Amendments to ordinances on planning announced

The President’s Office yesterday announced an ordinance on amendments and supplements to several articles of four ordinances relating to planning.— Photo VGP

The President’s Office yesterday announced an ordinance on amendments and supplements to several articles of four ordinances relating to planning.

At a press conference yesterday, vice chairman of the President’s Office Chu Xuân Yêm announced the President’s order on the ordinance which affects four other ordinances –the Ordinance on Defence Industry, the Ordinance on Market Management, the Ordinance on Preferential Policies for Revolution Contributors, and the Library Ordinance. 

Accordingly, the ordinance amends some articles of the Ordinance on Defence Industry relating to development planning of the industry, authorities that are empowered to approve the planning, the approval and implementation of programmes/projects on the industry, inspection over the implementation as well as land for the defence industry.

The ordinance amends Point A, Item 1, Article 4 of the Ordinance on Market Management on the implementation of strategies/plans to develop market watch force.

The Ordinance on Library now has an amendment on the implementation of strategies/plans to develop library and library network within cultural and sports facilities.

The Ordinance on Preferential Policies for Revolution Contributors has an amendment referring to planning to build social sponsor centres for people who contributed to national defence, construction and revolution.

Another amendment relates to planning for martyr monuments.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Lê Quang Mạnh said the Law on Planning was approved by the National Assembly at its meeting in November, 2017 and took effect this year.

On December 22, 2018, The National Assembly Standing Committee approved an ordinance on amendments and supplements to several articles of the four ordinances to make them match the Law on Planning.

As the Law on Planning was approved, the National Assembly also approved two laws – the law on amendments and supplements to 11 other laws related to planning and the other law on amendments and supplements to several articles of 37 laws. 

Vietnamese ambassador presents credentials to King of Bhutan

The King of Bhutan - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (third, right), Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau (second, right) and staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy pose for a photo 

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Pham Sanh Chau presented his credentials to the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in the country’s Thimphu capital city on January 4.

At the following meeting with the king, Chau said he is delighted to assume the task of an ambassador to Bhutan – the world’s happiest country.

He pledged to exert every effort to promote the two countries’ cooperation in a substantive and effective manner.

King Wangchuck congratulated the diplomat on his appointment as Ambassador of Vietnam to Bhutan, considering this an important milestone since bilateral diplomatic ties were set up in 2012.

He spoke highly of the Southeast Asian nation’s achievements in socio-economic development, poverty elimination, and especially upholding traditions. He also briefed the ambassador on his country’s efforts to preserve national identities and traditional values, along with its development successes since he came to the throne over 12 years ago.

The same day, Ambassador Chau paid courtesy calls to Prime Minister Lyonchhen Lotay Tshering, Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji, Director of the Tourism Council Chimmey Pem, Auditor General Tshering Kezang, along with leaders of some other ministries and sectors of Bhutan.

At the events, the Bhutanese officials expressed their delight at the progress in bilateral connections since the diplomatic relationship was founded.

With cultural, religious and development similarities, the two sides can exchange development experience and make use of each other’s economic advantages, they said.

They also suggested English teachers be sent from Bhutan to support high schools in Vietnam, and the two sides share experience in sustainable tourism development and hydropower utilisation.

For his part, Chau asked Bhutan to support the bilateral political consultation mechanism at the department director level and waive visas for Vietnamese citizens holding diplomatic and official passports. He urged more cultural and people-to-people exchanges, stronger cooperation in tourism and auditing, and coordination at international and regional forums.

The ambassador also called for Bhutan’s support for Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021.

He also took this occasion to invite Bhutanese leaders to attend the celebration of Vesak, or the Buddha’s birthday, in Vietnam this May.

Vietnam and Bhutan boast sound friendship with their leaders’ regular exchange of congratulatory messages on the occasion of big festivals. 

Vietnam mainly exports tractors and wood furniture to Bhutan. Meanwhile, the AA Corporation of Vietnam and the AdrukA company of Bhutan have jointly invested in a wood furniture manufacturing project in the latter country since 2011. 

More than 1,430 Vietnamese tourists visited Bhutan in 2018, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Bhutan is selective is establishing relations with other countries. So far, it has only set up diplomatic ties with 53 nations.

Congratulations to Cambodia on 40 years of joint victory over genocidal regime

Cambodian people take part in a celebration of the victory over the genocidal regime held in Phnom Penh on January 25, 1979 

The Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee has sent congratulations to the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee on the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ joint triumph over the genocidal regime (January 7, 1979).

The message reads that: “40 years ago, under the clear-sighted and steadfast leadership of the CPP and the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation and with the wholehearted, timely and effective support of friends from near and far, the Cambodian people heroically rose up to topple the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime on January 7, 1979, ending the darkest period in the history of Cambodia and heralding a new period of independence, freedom, neutrality, democracy, social progress and development.

“The Vietnamese Party, State and people pledge to exert utmost efforts to join the CPP, the State and people of Cambodia in forever maintaining and nurturing the development of the good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, long-term and sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia for the prosperity of each country’s people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world,” the CPV Central Committee affirms in the message. 

PM checks Tet preparations in Thua Thien-Hue province

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at a meeting with leaders of Thua Thien-Hue province on January 6. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a meeting with Thua Thien-Hue authorities on January 6 to review the central province’s socio-economic performance in 2018, development plan for 2019 and the preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet).

The PM reminded Thua Thien-Hue to make plans to ensure a warm festival for local residents, especially the poor, policy beneficiaries and those living in natural disaster-prone and disadvantaged areas.

He said that the financial assistance must go along with taking care of spiritual lives of local people through entertainment activities and festivals.

The PM asked the locality to store up commodities and stabilise prices to ensure supply during the holiday which will fall in early February.

The local authorities must manage transport operation to serve travelling demands of people while ensuring traffic and fire safety as well as stepping up supervision on trade fraud and smuggling.

Phan Ngoc Tho, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said more than 33,000 presents from the President would be delivered to policy beneficiaries. The total value of commodities reserved for the holiday has reached up to 1.3 trillion VND (55.3 million USD).

Expressing impressions on achievements that the province gained in 2018, PM Phuc noted the needs to focus on green city development, heritage preservation, mechanics, hi-tech agriculture and tourism services. In particular, the province must pay attention to building local e-government by developing smart city services which serve as a key foundation to accelerate administrative procedure reform.

The province proposed the PM allocate budget for provincial planning and allow the locality to hire foreign consultants for the 2021-30 planning with a vision to 2050.

The provincial leader also proposed the Government prioritise sources of State budget and investment on the construction of a bridge over famous Huong River.

Also on January 6, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue visited and presented Tet gifts to 100 members of the trade union and poor labourers in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

Extending New Year greetings to all officials, public servants and labourers in the province, the Deputy PM said that in 2018, all 12 socio-economic targets of the country were completed and exceeded, with GDP growth reaching 7.08 percent, the highest in the past 10 years.

Vietnam has become the 15 biggest agricultural product exporter with a total revenue of 40.2 billion USD last year, he noted, attributing the results to the efforts of the whole political system, enterprises and labourers across the country. Labour productivity also rose 5.93 percent, he said.

In 2018, two important resolutions were issued regarding the reform of salary and social insurance policies, said the Deputy PM who stated that the regional minimum wage increased in previous years and will continue to rise in 2019 and the future, thus ensuring the interest of labourers, especially disadvantageous ones.

Meanwhile, social insurance policies will be completed to ensure all people access the insurance, while retirement age will also be re-calculated, he added.

He asked the government of Gia Lai, especially the provincial Labour Federation to work harder to better protect the legitimate rights and interest of labourers.

Currently, Gia Lai has 81,000 workers, nearly 8,000 of whom, or 14.1 percent, are from ethnic minority groups.

NA Chairwoman visits new-style rural communes in Hung Yen province

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visits Xuan Quan and Me So communes in Hung Yen province.

Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on January 6 visited the Red River Delta province of Hung Yen’s Xuan Quan and Me So communes which were recognised as new-style rural areas.

While paying field trips to places where local people are preparing bonsais and flowers for the upcoming Lunar New Year, the top legislator said that she was delighted to see the farmers’ success in multiplying various kinds of valuable flowers and ornamental trees that help them gain higher incomes.

The farmers have been on the right track when they have shifted to hi-tech farming instead of traditional methods, she said, adding that despite a decrease in cultivating land, they have made bigger profits.

Now, each hectare of agricultural land generates for farmers an average of 500 million VND (21,500 USD), or even 1.2 billion VND (51,700 USD) per year, increasing 10-20 times from the period they just planted traditional grains like rice, corn and peanut. Particularly, many local flowers and ornamental plants have fit requirements for oversea shipments.

Ngan also rejoiced to witness the new appearance of Xuan Quan and Me So communes, where spacious roads and houses have been constructed. 

As Xuan Quan nears Bat Trang pottery village, the commune should join hands to promote the two traditional craft villages, she recommended.

She asked the local authorities to increase their support and create favourable conditions for the farmers so that they have more chances to get access to high technologies and cultivation experiences from foreign countries.

Promoting the production value chain should be stepped up as well, Ngan stressed.

The same day, the top legislator offered incense at To Hieu martyr monument in Nghia Tru commune, Van Giang district.

Hanoi get-together recalls victory of southwest border defence war

Delegates at the event 

The Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations (HAUFO) held a get-together in the city on January 6 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border safeguarding war and  the Vietnam-Cambodia victory over the genocidal regime (Jan. 7). 

Attending the event were Politburo member and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Hoang Trung Hai, and Chairman of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association Vu Mao, among others. 

Speaking at the event, head of the municipal Party Committee’s Commission for Mass Mobilisation and HAUFO Chairwoman Nguyen Lan Huong said the victory of the southwest border protection war in Vietnam and the overthrow of the genocidal regime in Cambodia on January 7, 1979 opened up a new era of national independence, peace, freedom and development in the neighboring country, adding that it was also a victory of the justice cause and fighting alliance between the two nations, especially at difficult times. 

Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts will never forget support and assistance given by their Cambodian fellows during the period, she said. 

Huong expressed her belief that the traditional friendship and solidarity as well as comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia over the past five decades will be further strengthened and developed, becoming an invaluable, sacred and sustainable asset of the two nations. 

Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Prak Nguon Hong said the January 7, 1979 victory marked the second revival of the Cambodian people, giving them trust in the future of the country. 

Seng KrySophol, a Cambodian student in Friendship 80 School in Hanoi’s outlying district of Son Tay said Vietnam – Cambodia friendship monuments built in many Cambodian localities are tributes to voluntary Vietnamese soldiers and royal Cambodian fellows who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom, and a vivid symbol of solidarity and bravery of the Vietnamese and Cambodian armies and people. 

Following the victory, the Vietnamese government sent tens of thousands of officials and cadres from ministries, agencies and organisations from central to local levels to work as experts in Cambodia at the request of the National United Front and the provisionary revolutionary government of Cambodia. 

Vietnam also provided Cambodia with timely material and technical assistance to help the nation restore its socio-economic development, national defence-security, culture, health care and education, thereby regaining its position on the international arena.

Cambodia’s developments inseparable from Vietnam’s help: official

At the ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of the victory day of the southwestern border defence war and overthrow of the genocidal regime in Cambodia

Cambodia’s developments in various fields over the past 40 years are inseparable from Vietnam’s support and help, a Cambodian official affirmed on January 6.

Speaking at a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 40th anniversary of the victory day of the southwestern border defence war and overthrow of the genocidal regime in Cambodia, the country’s Consul General in the city Im Hen further said his people forever keep in mind that January 7 is their second birthday.

The diplomat also affirmed that without that day, there will be nothing of Cambodia today, describing this as a truth of the history unshakable by any reactionary force.

Im Hen spoke highly of the close cooperation between the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries, expressing his profound gratitude to Vietnam for its sacrifices and pure help to Cambodia, especially in the defence cooperation and healthcare programmes for Cambodian.

At the ceremony, Vice Admiral Tran Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of Military Region 7 recalled the days when they fought to defend the border and joined hands with Cambodian troops and people to topple the genocidal regime 40 years ago. He affirmed that the victory is of a very great significance in the survival and development of the Cambodian nation.

The combatant solidarity between the peoples of Vietnam and Cambodia will be inscribed forever in the history as vivid evidence affirming the bright justice and pure help from the Vietnamese people to the Cambodian peers, the officer stressed.

Vietnam’s Military Region 7 directly made great contributions to the war and helped Cambodian people in 10 years.

Participants at the ceremony also shared their memories of the days full of hardships, prides and sacrifices when they fought the war.

Cambodia always treasures Vietnam’s support in genocide fight: official

Tep Ngorn, Standing Member of the Cambodian People’s Party Central Committee, Senate Vice President and Vice President of the National Council of Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland, at the Jan. 4 ceremony in Hanoi 

The country and people of Cambodia always bear in their mind the great and unforgettable support from the Vietnamese Party, State, Front, army and people in liberating Cambodia and helping the people get out of the genocide tragedy, a leading Cambodian official has stated.

Tep Ngorn, Standing Member of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee, Senate Vice President and Vice President of the National Council of Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland, made the statement at a meeting with Secretary of the Party Central Committee member and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man in Hanoi on January 4.

Earlier the same day, the Cambodian official attended a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the Polpot genocidal regime (January 7).

At the meeting, Man highlighted the importance of the ceremony as a reminder of a glorious memory shared between the two nations now and later.

He congratulated Cambodia on its significant socio-economic, and defence-security achievements, adding that the delegation and experience exchanges between Vietnamese and Cambodian Party, State, and Front leaders have helped foster the two nations’ comprehensive and long-standing cooperation. 

Affirming that the VFF supports the role of the National Council of Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland, Man expected the two fronts continue boosting their ties through further delegation exchanges.

He stressed that the Vietnamese Party, State and front and relevant agencies have created favourable conditions for Cambodian expatriates in Vietnam, and asked for similar treatment towards Vietnamese people in Cambodia.

For his part, Tep Ngorn spoke highly of the ceremony, noting that images on display and speeches delivered at the event reflect the historical significance of the victory against the genocidal regime and the value of peace and independence regained by the two nations.

The ceremony helped youths and international friends understand the period during which Vietnam and Cambodia together overcame difficulties and followed their tradition of fighting for independence, he added.

The official further stated that the Cambodian Party, State and parliament always pay attention to reinforcing the traditional relations with Vietnam as well as the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam friendship.

NA Chairwoman meets Cambodian Senate Vice President

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and Tep Ngorn, Standing Member of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee, Senate Vice President, in Hanoi on January 4. 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan received Tep Ngorn, Standing Member of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee, Senate Vice President, in Hanoi on January 4.

Tep Ngorn, heading a high-ranking Cambodian delegation, is visiting Vietnam to attend a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the Pol Pot genocidal regime (January 7).

At the reception, the top legislator lauded the participation of the delegation at the ceremony, which was held earlier the same day.

She noted the participation carries Cambodians’ sentiment of closeness, friendship and solidarity with Vietnamese people, particularly volunteer soldiers and experts who once carried out international missions in the country during the years of difficulties and sacrifices. 

Ngan said following the success of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s official visit to Vietnam, the current visit by the high-ranking delegation further consolidates and enhances the neighbourliness, as well as comprehensive and long-standing cooperation between the two countries and their law-making bodies.

The NA leader stressed Vietnam is always attentive and supportive to, and happy at the significant socio-economic achievements by the Cambodian Government and people.

She said she believed that under the leadership of the Senate, parliament, and Royal Government with the CPP at its core, Cambodia can maintain its momentum of development and stability, while its people can achieve more in building the country towards prosperity and better position in the region and in the world.

For his part, Tep Ngorn said the ceremony had been organised solemnly, with film excerpts screened at the events moving the audience and reflecting the true bond and shared feeling between Cambodian people and Vietnamese volunteer soldiers when Cambodia faced its most difficult time.

Cambodia also marked the 40th anniversary of its victory against the Pol Pot genocidal regime on the same occasion, he said.

The official underscored that it is an important time for both nations to carry out extended communications activities targeting their people, particularly youths, helping them gain righteous understanding on a historical period when the two nations fought shoulder-by-shoulder amid various difficulties.

He said the sound collaboration between Vietnam and Cambodia not only exists over the past four decades but also dates back many years before that.

He took the occasion to inform his host of Cambodia’s current socio-economic situation and its preparation for the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Siem Reap in mid-January.  

Ngan said the Vietnamese National Assembly supports the Cambodian parliament’s hosting of the 27th APPF. She stated that Vietnam will take an active part in the event and is willing to share its experience and collaborate with Cambodia to help the country successfully organise the annual meeting.  

Praising close attention paid by Cambodian leaders on matters related to the people of the Vietnamese origin, the top legislator said she expected the Cambodian Senate will continue creating favorable conditions for the community so that they can contribute to the host country’s development and the friendship it shares with Vietnam.

Israel treasures ties with Vietnam: Israeli President

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin (R) receives Vietnamese Ambassador Cao Tran Quoc Hai 

Israel attaches importance to developing its relations with Vietnam, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said in a reception on January 3 for outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador Cao Tran Quoc Hai.

President Reuven Rivlin said he was impressed by great achievements gained by Vietnam in its Doi moi (Renewal), and national building and safeguarding.

He voiced his delight at fine development in the bilateral friendship and cooperation, while appreciating contributions made by the Ambassador to the relations.

He showed his belief that bilateral cooperation will be consolidated and expanded, for the interests of the two peoples.

Ambassador Hai thanked the President and ministries and sectors of Israel for helping him fulfil his tasks during his working tenure.

Recalling several outstanding achievements in bilateral ties, especially in economics, trade, investment, science, technology, education and tourism, he affirmed the two countries hold much potential to further develop their ties in different fields.

He took the occasion to thank Israel for supporting Vietnam’s membership of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the 2019-2025 tenure.

He stated he hopes both sides soon conclude negotiations towards the signing of a free trade agreement, and open a direct air route between the two countries, boosting economic and tourism cooperation.

Sympathies sent to Russia on heavy losses in building collapse

Rescuers search for victims under the rubble of the collapsed building in Magnitogorsk city 

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President Nguyen Phu Trong has offered sympathies to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the heavy losses in an apartment block collapse in the city of Magnitogorsk.

On December 31, 2018, part of the 10-storey apartment building in Magnitogorsk city collapsed after a suspected gas explosion, killing 39 people.

Vietnam marks victory of southwest border defence war

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the ceremony in Hanoi on January 4 

A ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory on January 7 of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal regime was held in Hanoi on January 4 with the participation of high-ranking leaders of the two countries. 

The event was organised by the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State, and the Government in conjunction with the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that the historic victory on January 7, 1979 was a joint victory of the peoples of both countries, as well as of the progressive people across the world. 

For Vietnam, the victory of the southwest border defence war once again affirmed the will and strength of the Vietnamese people, while demonstrating the noble international spirit, the traditional fraternal and time-honoured relationship, and the pure and wholehearted help from the Vietnamese Party, State, armies and people to the Cambodian people.

The joint victory on January 7, 1979 completely eliminated the genocidal regime, helping revive the Cambodian nation and people as well as opening up a new era of independence, freedom, peace, reconciliation, development, and prosperity for Cambodia, he said. 

PM Phuc noted that after years at trial with hundreds of thousands of collected documents and pieces of evidence, on November 16, 2018, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) under the auspices of the United Nations officially sentenced the two most senior surviving leaders of the former Polpot regime to life in prison for committing genocide. 

The judgment returns justice to innocent victims who were massacred by the Pol Pot regime, and affirmed the bright just as well as impartial and pure support of the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in Cambodia, he stressed.

Many monuments commemorating Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts and Cambodian soldiers and people were built by the two Governments in both Vietnam and Cambodia, PM Phuc said, adding that they have become beautiful symbols of the close and unshakable friendship between the two nations. 

By now, under the reign of the Cambodian King and the leadership of Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), the country has grown strong with political security, social order, and safety well maintained and its economy growing ceaselessly. Cambodia’s role and position has been constantly improved in the region and the world. 

Vietnam and Cambodia are promoting their relationship under the motto of “good neighbours, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability”. The political relations between the two countries have been constantly strengthened, while their economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties have also been growing over time.

Other fields of cooperation – such as people-to-people exchange and culture, education-training, and health collaboration – have also witnessed active development. 

According to PM Phuc, the border areas of the two countries which were heavily devastated in past wars have now become those of peace, friendship, cooperation, and mutual development. 

Authorities of the two countries have worked closely to strictly manage the border line, and finished 84 percent of the land border demarcation and marker planting. They are determined to finalise the work as soon as possible.

Addressing the event, Standing Member of the CPP Central Committee and Vice President of the Senate of Cambodia Tep Ngorn emphasised that his country and Vietnam are good friends, neighbours, and partners.

The two countries have stepped into a new period in history by regaining independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, freedom, and progress; thus contributing to peace and security, cooperation, prosperity, economic development in the region and the world, he said. 

The Cambodian official expressed his sincere gratitude to the Party, State, the VFF, the army and the people of Vietnam for their great sacrifices to save Cambodian people from genocide, contributing to the quest of peace for the country. 

According to him, Vietnam’s great, timely and effective support has helped turn Cambodia from a country immersed in war, sufferings and devastation into a country of complete peace, national unity, and development in all areas. 

He highlighted the significance of the exchange of the state-level and official visits between the two countries’ leaders in recent years, stating that they have contributed to deepening the traditional solidarity, friendship, and cooperation. 

The bilateral relations are represented by achievements in all fields, from politics and military to economic, social, cultural, and scientific cooperation, he said.

The trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between the two countries are increasingly promoted; while the two sides have devised many effective solutions to border-related issues, especially as the work in border demarcation and marker planting is nearly finished, Tep Ngorn said. 

These factors have helped create a good environment for maintaining peace and stability, while promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in both nations, he affirmed. 

He took the occasion to thank the Vietnamese Party, State, front and people who have always given their physical and ideological support to the development of human resources and infrastructure construction in Cambodia. 

He affirmed that the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory is very significant in further promoting the solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between his country and Vietnam. 

Cambodians remember Vietnam soldiers’ help in escaping from genocide

Cambodian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Im Hen addresses the meeting on January 4 

The Cambodian people have never forgotten the valuable assistance of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in the liberation of their nation from the Pol Pot genocidal regime.

Cambodian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Im Hen made the statement at a meeting in the city on January 4 to mark the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the Pol Pot genocidal regime (January 7, 1979).

Cambodian people have come to consider January 7 as their second birthday. Without this day, there would have been nothing today, he said.

The official also expressed his deep gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, Government, and ex-voluntary soldiers and experts for supporting the Cambodian nation and people in escaping from the genocidal regime.

The development of Cambodia over the past 40 years could not be separated from the close coordination between the two countries’ parties, states, and people, especially Vietnam’s assistance for Cambodia in the difficult period of the 1980s and 1990s, as well as in the later’s cause of national building and development.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang said Vietnamese voluntary soldiers stood side by side with Cambodian armed forces and people to defeat the Pol Pot gang, liberate Phnom Penh, abolish the genocidal regime, and build a new society for Cambodian people.

January 7, 1979 went down in the history of Cambodia as a milestone of faithful solidarity and special friendship between itself and Vietnam, which helped Cambodia escape from the genocide and enter a new era of independence, freedom, and revival.

It also opened up a new chapter in the neighbourliness between Vietnam and Cambodia, Mang said.

Over the past 40 years, the bilateral traditional friendship has been developed to a new height. Economic cooperation has continuously expanded with two-way trade reaching 4.5 billion USD in 2018 and set to hit 5 billion USD ahead of 2020. 

Prime Minister emphasises role of community health education

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the importance of education on health care while meeting with representatives of the Vietnam Association for Community Health Education (VACHE) in Hanoi on January 4.

VACHE Chairman Nguyen Hong Quan said community health education is an urgent but also long-term issue. 

The association, founded 10 years ago, now has four research institutes, 22 centres and thousands of branches and clubs with tens of thousands of members, he highlighted.

He took this occasion to ask the Government to work out better mechanisms and policies to ensure that all people have health insurance and benefit from high-quality medical services with lower prices.

Quan also called for more favourable conditions for public-private partnership in health care, along with stronger mechanisms to strictly monitor the quality of medical services.

At the meeting, PM Phuc said the establishment of the VACHE is significant to the education on community health.

He spoke highly of the association’s practical and effective activities that have substantially helped with the care for people’s health.

The Government leader requested the VACHE to further gear its activities towards the elderly, children and ethnic minority people. It should make use of traditional medicine in community health care, attract more private funding for activities, and utilise its widespread network across the country.

The VACHE also needs to better join hands with the healthcare sector in communications to raise public awareness of serious diseases like cancers, he added.