Party chief says farewell to DPRK ambassador

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spoke highly of positive contributions that Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Chang In has made to enhancing the two countries’ relations while receiving the outgoing diplomat in Hanoi on June 26.

Congratulating DPRK people on their achievements during the nation-building process, the General Secretary believed that under the leadership of the Workers’ Party, they will reap more fruits in the coming time.

He said he is delighted at the development of the bilateral time-honoured friendship and solidarity between the two countries, nurtured by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kim Il-sung.

The Party chief hoped the ambassador, in his new position, will continue his contributions to developing the ties.

Ambassador Kim Chang In praised Vietnam’s achievements in developing the country, maintaining political stability, protecting territorial sovereignty and increasing position in the international arena.

The fine partnership between the two Parties has formed a firm political foundation to boost the relations between the two States and peoples, he stated.

He affirmed that in any positions, he will do his utmost to consolidate and enhance the Vietnam-DPRK traditional friendship.-

President Sang receives all-army emulation congress delegation

State President Truong Tan Sang on June 26 met 100 exemplary military officers representing 5,000 units and individuals of the army, who are attending a congress to honour the most outstanding in the all-army patriotic emulation movement.

In the all-army emulation movement during 2010-2015, 51 units and individuals were honoured with the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces and Labour Hero of the Renewal Era titles.

In addition, 5,800 unitss and individuals were presented with Orders of all classes and 1,000 units were awarded with the Government’s Emulation Flags.

On behalf of the Party and State, President Sang spoke highly of efforts made by collectives and individuals in the all-army emulation movement, contributing to promoting good deeds and strengthening the whole army’s strength.

He hoped that the General Department of Politics would spread information of excellent examples to the whole people and the Ministry of Defence would continue lead the emulation movement to greater achievements.

International workshop boosts Vietnam-US relations

Promoting bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States was the focus of an international workshop on June 26 in Hanoi.

The event, organised by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, was part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US.

It also aimed to review the achievements the two nations have made in their bilateral ties over the past 20 years.

VASS Deputy President Nguyen Quang Thuan highlighted the year as a milestone, laying the foundation to boost bilateral cooperative ties to a new height.

The two nations will continue boosting their comprehensive partnership in nine key fields, including politics, economics, national defence, security, science and technology, and education, Thuan elaborated.

They also share strategic benefits in developing the community of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN Community) and cooperating in the East Asian Summit (EAS), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC forum) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Thuan said.

For his part, US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius highlighted the huge potential for cooperation relations between Vietnam and the US.

He also voiced his hope the event would present opportunities for experts and authorities to share their initiatives on developing the relations in the future.

Vietnam and the US have seen a remarkable increase in trade from 451 million USD in 1995 to some 35 billion USD in 2014.

The two countries are also among 12 nations joining negotiationd for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the signing of which is expected to open up huge opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises.

VNA