John Kerry congratulates Vietnam on National Day

US Secretary of State John Kerry has sent a message of congratulation to the Vietnamese people on Vietnam's National Day, expressing his pleasure at the fruitful development of bilateral relations.

In a press statement released on August 29, John Kerry said: “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Vietnam as you celebrate your National Day on September 2.”

The US top diplomat emphasized that the Vietnam-US relationship has grown in ways many would never have predicted. “We have moved past war and division. In the years since the embargo was lifted and we achieved normalization and trade, Vietnam has become a modern nation and an important partner for the United States. Vietnam is a country on the move and Vietnam’s moving,” he noted.

“My own journey with Vietnam came full circle when I visited Vietnam last December for my first time as Secretary of State. To know a country as a diplomat which I first knew as a combatant in a war is an experience that says so much about the progress we have made.”

Kerry recalled his Vietnam visit in December 2013 during which he had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, discussing the work ahead as the two countries deepen their comprehensive partnership in all fields, from trade and investment ties to people-to-people exchanges.

“I’m proud to have led the efforts as a Senator to create a Fulbright Economics Teaching Program in Ho Chi Minh City, and I am equally proud that we are now working with the Vietnamese Government to establish a Fulbright University in the near future,” he stated.

He said over the past 19 years, Vietnam has taken a long journey. “And as Vietnam has grown, so has our partnership. It has been moving and rewarding to be a partner to the Vietnamese people in that effort, and I look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year,” he concluded.

Myanmar Parliament Speaker to visit Vietnam

A high-level delegation from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar led by Parliament Speaker U Shwe Mann will pay an official visit to Vietnam from September 5-9.

The visit is made at the invitation of National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Viet Nam delegation attends APEC Energy Ministers Meeting

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Cao Quoc Hung attended the 11th APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM11) in Beijing yesterday.

The two-day meeting brought together 29 delegations from the 21 member economies of APEC and relevant international organisations.

At a seminar, Viet Nam's representative delivered a speech about their successful implementation of the Energy Preservation and Energy Efficiency Programme. Deputy industry and trade minister Hung highlighted the country's progress as well as lessons learned from the Law for Energy Savings and Energy Efficiency.

The meeting focused on energy security, energy investment and trade, sustainable and efficient energy community development and clean energy resources.

Streamlined administrative procedures needed for land management

PM Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and other ministries, agencies and localities to complete the mechanisms and policies on land management while simplifying administrative procedures to create favorable conditions for people and businesses.

According to the PM, in this September, the MONRE and the municipal and provincial People’s Committees have to announce administrative procedures on land management and related documents.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment hosts and cooperates with other ministries and agencies to establish and issue documents on dealing with administrative procedures on forming and launching investment projects. The one-stop-shop (OSS) mechanism will be applied to reduce time and expenditure for investors.

At present, the MONRE publicly announced 214 administrative procedures on the national database, including 74 relating to land management, 42 on environment, 23 on geology and minerals, 22 on water resources and 18 on meteorology and climate change.

Vietnam’s National Day marked in Cuba, Czech Republic

A wide range of activities have been held in foreign countries to mark the 60th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba on August 29 hosted a banquet in Havana for Cuban officials and international guests in the host country.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Minh highlighted the significance of September 2, 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam).

He thanked the Cuban Party, Government and people for their support for and solidarity with Vietnam in the struggle for national independence in the past as well as the current development.

The same day, the Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia held a ceremony to mark the important event of Vietnam, which saw the presence of President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin and many senior officials from the Cambodian government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador Thach Du expressed his delight at the fine neighbourliness, friendship and all-round cooperation between the two countries.

He affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, and willingness to be a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, the Vietnamese Embassy and community organised a host of activities celebrating the country’s National Day.

Vietnam attends Sao Paulo forum in Bolivia

A Communist Party of Vietnam delegation attended the 20th Sao Paulo forum held for the first time in La Paz capital of Bolivia from August 25-29.

The meeting was participated by more than 500 delegates from 180 left-wing parties, civil society organisations in Latin America and guests from 52 countries.

The Vietnamese delegation had bilateral meetings with other participating delegations, exchanging views on situations in their countries and ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

At the forum, delegates examined the current crisis of capitalism, the sanctions against the offensive of imperialism and the role of the left-wing governments in this struggle, alongside initiatives to strengthen solidarity and unity within the forum.

Symposiums made a depth analysis of regional issues of participant concern such as integration and connectivity, experience of ruling left-wing parties, cultural preservation, social movements, and environmental protection, as well as ensuring the rights of women, youth, and indigenous people.

The forum adopted a declaration and a number of resolutions, asking the US to lift its embargo against Cuba, supporting Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, and backing Bolivia’s efforts in demanding Chile to transfer its line access to the Pacific Ocean to Bolivia.

Delegates honoured Cuban President Fidel Castro and former Brazilian President Lula da Silva as the forum’s founders for their significant contributions to the regional left-wing movement.

They agreed to hold the 21st forum in Mexico in August 2015.

Vietnam Embassy in Turkey celebrates National Day

The Vietnam Embassy in Turkey hosted a solemn ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Ankara marking the 69th anniversary of National Day (September 2), attended by Turkish senior officials, foreign ambassadors along with business and overseas Vietnamese representatives.

In his speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen The Cuong highlighted the great significance of National Day with President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence and reviewed the glorious paths and the tremendous achievements the Vietnamese people have recorded in national construction and development.

“In the new situation, Vietnam continues pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, active international integration, and befriending and being a reliable partner with all countries to make positive contributions to global development and peace. The country advocates dealing with regional and international issues through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.” Cuong said.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese diplomat congratulated the Turkish President, Prime Minister and new Cabinet, expressing his belief that under the leadership of new cabinet members, relations between the two countries will be elevated to a higher level in line with their expectations and potential.

The Ambassador noted with satisfaction the fruitful and substantial cooperation between the two nations through strengthened delegation exchange at all levels and their trade target of reaching US$3 billion by 2016 from the current US$1.8 billion.

On behalf of the Turkish Government, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc extended his best wishes to Vietnamese leaders and people, noting that despite geographical distance, bilateral ties relations have constantly developed and are expected to prosper in the future.

Turkish Deputy PM Bulent Arinc

“We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his cabinet members’ trip to Turkey to make a breakthrough in our relations," he stressed.

Deputy PM Bulent Arinc also thanked the Vietnamese Government for supporting Turkey’s admission to ASEM and its bid to run for a non- permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

In the coming time, Vietnam and Turkey should speed up negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), a visa exemption agreement, the opening of the Turkish Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and a Hanoi- Ankara direct air route to further boost bilateral ties to new heights, Bulent Arinc said.

National Day celebrated in Laos, Cambodia, and Israel

The Vietnam Embassy in Vientiane received a visit from a Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee delegation on September 1 extending congratulations on the 69th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

At the reception, Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Sounthon Saynhachac highlighted Vietnam’s achievements over the years and expressed his wish that both sides will continue to enhance cooperation in furtherance of sustainable Vietnam-Laos relations in the coming time.

For his part, Vietnam Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Manh Hung echoed Saynhachac’s sentiments saying Vietnam-Laos relations have developed comprehensively, as most prominently evidenced by the recent high level delegation exchanges between the two governments.

Ambassador Hung expressed his wish that the two sides will promote all-around cooperation to nurture and develop the traditional friendship and special solidarity for the benefit of the two peoples, stability and prosperity in the region and world.

On the same day, the Vietnamese Cambodian Association in Phnom Penh gathered to mark Vietnam’s National Day.

President of the Vietnamese Cambodian Association Huynh Minh Phu

Association President Huynh Minh Phu spoke with pride of Vietnam’s achievements, affirming that Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in Cambodia have always placed trust in the country’s strong development under the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and Government.

Counselor to the Vietnam Embassy in Cambodia, Nguyen Van Sy spoke highly of the great contribution by OVs in the struggle for national independence and in the development of the traditional friendship between the two nations. He confirmed the Vietnam Party and State’s consistent policy of considering OVs an integral part of the Vietnamese community.

Earlier on August 31, the Vietnam Embassy in Tel Aviv ceremoniously marked Vietnam’s National Day.

Addressing the ceremony, Vietnam Ambassador to Israel Ta Duy Chinh recounted the significance of the August Revolution. He affirmed Vietnam’s increasing role and status on the international stage, underscoring his faith that Vietnam will someday become a reliable partner to all nations in the region and world.

The ambassador  applauded the contribution of OVs and urged them to reinforce solidarity and preserve national identity to build a strong unified Vietnamese community in Israel,  helping enhance multifaceted cooperation.

National Day marked abroad

Diverse activities have been launched in foreign countries counties to mark the 69th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

A flower-laying ceremony was held at Ho Chi Minh Square in Moscow on September 2 marking the 69 years of National Day and commemorating President Ho Chi Minh.

After the flower-laying ceremony, delegates laid wreaths at Le Duan Square in the south of Moscow to show sentiment and gratitude to late General Secretary Le Duan who made great contributions to the struggle for national independence, construction and defense.

A flower-laying ceremony was held at Ho Chi Minh Square in Moscow.

Earlier, embassy staff and representatives from Vietnamese agencies and the Vietnamese community in Russia offered incense at Uncle Ho’s memorial area in the Embassy campus.

The Vietnam Embassy and the Vietnamese Association in Romania have co-hosted many cultural and sports activities honouring the 69th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).

In his speech, Ambassador Tran Xuan Thuy spoke highly of the historical significance of the August Revolution and National Day as well as the country’s important socio-economic achievements. He also talked about the East Sea situation and Vietnam’s solutions for dealing with the problem.

The Ambassador also praised the efforts made by the Vietnamese community last year and urged them to reinforce solidarity to overcome difficulties and make more contributions to the homeland.

The Indian Presidential Palace's press release on September 1 covered President Pranab Mukherjee’s congratulation to Vietnam’s 69th National Day.

In a message to President Truong Tan Sang, President Mukherjee said India and Vietnam have a long-lasting relationship and that India treasures its ties with Vietnam and regards Vietnam a reliable friend. The Indian President expressed his hope to visit Vietnam in the next few weeks to strengthen the partnership, cooperation and mutual trust between the two nations.

On the occasion, Lao newspapers including Pasason, Pathet Lao, KPL News, Vientiane Times, and Lao Phatthana front-paged congratulations of Lao Party General Secretary and President Chummaly Sayasone, Prime Minister Thoongsinh Thammavong, National Assembly Chairman Pany Dathotu to the 69th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day. In their congratulatory messages, the Lao leaders affirmed their consistency in maintaining and developing the special friendship between Laos and Vietnam.

The newspapers also covered activities to mark Vietnam’s National Day and praised Vietnam’s role in the region and the world.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassies in Thailand and China organised a host of activities celebrating the country’s National Day.

Congratulations on Vietnam's National Day

The Vietnamese Party, State, Government and National Assembly continued receiving messages of congratulations from leaders of different countries on the occasion of Vietnam’s 69th National Day (September 2).

Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Nam and DPRK Premier Pak Pong Ju and Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong extended their celebratory wishes to their Vietnamese counterparts.

India’s President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Vietnam on the  historical event.

Japanese Emperor Akihito, President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun Hye, French President Francois Hollande and President of the US Barack Obama also extended their congratulatory messages to Vietnamese leaders.

Japan greatly values ties with Vietnam

The Japanese Government attaches great importance to strengthening the friendship with Vietnam and hopes for broader investment and security cooperation in the future.

Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Hirotaka Ishihara was speaking at a National Day reception hosted by the Tokyo-based Vietnam Embassy on September 1 with the participation of more than 500 delegates representing the Japanese Government, diplomatic corps in Tokyo, Japanese firms and Vietnamese community representatives.

The Japanese diplomat said, "Japanese companies are very keen on expanding factories in Vietnam. It is now time for Japan and Vietnam to increase security cooperation in Southeast Asia ".

Hirotaka Ishihara said he hopes cross-cultural exchanges between the two countries will be further strengthened after his nation eases visa regulations for Vietnamese citizens.

Speaking at the reception, Vietnam Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung reviewed the difficulties and achievements the Vietnamese have overcome and recorded during the past 69 years since the date President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence. To achieve these accomplishments, the Vietnamese people have received tremendous support from the people and governments around the world, including Japan.

The Ambassador stated that the Vietnam-Japan relations have been constantly consolidated and developed over the past 40 years and are in the prime. This is clearly demonstrated by President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Japan in March this year during which, the two countries decided to upgrade bilateral relations to new heights, becoming an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.

On behalf of the Japanese Government, Justice Minister Tanigaki Sadakazu extended congratulations to the Government and people of Vietnam on the occasion of 69 years of national independence.

Tanigaki expressed admiration for Vietnam’s vigorous development while believing that relations between the two nations will grow even stronger in the time to come.

Vietnam National Day celebrated in Japan, Cambodia and India

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Japan on August 28 hosted a reception in Osaka in honour of the 69th anniversary of Vietnam National Day (September 2).

Speaking at the reception, Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Tran Duc Binh highlighted the country’s achievements during the cause of national construction, development and defence over the past 69 years.

He pointed out the importance of the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership and outlined significant achievements since the decision was made by the two nations to upgrade their relationship during President Truong Tan Sang’s visit to Japan in March 2014.

Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Tran Duc Binh

Leaders of Osaka prefecture and Sakai city congratulated Vietnam on its momentous accomplishments during the process of the Doi Moi (Renewal), international integration, and national development. They also spoke highly of the two nations’ time-honoured historical connections and enhancement in the Vietnam-Japan relation.

Local authorities said that there is a new wave of investment from Kansai and Osaka to Vietnam.

Representatives from economic and friendship organisations in Kansai region affirmed that Kansai – the western Japan’s most important economic centre said that the region will continue to bolster cooperation with Vietnam in the process of industrialisation, expand cultural exchange among the two peoples to contribute to each nation’s economic development and prosperity.

On the occasion, a delegation from the Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia, business and Vietnamese community representatives burnt incense at the Monument to Vietnamese voluntary soldiers in Phnom Penh on August 29.

A delegation led by Vietnam ambassador to Cambodia Thach Du expressed their deep gratitude to Vietnamese fallen soldiers and voluntary soldiers whose laid down their life and contributed to the Cambodian struggle for national independence and strengthened solidarity among the two peoples.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese embassy in India also hosted a ceremony marking the special event.

Speaking at the ceremony, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Vijay Jumar Singh expressed delight at the healthy growth of India-Vietnam relationship. However, he said that both nations should make greater efforts to foster all round cooperation.

Minister Singh expressed hope that both nations will support each other in the fields of economics and trade to produce goods to export to the third countries and deepen cooperation in national defence, security and other areas.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Tan, in turn, stressed that Vietnam and India will further promote traditional friendship and effectively cooperate in a number of areas.

A plan to open direct air routes in the coming time should create more favourable conditions for the business communities, boost cross-cultural exchange and tourism development, Tan said.

Vietnamese people help Kiev with reconstruction efforts

Vietnamese expatriates in Ukraine’s Kiev capital are willing to join local authorities’ effort in re-building Kresatik street in the city centre which was severely ravaged by Maidan demonstrations and clashes in February 2014.

Meeting with Kiev’s vice mayor Igor Nikonov on August 28, Vietnamese ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Minh Tri said Vietnamese people living in Kiev consider Ukraine their second hometown and they want to contribute to the reconstruction of Kresatik street and provide humanitarian aid for evacuees from the Eastern warzone.

Nikonov appreciated Vietnamese people’s heartfelt sentiments and said all financial sources for the reconstruction process will be used effectively.

He briefed Tri on Kiev’s simplified conditions for investment and called on Vietnamese companies to carry on investment projects in the city.

Vietnam and Ukraine have treasured long-standing relations, especially in cultural, scientific and investment cooperation.