Three SEA nations bolster anti-crime cooperation

Defence Minister General Tran Dai Quang on July 28 expressed his commitment and dedication to make the second Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Conference on crime prevention successful and fruitful.

He made the statement at a welcoming reception on July 28 for high-level military delegations from Cambodia and Laos who came to attend the second Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Conference on crime prevention and control taking place in central highland Lam Dong province.

At the reception, Minister Quang emphasized the three neighbouring countries –Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – have maintained good relations, solidarity, traditional friendship and long-term and comprehensive cooperation over past years.

“Relations between the three countries police forces and defence ministries were strengthened as a result of the first conference which benefited security and defence while boosting international integration.” Quang said.

Quang added he hopes the results of this conference will help accelerate cooperation among the three defence ministries thus consolidating neighbourliness, solidarity and the time-honoured friendship between the peoples of the three nations.

Vietnam, Laos eye further judicial cooperation

A high-ranking delegation led by Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong is paying a working visit to Laos from July 27-31, aiming to strengthen bilateral judicial cooperation.

At talks in Vientiane on July 28, Vietnamese and Lao officials exchanged information on the current socio-economic situation in each country and reviewed the implementation of cooperation agreements between the two ministries in the 2012-2014 period.

They noted with satisfaction with the healthy developments in bilateral ties, especially in delegation exchanges, personnel training, and civil court cooperation.

Vietnam and Laos have promoted regular exchanges, information dissemination and legal aid, and effectively dealt with pending issues relating to nationality, free migration, and out-of-wedlock marriages along the border, they noted.

Hosts and guests agreed to boost training and experience sharing, and strictly implement signed agreements for stronger judicial cooperation.

Ambassadors urged to promote Vietnam’s image

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has asked Vietnamese diplomats to pay more attention to Party external affairs, and people-to-people diplomacy in all aspects including politics, economics and culture to promote the country’s image.

At a July 28 meeting with newly-appointed ambassadors and heads of representative agencies abroad who are due to leave home for their missions overseas, Party leader Trong expressed his hope that they would help promote the Party guidelines for a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multi-lateralization, and being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member in the international community.

“It is imperative to inform Vietnamese leaders about information from overseas. The diplomats need to update information and forecast the situation as well as propose proper solutions. They also need to contribute to promoting the image of Vietnam, its land, people, and culture as well as explain Party guidelines and state policies overseas, especially regarding the complex developments in the East Sea and call on overseas Vietnamese to support the homeland.” the Party chief said.

Trong also asked the ambassadors to contribute further to maintaining independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and stability.

The ambassadors and heads of the representative office, in turn, pledged their best efforts to fulfill their assigned tasks, enhance coordination, and do well with Party and State foreign affairs to make practical and effective contributions to forecasting situations and advising the Party and the State on external policies so as to further strengthen relations between Vietnam and other countries and international organizations.

President Sang meets outstanding trade union chairpersons

President Truong Tan Sang had a meeting in Hanoi on July 28 with 85 outstanding chairpersons of grassroots trade unions across Vietnam, highlighting their major responsibility for protecting workers’ legitimate rights and interests amid the country’s international integration.

The event took place on the occasion of the 85th founding anniversary of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (July 28).

The participants included 33 trade union chairpersons from the administrative sector and 52 others from the business circle.

At the meeting, they shared their professional experience and expressed aspirations of union members.

President Sang spoke highly of the models’ effort in fulfilling their duties, adding that the State and the Party pay special attention to the development of workers and trade unions.

He said the submitted proposals will be considered to better the operation of trade unions, which need to actively receive workers’ opinions to protect their legitimate interests.

The leader also voiced his hope that the commended individuals will set good examples for others nationwide to follow.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour currently has around 8 million members.

PM says nurturing young talent key to development

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung yesterday reaffirmed the country's commitment to support young talent in chemistry and science as part of national development.

Speaking at a ceremony to conclude the 46th International Chemistry Olympiad in Ha Noi yesterday, the PM applauded all contestants and their teachers from 77 countries and territories together with participating scientists. He said it was an honour for Ha Noi to host the competition for the first time.

The Vietnamese leader said advancements in chemistry had contributed enormously to global and human development, stating that the field was in critical need of passionate, innovative young people who could engage in important research.

PM Dung hailed the competition as the place where students could share their passion and learn from one another. In addition, he said it would allow teachers and mentors to spot new talent.

"I think all of you are winners and you have overcome many challenges in this competition to come here, share your friendship and enhance international solidarity," he said.

Dung said he hoped the students recognised at the competition would become scientists and leaders and contributed to the development of their countries.

Viet Nam won two gold medals and two silver medals at the competition.

Quang Ninh must be a stronghold of defence, int’l cooperation: President

President Truong Tan Sang asked the northern province of Quang Ninh to strive to become a stronghold of defence and international cooperation at his working session with the provincial authorities on July 27.

As part of the northeast development triangle, Quang Ninh sits on the largest coal reserve in Southeast Asia and boasts an abundance of world heritages and natural wonders.

In its strategy to shift toward an economy driven by green industries, it is taking steps to speed up administrative reforms and technology upgrades.

The President, however, commented that the province is relying too much on natural resources rather than high-value products that a knowledge-based economy should produce.

To minimise the impacts of climate change and environment pollution, Quang Ninh should phase out its exports of crude materials. At the same time, hi-tech projects, especially those in agro-processing and workforce training are also in need, the leader advised.

As the global integration brings about high competition pressure, the province should seek a sound development model in order to achieve a two-digit growth rate, he added.

In response to Quang Ninh’s proposal to build Van Don island district into a special economic zone, Sang said the province should study other countries’ experience in this regard.

The local authorities also asked for the State assistance to expand ports and defence areas on some islands, and ramp up trade infrastructure as well.

In January-June, Quang Ninh’s economy expanded by 6.9 percent and collected over 34 trillion VND (1.6 billion USD) in tax revenue, placing it among the top five contributors to the State budget.

The locality is working to connect its Mong Duong 1 and Mong Duong 2 thermo-power plants to the national grid soon. It is also the first province in the country to bring the national grid to every village on the mainland. The inflow of foreign direct investment so far this year hit 283 million USD, up 3.6 times year-on-year.

The same day, the President also toured Cai Lan international port and Ha Long shipbuilding company.

VNA/VOV/VNN