Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee Victor Gaute Lopez speaks at the event

The eternal value of the ideologies of President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro has been confirmed at a recent workshop held in Havana by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the Nico Lopez High-Level Party School of Cuba.

Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee Victor Gaute Lopez affirmed that the political ideologies of Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro are the endless source of knowledge for progressive and revolutionary movements in the world.

Gaute Lopez also highlighted important milestones in the close relations between Vietnam and his country in the last six decades.

During the workshop, Vietnamese and Cuban speakers introduced their research on the ideologies of the two revolutionary leaders on various aspect, from personnel training, the cultural and historic roots of the revolutions of Vietnam and Cuba; to the Ho Chi Minh ideology as the foundation of Vietnam's Doi Moi (Renewal) and Fidel Castro's thought as the orientation of Cuba’s process of updating socio-economic model.

Nguyen Viet Thao, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said that presentations delivered at the event vividly demonstrated that the visions of President Ho Chi Minh and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on issues related to economics, culture, society, national defense, security and Party building are still relevant in the current situation.

During the working visit in Cuba from September 16-20, the delegation of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics had meetings with Gaute López and representatives from the Office of Historical Affairs of the Cuban State Council, and the Centre for José Martí Studies.

Vietnam aims to tighten ties with South Africa, Nigeria

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue on September 20 had separate meetings with ambassadors of South Africa and Ni

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) meets with South Africa’s Ambassador Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro in Hanoi on September 20

geria to discuss preparations for the upcoming working visit to the two countries by a Government delegation.

The Deputy PM took the occasion to thank South Africa and Nigeria for their support to Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

He called for further coordination between Vietnam and the two countries at multilateral forums, especially the UN, thus contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

At the meeting with South Africa’s Ambassador Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro, Hue said through the visit, the Government delegation aims to enhance multi-faceted cooperation between the two sides, focusing on politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, investment, national defence industry and crime combat.

In reply, the ambassador said the above-mentioned contents will contribute to consolidating and developing the bilateral relationship in the time ahead, and pledged to facilitate the visit.

Vietnam aims to tighten ties with South Africa, Nigeria hinh anh 2
Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (R) meets with Nigerian Ambassador Francis Young Efeduma in Hanoi on September 20 (Photo: VNA)

Meeting with Nigerian Ambassador Francis Young Efeduma, Hue said the Vietnamese side wishes to discuss measures to boost multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, and agro-fisheries.

For his part, Ambassador Francis Efeduma stressed that Nigeria hopes to tighten its relationship with Vietnam through the visit.

Vietnam and Nigeria will continue with delegation exchanges in the time to come, he said, noting that the African country will serve as a bridge helping Vietnam forge cooperation and exchange with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

President Ho Chi Minh’s testament under discussion in Russia

Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education Vo Van Thuong speaks at the workshop (Source: VOV)

A workshop discussing President Ho Chi Minh’s testament was held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on September 20 as part of activities to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties.

The event saw the participation of over 500 delegates, including politicians, scholars and researchers from universities and research institutes; and large crowds of Vietnamese and Russian students.

Speaking at the event, Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education Vo Van Thuong affirmed that the President’s testament is an invaluable spiritual heritage, which was the quintessence of the intelligence, morality and noble style of a great man who dedicated his whole life to the goal of independence and freedom for the country and prosperity and happiness for the Vietnamese people; as well as the noble humanistic values of mankind.

The testament demonstrated President Ho Chi Minh’s burning desire to "build a Vietnam of peace, unity, independence, democracy and prosperity, greatly contributing to the world revolutionary cause, Thuong said.

Governor of Saint Petersburg Alexander Beglov highlighted the significance of the workshop, saying that it vividly reflects the friendly and reliable traditional relations between Vietnam and Russia and helps young people of Russia understand more about President Ho Chi Minh and his heritage.

Previously, the Vietnamese official had a working session with Beglov, during which they discussed measures to enhance relations between the two countries’ localities.

Beglov informed his guest that the St Petersburg authorities have agreed to build a monument to President Ho Chi Minh in the city.

Portugal officials pledge to bolster ties with Vietnam

The meeting between the CPV delgation and Vice President of the Portuguese parliament Jorge Lacao

Senior officials of the parliament and government of Portugal have expressed the country’s strong commitment to substantively enhancing relations with Vietnam while meeting with a delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Lisbon.

The delegation, led by Politburo member, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and head of the CPV Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh, paid a working visit to Portugal on September 19 and 20.

At the working sessions with Vice President of the Portuguese parliament Jorge Lacao and Secretary of State for Internationalisation of the Portuguese Foreign Ministry Eurico Brilhante Dias, Binh highly valued the traditional relationship between the two countries, including the recent strides in bilateral cooperation. Particularly, their trade revenue topped 500 million in 2018, compared to just around 300 million USD several years ago.

He thanked Portugal for supporting Vietnam’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021 and the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

The official also asked the country to continue advocating the ratification of these deals at the Portuguese and European parliaments. He expressed his belief that after being ratified, the agreements will open up a new chapter for trade, economic and investment ties between Vietnam and the EU, including in the industries Portugal has strength in like navigation, tourism, petrochemistry and mining.

Binh also took this occasion to inform the Portuguese side about the recent complex developments in the East Sea, calling on the country to back Vietnam’s stance on this issue.

For their part, Vice President of the Assembly of the Republic Jorge Lacao and Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry Eurico Brilhante Dias pledged to substantively enhance the two countries’ relations, affirming that Portugal attaches importance to Vietnam in its strategy for promoting ties with ASEAN in not only economy but also people-to-people exchange.

The host officials also showed their support for Binh’s proposal on increasing the teaching of Portuguese language in Vietnam.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Jorge Lacao expressed his attention to ensuring trade and law compliance at sea. Meanwhile, Eurico Brilhante Dias shared the view that sea-related disputes should be settled through negotiations and dialogue.

The Secretary of State added as Vietnam will take over the ASEAN Chair in 2020 and Portugal will hold the EU Presidency in 2021, they will have numerous chances to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, between Portugal and ASEAN, as well as between ASEAN and the EU.

At a meeting with representatives of the Portuguese agency for investment promotion and business support and some local enterprises, Binh talked about investment and business opportunities in Vietnam, along with the country’s economic advantages with a market of nearly 100 million people and as part of larger markets within the framework of ASEAN, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EVFTA and some other FTAs.

In response, the Portuguese firms said they consider Vietnam a priority for cooperation with and want to carry out long-term investment and business operations there.

During the talks with permanent member of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP)’s Secretariat Jose Capucho and other senior officials of the party, Binh underlined Vietnam’s development achievements, preparations for the CPV’s 13th National Congress in early 2021, along with the escalation of tensions in the East Sea recently.

He asked the PCP to continue coordinating with the CPV in multilateral activities of political parties. He also proposed the PCP, with its stature and prestige in Portugal and the European Parliament, support the ratification of the EVFTA and the IPA.

Welcoming the CPV delegation, the PCP officials said the visit is an importance chance to intensify mutual understanding and friendship between the two parties and the two peoples. They also informed their guests about the PCP’s efforts to protect the interests of the working class in Portugal.

Discussing the East Sea situation, they expressed their party’s consistent support for Vietnam’s stance that is disputes must be resolved by negotiations and peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Following the trip to Portugal, the CPV delegation will visit Spain and attend the EU-Asia Connectivity Forum held by the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

NA Chairwoman greets French Senator

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and Senator Catherine Deroche at the reception

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan received Senator Catherine Deroche, President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFPG) of the Senate of France, in Hanoi on September 20.

The Vietnamese top legislator appreciated contributions by the Senate of France, the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Groups of the Lower House and the Senate of France to promoting the relations between the two countries and legislatures.

Vietnam wants to expand the bilateral relations across fields and at all levels, she said.

NA Chairwoman Ngan stressed that the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA)in June this year will open new opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Europe in general and between Vietnam and France in particular.

She suggested the Senate of France continue to support and promote the European Parliament and member countries of the EU to approve the two agreements soon.

Ngan underlined the effective and practical cooperation in health care and culture between the two countries, expressing her hope that the French side will continue to create favourable for and support French teaching projects in Vietnam.

The two sides exchanged views on the East Sea issue. NA Chairwoman Ngan hailed the stance of supporting freedom, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the sea, and asked the French side to continue supporting Vietnam's stance in resolving disputes by peaceful means, respecting international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and respecting legitimate rights and interests of the countries in the East Sea.

For her part, Catherine said that meetings in the framework of the Vietnamese NA high-ranking delegation’s visit to France in April this year contributed to strengthening multifaceted-cooperation between the two sides.

She highlighted the cooperation potential between the two nations, saying that the FVFPG of the Senate of France has worked with various delegations from committees of the Vietnamese NA and shared experience in culture, financial and organization of local administrations.

The guest said she also met with representatives from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in university education and youth exchange between the two countries.

The Vietnamese top legislator took the occasion ask her guest to convey her regards to President and Vice President of the Senate of France, expressing her desire to welcome French parliamentarians to attend the Conference on Vietnamese-French local cooperation in Hanoi in 2021.

Press conference announces results of VFF’s National Congress

Vice President and Secretary General of the VFF Central Committee Hau A Lenh at the press conference

The standing board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee held a press conference in Hanoi on September 20 following the conclusion of the ninth VFF’s National Congress for the 2019 – 2024 tenure earlier the same day to announce its results.

Speaking at the event, Vice President and Secretary General of the VFF Central Committee Hau A Lenh said the VFF set the goal of renewing its operations, strengthening political alliance and great national unity, representing and protecting legitimate rights and interests of the people; conducting social democracy, supervision and criticism; and stepping up industrialisation, modernisation and global integration during its tenure.

The Congress elected a 62-strong Presidium and 385 people as members of the Central Committee.

Half of the committee are non-Party members, 21.3 percent women, and 26.2 percent ethnic minorities. Members aged below 40 account for 11.7 percent while those aged 44 – 60 make up 48.8 percent and the remaining aged above 60.

Tran Thanh Man, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the VFF Central Committee (eighth tenure), was re-elected as President of the VFF Central Committee (ninth tenure).

Deputy PM: VFF helps Government improve management quality

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue speaks at the congress

Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has lauded the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for helping the Government improve its management quality and people’s lives.

Hue made the statement while delivering a speech on socio-economic performance and joint work between the Government and the VFF Central Committee during the closing session of the ninth VFF’s National Congress in Hanoi on September 20.

He said the country’s achievements over the past more than three decades are the result of great efforts by the entire Party, armed forces and people, including the VFF chapters at all levels.

The Deputy PM said the Government always asks ministries, agencies and all-level People’s Committees to provide all possible support for the VFF to fulfill its assigned tasks.

The VFF has been instrumental in creating social consensus within the national great unity bloc, contributing to the accomplishment of the socio-economic development goals as directed by the Party, the National Assembly and the Government, he said.

The official hailed the VFF Central Committee for working closely with the Government to fine-tune policies and mechanisms in ethnic and religious fields, thus meeting legitimate aspirations and upholding the role of ethnic minority people, religious followers and overseas Vietnamese.

He said public feedback collected by the VFF have served as an important reference for the Government to improve transparency and effectiveness of its directions.

Over the past five years, the Government has signed two joint resolutions, issued two decrees while its ministries and agencies have promulgated five circulars guiding the implementation of policies and mechanisms regarding the front work, conducted 12 supervision programmes and several thematic supervision contents with the standing board of the VFF Central Committee and its member units.

During its tenure, the VFF held 12 conferences to collect feedback on draft laws submitted by ministries and agencies, as well as offered opinions on hundreds of legal documents.

NA Standing Committee’s 37th session wraps up

NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan speaks at the 37th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee

The National Assembly Standing Committee concluded its 37th session in Hanoi on September 20 under the chair of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

In her speech, the top legislator said members of the committee gave opinions to 13 draft laws and discussed important contents, which will be submitted to the NA at its upcoming eighth sitting.

The committee commented on many issues, including the signing of an agreement between the Government and the European Union on establishing a framework for Vietnam's participation in crisis management activities of the EU; and a draft decree regulating customs procedures, customs inspection and supervision of goods in transit through the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) to implement Protocol 7 on the Customs Transit System.

Members of the committee also opined on the preliminary report on the 5-year implementation of the Constitution; reports of the Government, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuracy on the settlement of complaints and denunciations in 2019; the State Audit's report in 2019 and audit plan for 2020; and the preparation for the 8th session of the NA.

In addition, the Standing Committee reviewed and decided the personnel issues; and the establishment and adjustment of a number of administrative units of Quang Ninh and Hai Duong provinces.

Earlier the same day, under the chair of NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty, the committee contributed opinions on the law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the law on the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

VFF National Congress: measures sought to strengthen national solidarity bloc

President of the Vietnamese Women’s Association in Hungary Phan Bich Thien speaks at the ninth National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front on September 20

The ninth National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) on September 20 sought measures to improve the efficiency of its local chapters and member organizations in encouraging the engagement of members and reinforcing the national solidarity bloc.

According to President of the Vietnamese Women’s Association in Hungary Phan Bich Thien, in recent years, thanks to the attention from the Party, State and the VFF, the Vietnamese community abroad has promoted its role in people diplomacy and made more contributions to the homeland.

She held that it is necessary to pay more attention to the building of organizations, unions and clubs for the Vietnamese communities in each country, while diversifying the forms of organizations to suit different groups, thus further enhancing their role in people diplomatic activities.

Alongside, it is crucial to mobilize Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, entrepreneurs and those with strong influence in the community to get involved in strengthening the relations between the host countries and Vietnam, she said.

She also proposed the VFF design policies to support members to expand connections with relevant organizations in other countries.

Meanwhile, Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Vice President of the 8th VFF Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council, said that ensuring religious solidarity has remained a significant matter.

He pledged that the VBS will continue working hard to build a peaceful and fancy life and contribute to develop the national unity bloc in the new period.

Priest Tran Xuan Manh, Vice President of the 8th VFF Central Committee and President of the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics, said that the 7 million Catholics of Vietnam are highly aware of their responsibility with the motherland.

The committee has encouraged them to engage in building the country towards sustainable development and harmonious growth of economy, socio-culture and environment, he stated.

The official highlighted that Catholics have donated trillions of VND and thousands of working days as well as land for road construction as part of the new-style rural area building programme.

The Catholic community has also actively participated in charity activities such as giving free health check-ups to the poor and caring for public health, he added.

Ninth VFF National Congress adopts new charter

Delegates at the ninth VFF National Congress raise hands to vote on the 374 members of its Central Committee for the 2019-2024 tenure

Delegates attending the ninth National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) on September 20 discussed and adopted the charter of the organisation, while appointing members of the VFF Central Committee.

The charter comprises eight chapters and 37 articles, one article more than that of the previous tenure. It contains a new article on the relations between the VFF and member organisations.

Accordingly, the VFF Central Committee and its member organisations will have coordinative relations, with the VFF committee playing the key role, cooperating with member organisations through democratic discussions to implement tasks and action programmes designed by the VFF.

Regarding the number of the members of the VFF Central Committee for the 2019-2024 tenure, delegates agreed to maintain it at 385. At the session, 374 members of the committee were appointed, while the rest will be added later.

The members include representatives from member organisations and different groups and classes from all walks of life.

As many as 187 of the members are not Party members, 80 female, 98 from ethnic minority groups, and 84 followers of different religions. Meanwhile, 301 members of the committee, or 80.1 percent, areuniversity graduates.

In terms of age, 44 members of VFF Central Committee are under 40, 182 from 44-60, and 148 over 60.

During September 20 sitting, the first meeting of the ninth VFF Central Committee for the 2019-2024 tenure was held.