Committee on International Peace and Security convened to review the outcomes of its session held at the IPU-131 in October 2014, and elect leaders of the committee.

During the sitting, the committee will consider the approval of a resolution on the threats that the cyber warfare poses to global peace and security.-

VNA, Kyodo seek to strengthen media ties

General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Nguyen Duc Loi has offered to back co-operation between VNA's Economic News Department and NNA Japan Co.

The idea was proposed by president of the Kyodo News Agency, Masaki Fukuyama.

The VNA chief, who is on a working visit to Japan, made the statement during talks with Fukuyama, who revealed that the NNA Japan Co. which specialised in producing economic news, intended to report on the Vietnamese economic situation.

Fukuyama said he hoped co-operation between the NNA and VNA would be as effective as ties had traditionally been between the two news agencies.

He said Japan attached great importance to relations with Viet Nam, and that exchanging information was becoming more relevant as the number of Japanese companies investing in Viet Nam continued to grow.

Loi was received by Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida, who highlighted the remarkable progress in the relationship between Viet Nam and Japan.

He said this had followed the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia during the visit of President Truong Tan Sang to Japan last year at the invitation of Emperor Akihito.

The VNA chief also visited Fukuoka city where he had a working session with president of the Nishinippon newspaper, Takao Kawasaki.

Kawasaki expressed interest in opportunities for co-operation with the VNA.

IPU-132: Secretaries General of Parliaments talk public and media relations

Public and media relations came into focus at the conference of the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) held in the Hanoi National Convention Centre on March 29 as part of the on-going 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

Several reports on the matter were presented during the conference, including “Active transparency measures and measures related to citizens right of access to public information in the Spanish Senate” by Secretary General of the Spanish Senate Manuel Cavero, and Secretary General of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Irfan Neziroglu’s presentation on public relations of parliaments and the case of Turkish Parliament.

In his keynote speech, Chairman of the Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc said that Vietnam’s NA has been making efforts to reform its operations and enhancing their effectiveness, including adopting the amended 2013 Constitution.

It is vital for Vietnam’s NA to improve the capability of its deputies and bodies, particularly in preparation for the Law on the organisation of the NA, which will come into effect in January 2016 and necessitate structural reforms, he stressed.

He hoped that the attending international delegations would share ideas to assist Vietnam in its reforms.

The conference runs through April 1. Participants included ASGP President Doris Katai Katebe Mwinga.

The ASGP, constituted as a consultative body of the IPU, seeks to facilitate contacts between holders of the office of Secretary General in any parliamentary assembly, whether such assembly is a member of the IPU or not. ASGP membership is thus independent of the IPU.

The task of the association is to study the law, procedure, practice and working methods of different Parliaments and to propose measures for improving those methods and for securing cooperation between the services of different Parliaments.-

President greets Sudan top legislator

President Truong Tan Sang on March 29 hosted a reception for Speaker of the Sudan National Assembly Al Fatih Izzeldin Al Mansour in Hanoi on March 29.

The State leader said the two countries should continue mutual support, especially between the two parliaments, at regional and international forums.

He suggested the two sides review fields of their strength in order to identify potential areas for further cooperation in the future.

He asked Sudan to facilitate the operation of Vietnamese businesses in the country, adding that some Vietnamese businesses such as the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and the military telecom group Viettel have made their presence in Sudan.

The top Sudan lawmaker, who is in Vietnam to attend the 132nd Inter-Parliamentarian Union Assembly (IPU-132), lauded Vietnam for its careful preparation for the event.

He suggested Vietnam open an embassy in Sudan soon, adding that via trade promotion activities, the two sides could have more opportunities to make inroads in the respective markets.

NA official meets with Iraqi parliament’s deputy speaker

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu meet with First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Humam Baqir Abdul Majeed Hamoudi in Hanoi on March 29, saying Vietnam wishes the Middle Eastern country will soon re-gain stability and peace.

Affirming the importance Vietnam attaches to its multi-faceted cooperation with Iraq, Luu highly valued bilateral relations in all fields, ranging from politics, trade, investment, to labour.

He suggested both sides increase all-level visits and people-to-people exchange to discuss cooperation measures and consolidate solidarity and mutual understanding. Particularly, they should enhance the exchange of legislative delegations to strengthen mutual understanding and trust while strengthening supervision over the implementation of agreements reached between the two countries.

The NA Vice Chairman urged the two countries to extend economic activities and further bridge their business circles.

He also asked the two countries closely cooperate and support each other at regional and international forums, especially within the United Nations framework. He said he hopes that Iraq will support Vietnam’s candidacy as a member of the UN Economic-Social Council for the 2016-2018 term and the UNESCO Executive Council for the 2015-2019 term.

For his part, the Iraqi official highlighted bilateral cooperation in various spheres such as agriculture, oil and gas exploitation, and human resource development.

He voiced his hope that the two sides will deepen collaboration in areas they has strength in, especially in economics.-

NA leader welcomes UN Assistant Secretary-General

Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung has assured the Special Advisor of the UN Secretary General and UN Assistant Secretary-General Amina Mohammed that Vietnam will do its best to ensure the success of the IPU-132.

Meeting with the UN Assistant Secretary-General in Hanoi on March 29, Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung said the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) is expected to adopt a Hanoi Declaration, contributing to the agenda of the 70th UN General Assembly slated for mid-2015.

He stressed that Vietnam has spared no efforts to implement general development goals and contribute to the UN’s development ever since it became a full member of the UN.

He added that Vietnam treasures the help and cooperation that the UN has given the country in all fields, as well as in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Amina Mohammed applauded Vietnam’s careful preparation for the IPU-132 and expressed her hope that the Assembly will adopt a concrete plan of action, thus contributing to developing and implementing development goals for the period after 2015.

She spoke highly of the agenda of the IPU-132, saying that the items on discussion are in line with the UN’s general orientation for development and useful for the maintenance of peace and prosperity in the world.

According to the special advisor of the UN Secretary General, the outcomes of the IPU-132, specifically the Hanoi Declaration, will serve as the foundation for the cooperation between the IPU and the UN in realising Sustainable Development Goals.

Algeria looks to strengthen ties with Vietnam

Speaker of the People’s National Assembly of Algeria Mohamed Larbi Ould Khelifa reiterated his country’s policy to enhance cooperative relations with Vietnam in advantageous fields during a meeting with State President Truong Tan Sang in Hanoi on March 29.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements with its internationally recognised rice and seafood exports and wished the country would continue recording strong growth rates.

For his part, President Truong Tan Sang hailed Algeria’s role in promoting peace in Africa .

He suggested the two countries increase high-level delegation exchanges and promote bilateral trade.

The President asked Algeria to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors to conduct business.

He also expressed his hope that the two countries’ legislative bodies will enhance their cooperation.

The Algerian lawmaker is in Vietnam to attend the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132), held in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1.

Senior Thai parliamentarian welcomed in Hanoi

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu on March 29 received First Vice President of the Thai Legislative Assembly Surachai Liengboonlertchai, who is in Hanoi to attend the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

Welcoming the Thai delegation’s participation in the IPU-132, the Vice Chairman underlined Vietnam’s continual intensification of its friendship and cooperation with Thailand while lauding the significant progress in their multi-faceted collaboration, especially after the establishment of the strategic partnership in June 2013 and the signing of an action programme on the implementation of the partnership for 2014-2018.

As Vietnam and Thailand celebrate 40 years of their diplomatic ties in 2016, Uong Chu Luu said he hopes both sides will work together to mark the event with practical activities, effectively carry out the abovementioned action programme, increase delegation exchanges, and tighten linkages in economics, labour, tourism, culture, agriculture, and transport.

The official also valued Thailand’s efforts as the country coordinator for the ASEAN-China dialogue relations. He asked the country to continue working with other ASEAN countries to settle East Sea-related issues peacefully in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and conduct substantive talks on a code of conduct in the waters.

For his part, the Thai parliamentarian said the two countries are working on a labour cooperation agreement to create a legal framework for affiliation in the field.

He hoped bilateral friendship and strategic partnership will grow vigorously to benefit their peoples and contribute to regional and international peace, stability, and prosperity.

Young parliamentarians suggest measures to address global issues

Cyber warfare and water security are pressing global issues that came under scrutiny at the Forum of Young Parliamentarians in Hanoi on March 29 as part of the ongoing 132nd Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

Participants said varied understandings of cyber warfare across different nations need to be consolidated into a global definition of “cyber war” and “cybercrime” to clarify their imminent danger.

With Internet access and the boom in cutting-edge technologies, cyber war and cybercrime impacts every government, organisation and individual, leaving the youth most vulnerable.

To protect the youth while maximising the opportunities of the digital era, delegates suggested practical measures such as building a code of conduct on the Internet, issuing cybercrime laws, promoting parental control capacity and stepping up responsibility education.

First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Students’ Association Nguyen Dac Vinh asked the IPU to issue a joint statement calling on all countries to avoid cyber wars in any form against one another. He also proposed the UN build an international treaty in the field that encourages closer cooperation among IPU member countries in cyber security and ensuring information security.

Young parliamentarians also pointed to ensuring water security as an urgent need amid the world’s growing population, increasingly complicated climate change impacts, and mushrooming disease burdens. They underscored the necessity of creating efficient water governance mechanisms, enhancing cooperation between governments and parliaments, and improving youth awareness of water security.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese representatives suggested IPU member parliaments adjust their legal systems and promulgate policies facilitating sustainable management and use of water resources.

They should also promote consensus among countries sharing water resources in addressing disagreements, ratify and monitor the implementation of international conventions and agreements on water resources use and protection, and pay increased attention to water in parliamentary diplomatic activities, the Vietnamese delegates added.

Proposals at the forum will be submitted to sessions of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security and the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance, and Trade, as well as to the IPU-132 plenary session.-

Vietnam contributes to UNHRC’s 28th meeting

Vietnam has made substantial contributions to the 28th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which wrapped up in Geneva, Switzerland on March 27 with 34 resolutions and three Presidential Statements adopted.

During discussions spanning over March 2-27, Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN, made constructive ideas to protect people’s rights with respect to the UN Charter, international law and reality, as well as each nation’s and each region’s specific characteristics regarding economics and culture.

He also emphasised the need for the Human Rights Council to speed up dialogue and cooperation as well as seeking balanced and proper solutions to dissimilarities.

At this session, Vietnam participated in developing five resolutions on economic, social and cultural rights, on an Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights of persons with albinism, on the right to food, on the right to work and on cultural and cultural diversity rights. The resolutions were adopted with consensus.

This time, the council also passed resolutions involving the situations in Syria, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, and Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

The next session is scheduled for June.

Italy sees Vietnam a gateway to Southeast Asia

Italian enterprises consider Vietnam as an important gateway to potential Southeast Asian markets, said Deputy Foreign Minister Banedetto Della Vendora at a conference in Rome on March 27.

He said the Italian Government is increasingly interested in comprehensive cooperation with Asia-Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia, and lauded the ties with Vietnam, a regional fast-growing country.

At the conference, themed “Italy, Vietnam and Asia-Pacific cooperation”, he said his country and the European Union were concerned about maritime issues in Southeast Asia, hoping to make more contributions to its overall security.

Agreeing with the diplomat’s wish, Paul Berg from the US Embassy in Rome said he support the diplomatic efforts of Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in building a pacific community.

A presentation from Hoang Anh Tuan, Head of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Foreign Policy under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was well received at the conference.

His work analysed in depth the development of ASEAN and the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community this year and affirmed that Asia- Pacific is emerging as the world’s top dynamic economy.

Tuan delivered hopes that Italy, as a strategic partner of Vietnam, will do more in keeping security in Asia-Pacific.-

President salutes Militia and Self-Defence Force

Building a strong militia and self-defence force (MSF) forms part of the Vietnamese Party and State’s urgent strategy to safeguard peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity, sea and islands, stated President Truong Tan Sang.

Attending a ceremony to mark the force’s 80th traditional day on March 28, the President said the MSF will serve as the key force in the all-people defence.

He said that it is prompted by the regional and world situations which are predicted to develop in a more complex manner.

The State leader stressed the necessity to strengthen the militia and self-defence force at sea, capably joining hands with other forces to protect the country’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.

Throughout 80 years, under the leadership of the Party, generations of militiamen have dedicated their wholehearted loyalty to the Party’s revolutionary cause.

The MSF members have represented their unyielding fighting spirit and courage during the national resistance wars against foreign invaders as well as their creativity and effectiveness in the national construction and development.

The force has actively participated in border patrols, and in ensuring political security and social order and safety.

On this occasion, President Truong Tan Sang presented the Golden Star order to the MSF.

President receives IPU executive committee

President Truong Tan Sang on March 28 hosted a reception for members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) executive committee who are in Hanoi to attend the 132nd IPU Assembly (IPU-132).

Welcoming the Union’s selection of Vietnam as the host of the IPU-132, he said he believes that the outcomes of the event will create a fresh impulse for each member’s growth, for a world of peace and development.

He also expressed his hope that the Hanoi Declaration to be sent to the United Nations General Assembly will have great significance to underdeveloped countries and help narrow the development gap among nations.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese National Assembly, since its participation in the IPU, is always an active member standing ready to make more contributions to the organisation.

IPU President Saber Chowdhury highlighted the significance of the Hanoi Declaration since it will serve as a foundation for the UN in outlining a target programme on sustainable development.

He said he hopes that the IPU-132 will receive a wide range of feedback as well as issuing important resolutions to make it a success.

Vietnam-Japan relations enjoy great progress

Cooperation between Japan and Vietnam has progressed intensively and extensively over the past year, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has stated in an exclusive interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The interview focused on developments in Vietnam-Japan relationship and Japan’s contributions to peace and stability in Asia-Pacific since the two countries elevated their ties to the Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Stability in Asia.

The Minister revealed that he frequently visited Vietnam since becoming a congressman and joining the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group.

“In my view, Vietnam is a very special country,” Kishida told the VNA, recounting his co-chair of the Japan-Vietnam Cooperation Committee’s meeting in 2014 and the two previous years with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

He spoke highly of the two sides discussing wide-ranging cooperation and ways to expedite the cooperation at Japan-Vietnam Cooperation Committee meetings.

He recalled his talks in this March in Japan with Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan on the sidelines of the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction which came up with affirmation that bilateral affiliation will be promoted.

Minister Kishida expressed his desires to speed up connection with Vietnam as well as working together with the country for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Regarding the scheduled birth of an ASEAN Community late this year, Kishida said he viewed a closely-knitted and more prosperous ASEAN is extremely crucial to peace, stability, and development in the region.

He asserted that Japan continues supporting the bloc’s efforts in reinforcing regional connectivity and narrowing the development gap among its member countries, and bolstering linkages with the bloc in maritime security and natural disaster prevention and control, among others.

Japan also wishes to promote regional cooperation where ASEAN plays the central role, the Minister said, looking forward to seeing the upcoming seventh Japan-Mekong Summit in Tokyo, which is expected to see the attendance of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, putting forth a new strategy to intensify connectivity with Vietnam.

On Japan’s role in creating a peaceful and stable environment in the Asian-Pacific region whose security is increasingly facing hidden risks that could cause uncertainties and disputes, Minister Kishida quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s speech which referred to the “importance of the supremacy of law at sea”.

According to the Minister, “the supremacy of law” in safeguarding order is of extreme importance for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

Grounded on the “positive pacifism” stance and the spirit of international harmony, Japan wishes to work together with Vietnam in continuous efforts towards peace and stability in the region, he affirmed.

A year ago State President Truong Tan Sang made a State visit to Japan at the invitation of Emperor Akihito and Empress.

This was the first State visit by Truong Tan Sang as State President and the second by the Head of State of Vietnam over the past 40 years since 1973 when the two countries established their diplomatic ties.

The visit was an important milestone marking a great progress in bilateral ties as both sides agreed to promote their “Strategic Partnership” to “Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia’.

IPU-132 to be a success: Cambodia’s NA Chairman

The 132 nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU-132) in Hanoi will be a success and contribute substantially to the implementation of the union’s common goals, stated Chairman of Cambodia’s National Assembly Heng Samrin.

The Cambodian top legislator, who is in Hanoi to attend the IPU-132, was received by Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Truong Tan Sang in separate meetings on March 28.

He expressed his delight at the achievements Vietnam has gained during its Doi Moi (Renewal) process, and thanked the country for helping Cambodia fight against the genocidal regime and rebuild its country.

The Vietnamese leaders appreciated the support of the Cambodian NA and the Chairman to the Vietnamese NA’s hosting of the IPU-132, affirming that it is one of the biggest diplomatic events and has great significance to Vietnam.

Speaking of the results of the two legislative bodies’ cooperation, they confirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of attaching importance to and prioritise consolidating and enhancing the good neighbourliness, time-honoured friendship and comprehensive collaboration with Cambodia for each country’s prosperity and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong suggested the two NAs intensify their supervision over the Governments’ operations to ensure the efficient implementation of signed agreements.

Myanmar army’s 70th anniversary marked in Hanoi

The Myanmar Embassy in Hanoi on March 27 hosted a get-together marking the 70 th anniversary of Myanmar’s Armed Force with the attendance of Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Truong Quang Khanh.

Guests were briefed of achievements made by the Myanmar army over the past 70 years.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister Khanh said important progresses were made in cooperation between the two armies since they set up military attaché relations in 1996, citing delegation exchanges.

Meanwhile, affiliation in defence industry, military medicine and telecommunication has been deployed step by step with initial productive outcomes reaped, he said.

He expressed his hope that the two armies will work to bring their cooperation and friendship to the next level of development, meeting their countries’ interests as well as regional and global common trends.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung welcomes President of the Cambodian National Assembly

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung had a meeting on March 27 with President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin, who is in Hanoi to attend the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

The Vietnamese government leader described the Cambodian delegation’s participation in the IPU-132 as an important contribution to the event’s success as well as the two countries’ friendship and all-faceted cooperation.

Vietnam will exert all efforts to intensify bilateral collaboration and work closer with Cambodia to ensure peace, cooperation and development in their border areas, he said, adding that he hopes the Cambodian National Assembly will support the plan connecting the two economies as built by the countries’ Governments.

On the occasion of Cambodia ’s traditional New Year festival Chol Chnam Thmay, PM Nguyen Tan Dung sent his best wishes to King Norodom Sihamoni, the Queen Mother, and the country’s leaders.

For his part, Heng Samrin voiced his delight at the development of bilateral ties while thanking Vietnam for helping Cambodia escape from the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime in the past.

The Cambodian National Assembly supports the cooperative ties between the two countries, he noted, saying he believes that their trade target of 5 billion USD within the year will be attainable.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung greets German Parliament President

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received President of the German Parliament Norbert Lammert in Hanoi on March 27 on the occasion of the latter’s attendance at the 132 nd Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union.

The Cabinet leader valued positive progress seen in bilateral cooperation since the countries lifted their ties to the strategic partnership.

He said he hopes the German Parliament will support Vietnam and the European Union in their efforts to soon conclude bilateral free trade agreement negotiations.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung also urged Germany to recognize Vietnam ’s market economy so as to facilitate its development.

The German Parliament leader said as the two nations mark the 40 th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, Germany is committed to promoting cooperation projects with Vietnam , especially in education with the Vietnam-Germany University in Ho Chi Minh City being an outstanding example.

On this occasion, PM Nguyen Tan Dung expressed condolences to German leaders and people over the crash of a Germanwings airplane which killed a number of the country’s citizens.-

President attends inaugural of LG’s technology complex in Hai Phong

President Truong Tan Sang made a working visit to the northern port city of Hai Phong and attended the inauguration of a technology complex invested by the LG electronics giant at Trang Due industrial park on March 27.

The 1.5 billion USD project, LG’s largest facility in Southeast Asia , manufactures and assembles hi-tech products such as TV sets, mobile phones, washing machines, air conditioners, digital equipment for automobile for both domestic consumption and exports.

President Truong Tan Sang said on the occasion that the project demonstrates the effective cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea .

With the project, the RoK has become the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam with a total investment of 7.33 billion USD and over 4,000 active businesses.

The same day, President Truong Tan Sang received LG Director General Bon Moo-koo, who was in Hai Phong for the complex’s inauguration.

As part of his working trip in Hai Phong, the President visited Company 189 under the Defence Ministry’s General Military Industry Department, which produces a range of products for security and defence services as well as building ships.

He acknowledged the company’s efforts in diversifying its products for exports and embracing links with foreign shipbuilding partners, especially with the Netherlands ’s Damen group.

Since 2008, the company has exported about 30 ships of various kinds to European, Oceanic and African countries.

The President also inspected the construction site of the Hai Phong international seaport in Cat Hai island. Once completed, the port will be able to handle around 12.8-13.1 million tonnes of goods per year, serving as an important entrepot for trade activities between the northern part of Vietnam and the European and American markets.

RoK offers condolence over Vung Ang scaffold collapse

The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea, Yun Byung-se on March 27 offered condolences to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh over the scaffold collapse at the Vung Ang economic zone in central Ha Tinh province.

The accident on March 25 killed 13 workers and injured 28 others at the Taiwanese-invested Formosa steel complex project.

A failure in the hydraulic brake system in the scaffold structure caused the 30m high structure to collapse, it was reported during a press conference in the locality on March 27.

Kim Hyung Sub, Deputy General Director of the project’s contractor Samsung C&T, has admitted his company was remiss in operating the scaffold at the site.

Ireland to tighten ties with Vietnam

President of the Republic of Ireland Michael Daniel Higgins said he is seeking to boost the multi-faceted cooperation and friendship with Vietnam, notably in environmentally-friendly and advanced technology.

The Irish President made the remark at a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Nguyen Van Thao, who presented his credentials at the Residence of the President, Dublin on March 25.

President Higgins also praised the multi-faceted relationship development between Vietnam and Ireland in recent years and was pleased with the fruitful outcomes of their cooperation.

The growing Vietnamese community in Ireland played a crucial role in fostering the bilateral relationship, particularly in culture and education, he said.

For his part, Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao thanked the Irish Government and people for creating a conducive environment for the Vietnamese community to integrate.

He believed the achievements of nearly 20 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries reflected the determination of both sides to develop a comprehensive partnership.

The visiting Ambassador also paid courtesy visits to Speaker of the House of Representatives Sean Barrett and some parliamentary and governmental officials. Trade and investment, education, and culture were the focus of their discussions as priorities for cooperation between Vietnam and Ireland.

Conference highlights Vietnam-China cooperation

Cooperation between Vietnam and China was the main focus of an international conference held in Hanoi on March 27 by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS).

Vietnamese and Chinese scholars exchanged views on trade and investment ties, territorial sovereignty and expanded Tonkin Gulf cooperation, and discussed measures to enhance mutual trust.

Head of the ICS Nguyen Quang Thuan said that bilateral relations have seen significant progress since 2010.

However, changes in the regional and international situation as well as shifts in the respective countries during the development process require both to carry out new measures to consolidate their bilateral ties.

Along with the enhancement of cooperation, the two sides should strengthen their mutual trust, discuss differences candidly—especially those involving sea sovereignty—to avoid negative impacts on the relationship of the two countries as well as on peace, stability, security and safety in the region and the world, suggested Thuan.

According to Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy Xi Hui, Vietnam and China’s relationship is developing thanks to joint efforts of both sides’ ministries and sectors to consolidate and bolster ties.

Professor Zhou Zhen Ming from the Academy of Social Sciences of China’s Yunnan province suggested the two countries strive to realise signed agreements and boost cooperation between their border localities.

Vietnam, Cambodia top legislators meet in Hanoi

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung received the President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin in Hanoi on March 27 on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Vietnam to attend the 132nd Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132).

The Vietnamese top legislator expressed his belief that the guest’s attendance will make active contributions to the success of the assembly, held in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1.

He congratulated the Cambodian people on their achievements and said he believes Cambodia will continue to reap fruits in socio-economic construction and development under the leadership of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni as well as the country’s Government and Parliament.

He noted that the cooperation between the two countries is growing across politics, diplomacy, economics, culture, society, science and technology, and all-level delegation exchanges have been maintained.

For his part, Heng Samrin – who is also Chairman of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia – congratulated Vietnam on hosting the IPU-132 Assembly and spoke highly of the country’s preparations for this important event.

The Cambodian Parliament fully supports the topics raised by the IPU-132 organising board and believes these themes will receive high levels of consensus from the IPU member countries.

The two sides expressed their wish to implement cooperation agreements between the two parliaments, especially in maintaining delegation exchanges, sharing experience in law-making and jointly supervising cooperation programmes between the two governments to nurture neighbourliness, friendship and sustainable and comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and Vietnam.-

Vietnam, Mexico to strengthen bilateral ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said he hopes the Mexican Senate will continue backing measures to expand cooperation between the two nations.

During his reception for Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Head of International Relations Committee of the Mexican Senate during her visit to Vietnam for the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliament Union, Deputy Prime Minister Minh said the bilateral relations have become increasingly fruitful in recent years.

Both host and guest concurred that it is necessary to enhance mutual understanding and improve bilateral cooperation mechanisms through intensifying all-level delegation exchanges.

They said that the two Governments should encourage their businesses to tap the potential for investment cooperation among them, especially as both countries are engaging in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

Deputy PM Minh called on Mexico to assist Vietnamese businesses in investing in communications, oil and gas industry and agricultural sectors in the country, affirming that the Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for Mexican firms to enter the Vietnamese market.

He also asked the Mexican Government to early recognise Vietnam’s market economy and remove import duties on Vietnamese rice.

For her part, Barron spoke of Vietnam’s remarkable achievements, affirming that the Mexican Senate supports policies and measures promoting cooperation between her country and Vietnam.

She suggested that the two Governments hasten negotiations towards signing cooperation agreements in economics, trade and investment to create a legal framework for their bilateral relations.    

VNA/VNS