PetroVietnam urged to expand overseas operations

President Truong Tan Sang asked the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) to expand its surveys, investment, and production in other countries during his meeting with 56 outstanding employees of the firm in Hanoi on May 18.

The leader valued the 56 workers, engineers and specialists taking the lead in fulfilling their duties and engaging in social activities, describing them as critical factors in the group’s strong performance.

He noted PetroVietnam has made great strides over the last 40 years, mastering techniques of oil and gas exploration, exploitation, and processing with its presence domestically and in other countries.

Its attainments have substantially contributed to national socio-economic development and sovereignty protection, he added.

The President urged the group to continue modernising technology and build on its momentum to maintain its standing in the national economy, adding that more attention should be paid to improving employee livelihoods.

Restructuring the group and its affiliates is also crucial in promoting key projects and contributing to the national economy, he said.

Vietnam-US relations development lauded

US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes Vietnam and the US will continue developing their relations and cooperation potential, ultimately expanding their comprehensive partnership in the years ahead.

Meeting with Chairman of the Vietnamese Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan in Hanoi on May 18, Blinken valued Vietnam’s recent development and underscored the progress seen in the two countries’ bilateral ties.

He said the US attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam and the promotion of their comprehensive partnership in line with the Joint Statement issued in July 2013.

Sharing Blinken’s reviews on bilateral links over the last 20 years, Quan said the strides have contributed to each country’s development and benefited their peoples along with regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

He emphasised the importance of implementing the 2013 Joint Statement, increasing the exchanges of high-ranking delegations and promoting cooperation in spheres of respective strength.

The official also asked the US to be flexible with Vietnam while negotiating for the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

At the meeting, the two officials also touched upon regional and international matters of mutual concern.

President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday marked in Cambodia, UK

The 125th birth anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19) was celebrated at a ceremony held by the General Association of Vietnamese Cambodian People on May 18 in Phnom Penh.

The organisation’s President, Huynh Minh Phu, recalled the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, declaring Vietnamese people’s great pride and gratitude for the national hero, who paved the way for national liberation.

The Vietnamese community in Cambodia pledged to follow Ho Chi Minh’s teachings while supporting each other to improve their living conditions and nurturing the friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Participants were offered a chance to watch a show praising Ho Chi Minh’s contributions to Vietnam performed by students of Tan Tien primary school.

Meanwhile, a day earlier on the other side of the world, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK paid floral tribute to the late President in front of New Zealand House, formerly the Carlton Hotel, where Ho Chi Minh worked as a chef when living in the country.

A ceremony was held in Hanoi on May 18 to mark the 125th birthday anniversary of the late President Ho Chi Minh.

Addressing the event, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reviewed the life and career of the nation’s first president, hailing him as a shining example of virtue, national pride and wisdom, and a great source of encouragement for Vietnamese generations.

Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolution overcame numerous difficulties and challenges to succeed, Trong stressed.

General Secretary Trong said that the former leader devoted all his life to the revolutionary cause of the party and the nation, and gave his all in serving Vietnam and its people until he took his final breath in 1969.

The General Secretary stated that Ho Chi Minh left a large and valuable legacy and moral example, highlighting self-improvement and responsibility, that should be emulated by all Vietnamese people.

VNA