Cooperation between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will help maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Nguyen Thanh Son.

 Relevant agencies must get well prepared for receiving the remainder of the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA-17) fund allocated for Vietnam in the 2014-2017 period, according to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

 A Vietnamese delegation led by Le Thi Thu Ba, Deputy Head of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, visited Canada from May 13-17, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ judiciaries.

 The results of the election of deputies to the 14th National Assembly (NA) will be announced within 20 days after election day (May 22), according to the National Election Council (NEC) Office.

 All localities are ready for the election day slated for May 22, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan has assured the media in a recent interview.

 The signing of the regular MoU to resume the reception of Vietnamese labourers to work in the Republic of Korea under the Employment Permit System will help step up the two countries’ ties, particularly in the labour field.

 Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville has recently had inaccurate and biased words based on wrongful information about recent mass gatherings that took place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

 Vietnam and Russia should step up their legislative ties through the exchange of information and experience in law-making and supervision activities, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

 Vietnam adamantly opposes China’s fishing suspension – a void decision – in the East Sea, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh has said.

 The Vietnam Fisheries Association has issued a denunciation of China’s illegal ban on fishing in the East Sea.

 Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith left Ho Chi Chi Minh City on May 17, concluding his three-day official visit to Vietnam, the first foreign trip on his new PM post.

 The New York Times has run an article with entitled “Obama in Vietnam Will Focus on Future, Rather Than the Past” in the “White House Letter” column on the threshold of the US President’s visit to the Southeast Asian country from May 23 to 25.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on May 17 called at Zarubezhneft – one of Russia’s leading oil and gas groups during his ongoing Russia visit from May 16-20.

 VietNamNet Bridge - CIA Director John O. Brennan was in Hanoi last week to prepare for the upcoming visit of President Barack Obama to Vietnam, reported Zing news.

 Vietnam and Sudan should foster bilateral cooperation in all fields, especially agriculture and industry.

 Thailand presented Phuong Minh Hoa, vice director of the Department of Politics under Vietnam’s Defence Ministry, with the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand in Bangkok on May 16.

 President Tran Dai Quang talked with outstanding entrepreneurs representing the small- and medium-sized business community in Vietnam during a meeting in Hanoi on May 16.

 US President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Vietnam from May 23-25 is to further deepen the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh said.

 Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Dinh La Thang and other senior municipal officials welcomed Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to the city on May 16.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev emphasised the resolve to enhance the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership during their talks in Moscow on May 16.