At the ceremony

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan presented various honours to collectives and individuals of the Lao National Assembly (NA) on September 27.

Under the decision signed by President Nguyen Phu Trong on September 21, 2019, Vietnam will present four first-class Independence Orders, 13 second-class Independence Orders and 30 third-class Independence Orders to 12 collectives and 35 individuals of the Lao NA organs and Secretariat, in recognition of their contributions to fostering special solidarity between Vietnamese and Lao legislatures.

The President also signed a decision to grant 21 Friendship Orders and 17 Friendship Medals to four collectives and 34 individuals of the Lao NA.

At the ceremony, Chairwoman Ngan presented first-class Independence Order to Lao NA Vice Chairwoman Sysay Leudedmounsone, the Lao NA’s Committee on External Relations, the NA Secretariat and Working Committee on Electoral Areas, the second-class Independence Order to seven collectives and six individuals, and the third-class Independence Order to two collectives and seven individuals.

Speaking at the event, Chairwoman Ngan expressed her wish that the recipients would strive more to contribute to the relations of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

She affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State will continue working closely with Lao counterparts to further develop bilateral ties in the near future.

Lao NA Vice Chairwoman Sysay Leudedmounsone said the distinction is an honour for not only Lao collectives and individuals but also Lao NA, affirming the success of closer ties between the two legislatures./.

Official: Vietnam highly values partnership with EU

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh affirmed that Vietnam highly values its strategic partnership with the EU, during his recent working sessions with leaders of the European Commission (EC) and Parliament.

These were part of his trip to Belgium to attend the Europa Connectivity Forum held by the EC.

The host leaders include Vice President of the European Parliament (EP) Dimitrios Papadimoulis, European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom, and Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange.

Expressing his delight at growing bilateral ties, including the signing of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), Binh suggested both sides work closely together to step up the EP’s ratification of the two agreements for the benefit of the people of Vietnam and EP member states.

On regional and global issues, he exchanged ideas with the hosts about recent violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea, and called on the EU to support Vietnam’s stance of settling the disputes by peaceful means without use of force or threat to use force in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The European leaders expressed wish to boost ties with Vietnam and vowed to do their best to speed up the ratification of the two pacts.

The EU side asked Vietnam to consider adopting the International Labour Organisation’s several conventions.

Binh affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to global integration with specific roadmap, including fine-tuning domestic laws in line with international law and practices such as the ILO’s conventions No. 98, 105 and 87.

On the East Sea issue, EC and EP leaders affirmed their support for Vietnam’s stance, holding that disputes should be settled via negotiations without use of force or threat to use force in line with international law, for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Earlier on September 26, Binh also delivered a keynote speech at the Europa Connectivity Forum./.

Vietnam, US step up defence ties

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (right) and US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh on September 27 suggested Vietnam and the US push ahead with cooperation on navigation, maritime security and the settlement of war consequences.

Vinh made the call at a reception for US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink and a delegation of the Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

He said the cooperation will contribute to peace, stability and development in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the reception, Ambassador Kritenbrink described security and defence cooperation as a bright spot in the Vietnam-US relationship, and expressed his belief that the good relations between armies of the two countries will be enhanced in the time ahead.

Major General Stephen Sklenka, Director of the US Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, briefed the host on outcomes of the meeting between his delegation and representatives of the Foreign Relations Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence.

The two agencies reached high consensus on the building of roadmaps and plans to promote the implementation of the cooperation programme between the two defence ministries in 2019 and the years to come, he said./.

Condolences over passing of ex-President of France

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Nguyen Phu Trong on September 27 sent a message of condolences to French President Emmanuel Macron over the passing of ex-President Jacques Chirac.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also extended condolences to his French counterpart Edouard Philippe.

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh cabled a message of condolences to French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Ex-President Jacques Chirac passed away on September 26 at the age of 86./.

Former leaders give feedback on draft political report

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at the event

The Politburo and the sub-committee in charge of compiling documents for the 13th National Party Congress held a conference in Hanoi on September 27 to collect former Party and State leaders’ feedback on the draft political report and the draft report on the 10-year implementation of the Political Platform 2011.

Attending the event were former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, former Politburo member and President Tran Duc Luong, former Politburo members and National Assembly (NA) Chairmen Nguyen Van An and Nguyen Sinh Hung, former Vice Presidents, Deputy Prime Ministers and NA Vice Chairmen.

Speaking at the event, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, who is also head of the sub-committee, asked former Party and State leaders to give their opinions to the two documents, especially major issues in the draft political report.

Participants offered their opinions on the coming congress’s directions and key issues in the draft political report, including the socio-economic achievements over the past five years, goals till the mid-21st century and 2025, 2030 and 2045, the building of a strong and transparent Party and political system, and breakthrough stages for the congress.

Concluding the event, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong said the Politburo will direct the sub-committee to acquire feedback at the event to refine documents and submit to the upcoming 11th session of the Party Central Committee./.

Lao top legislator highly values Vietnamese NA’s experience

Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotou speaks at the symposium in Vientiane on September 27

Chairwoman of the Lao National Assembly (NA) Pany Yathotou highly valued the experiences the Vietnamese NA shared at the symposium that she and her Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan co-chaired in Vientiane on September 27.

The two sides discussed policies and laws on occupational education and employment in the morning.

In the afternoon session, they shared experience in the coordination among the NA, the Government and relevant agencies in the settlement of complaints and denunciations.

At the event, the two sides agreed to continue working together to share more experience in order to help the NAs perform well their function of being the supreme representative agencies of the Vietnamese and Lao peoples.

Concluding the symposium, the host said the two sides exchanged experience in performing their roles, rights, obligations and tasks, helping to promote the effectiveness of the state and society management by law.

She appreciated the Vietnamese side’s speeches which, she said, provided precious lessons for the Lao parliament to consider.

The leader also said the two NAs have stood side by side in performing their duties, which has greatly contributed to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Vietnamese and Lao parliaments have co-organised eight workshops during the ongoing 14th tenure of the Vietnamese legislature and the 8th tenure of the Lao one, four of which were co-chaired by the NAs’ leaders./.

Vietnam, Finland discuss measures to advance relations

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (L) and Acting Deputy PM of Finland Mika Lintila

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh had talks with Acting Deputy PM and Minister of Finance of Finland Mika Lintila in Helsinki on September 27, as part of his official visit to the European nation.

The host welcomed Deputy PM Binh’s visit, saying that it will create a new driving force for the two countries’ relations to continue growing strongly.

He also affirmed that Finland attaches importance to developing multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

At the talks, the two sides shared the view that bilateral ties have enjoyed progress in various spheres and at different levels. They agreed to increase mutual visits and meetings at all levels and continue to effectively implement the existing cooperation mechanisms.

Trade – investment partnerships play an important role in the countries’ relations and have recorded considerable strides. However, they have yet to match both sides’ potential and expectations.

Therefore, Binh asked the Finnish Government to encourage the country’s businesses to invest in Vietnam in the fields they have strength like environment, renewable energy, waste treatment and innovation.

In return, Lintila said the more than 100 Finnish enterprises in Vietnam are making efforts to promote the joint projects with their local partners in the fields matching Finland’s strength and Vietnam’s demand.

The two officials also discussed measures to enhance the countries’ connections in science – technology, education – training, justice, law, and social security system building.

They described the Vietnamese community in Finland as a bridge linking both nations, adding that they will coordinate to create conditions for them to integrate into the local society.

Deputy PM Binh called on Finland to back the comprehensive development of the Vietnam – EU relations.

The host official said his country supports the ties and hopes that the Vietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement will be ratified and take effect as soon as possible so as to benefit all parties and help strengthen economic, trade and investment links between Vietnam and Finland.

At the talks, both sides agreed to bolster coordination at regional and international forums and join common cooperation to deal with global issues.

They also exchanged ideas on some regional and international issues of shared concern, including the recent developments in the East Sea, and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom, safety and security of navigation and aviation in the region, and of resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Also on September 27, Deputy PM Binh met with First Deputy Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Tuula Haatainen.

Binh spoke highly of the Finnish Parliament’s contributions to bilateral relations and hoped that the two countries’ legislatures will continue working together to help implement the signed agreements and set up new directions for bilateral ties.

He conveyed the Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong’s invitations to visit Vietnam to the speaker and deputy speaker of the Finnish Parliament.

The Deputy PM also expressed his hope for the establishment of a Finland – Vietnam parliamentary friendship group to help foster collaboration between the two parliaments and the two countries.

For her part, Deputy Speaker Haatainen said the Finnish Parliament supports a stronger friendship between the two peoples as well as more effective relations between the two countries. She also agreed on the need to further reinforce the parliamentary partnership, including through the setting up of a parliamentary friendship group.

At the meeting, she highly valued Vietnam’s development achievements and efforts in green growth and environmental protection, noting that the Finnish Parliament supports stronger cooperation in economy, education, environment and climate change response.

Deputy PM Binh reiterated Vietnam’s commitments relevant to environmental protection, climate change response, improvement of people’s living standards, and development quality. He said the country wishes to keep effectively partnering with Finland in these fields so as to build on the cooperation attainments over the past years./.

Front leader: Vietnam takes RoK as an important partner

The working session with between Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man (third, left) and Speaker of the RoK National Assembly Moon Hee-sang (first, right)

Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man said Vietnam always considers Republic of Korea (RoK) one of its most important partners, while paying a courtesy call to Speaker of the RoK National Assembly Moon Hee-sang in Seoul on September 27.

Man expressed his wish that Speaker Moon would continue supporting the development of bilateral ties and assisting the Vietnamese community in the RoK, especially Vietnamese women marrying Korean citizens.

He also wished that the RoK would continue supporting Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance in maintaining peace, stability, maritime freedom and safety in the East Sea, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards reaching an effective and practical Code of Conduct in the East Sea at an early date.

Vietnam consistently backs peace, stability, denuclearisation and settlement of issues on the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner via dialogues and negotiations, he said, affirming that within its capacity, Vietnam will make active contributions to the peace process on the Korean peninsula.

Moon, for his part, said the RoK’s New Southern Policy treasures ties with ASEAN, including Vietnam, and thanked Vietnam for its active contributions to the peace process on the Korean peninsula.

Also the same day, Man had a meeting with head of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) of the RoK Lee Hae-chan.

The guest said the Vietnam visit early this year by Lee opened up a new chapter for ties between the DP and the Communist Party of Vietnam, thus laying a solid political foundation for the Vietnam – RoK strategic cooperative partnership.

He wished that the DP would continue supporting ties between the VFF and RoK partners, as well as the people-to-people exchange between the RoK and Vietnamese organisations and localities.

During a working session with Chairman of the RoK’s Economic, Social and Labor Council Moon Seong-hyeon, Man asked the host to protect the legitimate rights of Vietnamese workers in the country.

He suggested that both sides sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation for the 2020 – 2025 period in the time to come.

Moon promised to do his best to ensure the rights and interests of foreign workers, including those from Vietnam.

In those meetings, Man proposed that the RoK accept the launch of a direct air route connecting Can Tho and the RoK to make it easier for Mekong Delta women marrying Koreans to visit their native land and simplify procedures for Vietnamese travellers to the country.

During its stay, the Vietnamese delegation attended the debut of the Vietnam-Korea Businessmen and Investment Association, visited the Energy Zero Centre and the agriculture technical institute in Gyeonggi province, and held a working session with the Saemaul (New Village) movement’s central committee./.

NA Vice Chairman pays working visit to Germany

NA Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty (fifth, right) and other Vietnamese officials in a photo with Vice President of the German parliament Thomas Oppermann (fourth, right)

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Do Ba Ty led a high-ranking delegation on a working visit to Germany from September 24 to 27.

On September 26, the Vice Chairman had talks with Vice President of the German parliament Thomas Oppermann and received Chairman of the parliament’s Defence Committee Wolfgang Hellmich.

At the talks with the German parliament’s Vice President, Ty affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to reinforcing relations with Germany in all aspects and considers the country a trustworthy and leading partner in Europe.

He thanked the parliament for supporting the German Government’s continuation of official development assistance for Vietnam, affirming that the projects funded through that assistance have been greatly helping with Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

The Vice Chairman also asked Germany to further assist Vietnam in the fields matching the former’s strength and the latter’s demand like vocational training, climate change response, waste treatment, environmental protection and high technology.

Both sides shared the view that the strategic partnership between the two countries is growing strongly, noting that aside from connections in politics, economy, trade and investment, parliamentary cooperation is one of the important pillars that are being promoted strongly.

Oppermann affirmed his country’s support for the early ratification of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). It also wishes to step up cultural exchanges through activities of the Goethe Institute in Vietnam.

The two sides also agreed to bolster partnerships in other areas like defence, science – technique and industry.

Vice Chairman Ty appreciated Germany’s advocacy of the EVFTA and EVIPA signing, calling on the country to continue promoting the European Parliament and the EU member parliaments’ early ratification of the two deals so that they will become effective soon and generate practical benefits for businesses and people of both sides.

On this occasion, he thanked Germany, along with the UK and France, for issuing statements on the East Sea situation. He asked Germany and other EU members to back Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue and urge the parties concerned not to repeat violations, not use force or military actions, respect countries’ legal interests, resolve disputes by peaceful measures, and respect international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

At the talks, Ty voiced his hope that the two countries will keep close coordination at multilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially within the framework of the United Nations, as Vietnam will serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020 – 2021, Chair of ASEAN for 2020 and Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) for 2019 – 2020, while Germany will take over the EU presidency in 2020 and is currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

During their trip to Germany, the Vietnamese NA’s delegation visited the state of Hessen where they had meetings with President of Hessen’s parliament Boris Rhein and Minister-President of the state Volker Bouffier.

The Hessen leaders expressed their wish to further enhance cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in vocational training and the industries which Hessen is strong at.

Both sides agreed that aside from cooperation at the central level, locality-to-locality partnerships, including between Vietnamese localities and Hessen, should also be fostered.

Vice Chairman Ty said in the strategic partnership with Germany, Vietnam always treasures ties with German states, including Hessen, and considers the relationship with Hessen a bright example of the two countries’ connections.

The hosts and guest said there remain much potential and many opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Hessen, especially in the fields of Hessen’s strength and Vietnam’s demand such as industry, pharmaceutical and vocational training.

They shared the view that the effective implementation of the Vietnamese-German University project, a “lighthouse” of bilateral cooperation in training, is of important significance reflecting Germany’s goodwill in assisting Vietnam to train skilled human resources amid the Industry 4.0 era.

At the meetings, both sides also exchanged viewpoints on many international and regional issues of shared concern. They showed their support for the maintenance of multilateral cooperation mechanisms on the basis of respecting international law, for the sake peace and stability in the regions and the world.

During the visit, the Vietnamese NA’s delegation also had working sessions with officials of the German military and the friendship group for relations with the ASEAN nations at the German parliament./.

Get-together in Hanoi marks China’s 70th National Day

Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo addresses the event in Hanoi on September 27

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-China Friendship Association held a get-together in Hanoi on September 27 to celebrate China’s 70th National Day (October 1).

Speaking at the event, VUFO President Nguyen Phuong Nga said that Vietnam and China have enjoyed a traditional friendship. The bilateral relations have been strengthened over the years, contributing to the struggle for independence, freedom and national construction of each nation.

Nga said the development of friendship between the two nations in a stable and sustainable manner, observance of agreements and common perceptions of high-ranking leaders, and well control of disputes at sea, are not only the responsibility of the two Parties and States, but also the desire of the Vietnamese and Chinese people, thus greatly benefiting international and regional peace, stability and development.

She affirmed that the VUFO and the Vietnam-China Friendship Association have joined hands with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Vietnam Friendship Association to organise various meaningful people-to-people exchange programmes.

They will also work closely their Chinese partners to arrange activities to mark the 70th founding anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties next year, Nga noted.

In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo spoke highly of efforts made by the VUFO and the Vietnam-China Friendship Association and the China-Vietnam Friendship Association in fostering people-to-people exchanges, thereby consolidating the traditional friendship which has been nurtured by predecessor leaders./.

Front delegation visits Thailand

Vice President and Secretary General of Vietnam Fatherland Front's Central Committee Hau A Lenh (L) and Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Supachai Phosu

A delegation of the Vietnam Fatherland Front led by Vice President and Secretary General of its Central Committee Hau A Lenh is paying a working visit to Thailand from September 26-30.

Within the framework of the activities in Bangkok, the Vietnamese official made a courtesy call to Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Supachai Phosu, met representatives of the Thailand – Vietnam Friendship Association (TVFA), and had a working session with the Thai Election Committee.

Supachai said the official visit to Thailand by Vietnamese NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and her attendance at the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 40) in August achieved good results, contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two parliaments and peoples.

He also praised contributions by the Vietnamese community in Thailand to his country’s development.

Lenh congratulated Thailand on successfully organizing the recent general election, expressing his hope that Thailand will continue to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expats to stably work and live in the country.

The two sides reviewed multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations from politics, diplomacy, trade, investment to culture, education, defence, and security, stressing the need for the both to strengthen their cooperation in various areas to promote potential and strength of each country, thus reinforcing the Vietnam-Thailand strategic partnership.

At a meeting with the delegation, TVFA First Vice Chairman Prapansak Bhatayanond affirmed the important role of the TVFA and the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association in promoting people diplomacy, expanding cooperation and understanding of culture and people between the two countries.

For his part, Lenh said the two friendship associations have contributed to deepening the bilateral relations.

The Vietnamese delegation also visited northeastern Udon Thani province where a large number of overseas Vietnamese are living there.

As scheduled, they will offer incense at the memorial of late President Ho Chi Minh in Udon Thani, attend the Thailand-Vietnam international trade promotion conference and meet the Executive Committee of the General Association of Vietnamese in Thailand./.

Power control important to Party building

A delegation of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption at a working session in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak

Party members and the public have expressed their approval of the Politburo’s new regulation on power control in personnel work, and the prevention of bribery to acquire high-ranking positions.

Regulation No. 205-QD/TW, which was made public on September 23, has attracted the special attention of officials, Party members and people of all social strata, as it comes in the run-up to all-level Party congresses, towards the 13th National Party Congress.

Overall opinions hope that with the new regulation, the all-level Party congresses will be able to elect officials who have both the talent and mortal virtue to lead the country forward.

Major General Nguyen Van Ninh, former deputy head of the Department of Operations under the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, said the 12th National Party Congress focused on Party building and rectification, one of which was personnel work correction.

The key to personnel work correction is controlling power of officials and preventing the use of bribery and influence for high-ranking positions, he said.

Ninh pointed out that many officials, including those holding high positions, have committed violations due to individualism. He said the use of bribery and influence for high-ranking positions has been prevalent, which goes with embezzlement and corruption. Many have promoted their subordinates based on connections and family relations instead of standards and performances, he added.

Heads of Party committees and organisations, and agencies must have good morals and sense of justice, set bright examples in the personnel work, and show their diligence, thrift, integrity and selflessness following the example of the late President Ho Chi Minh, he stressed.

Associate Prof. Nguyen Chi My, former member of the standing board of the Hanoi Party Committee and former head of the Hanoi Party Committee’s board for popularisation and education, said the issuance of Regulation No. 205-QD/TW is a timely move.

According to My, moral degradation and the use of bribery and influence for power and high-ranking positions are no longer isolated cases. The bad practice has become rather common in Party organisations and among officials and Party members over the past years, leading to the abuse of power.

HeMy said many officials, including those holding high positions, have been disciplined, sparking public concern.

The personnel work must strictly follow Party’s principles, while democracy and transparency must be ensured, he said.

My also highlighted the role of heads of Party committees in power control in the personnel work and the fight against bribery for acquiring power and high-ranking positions./.

Vietnam, US step up defence ties

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (right) and US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh on September 27 suggested Vietnam and the US push ahead with cooperation on navigation, maritime security and the settlement of war consequences.

Vinh made the call at a reception for US Ambassador Daniel J. Kritenbrink and a delegation of the Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

He said the cooperation will contribute to peace, stability and development in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the reception, Ambassador Kritenbrink described security and defence cooperation as a bright spot in the Vietnam-US relationship, and expressed his belief that the good relations between armies of the two countries will be enhanced in the time ahead.

Major General Stephen Sklenka, Director of the US Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, briefed the host on outcomes of the meeting between his delegation and representatives of the Foreign Relations Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence.

The two agencies reached high consensus on the building of roadmaps and plans to promote the implementation of the cooperation programme between the two defence ministries in 2019 and the years to come, he said./.

Hanoi leader lauds diplomat’s efforts to connect city with Lao localities

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung (R) receives Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung has lauded the support of Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Thongsavanh Phomvihane in expanding the city’s partnership with Lao localities.

At a meeting with the Lao diplomat in Hanoi on September 27, Chung said that he will continue directing the speeding up of agreements signed by the two sides.

Reviewing a number of delegation exchanges between the two sides, the city leader said that the activities have contributed to reinforcing the Vietnam-Laos special relations.

He expressed his hope that the ambassador will continue helping connect Hanoi and Vientiane as well as other localities of Laos.

For his part, Ambassador Thongsavanh Phomvihane said that he is impressed at the breakthrough development of Vietnam and Hanoi over the years, adding that he has leant helpful experience from Vietnam.

He thanked Hanoi authorities for supporting activities of the Lao Embassy, showing his belief that despite changes in the world situation, the Laos-Vietnam relationship will continue to develop sustainably.

In early 2020, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chung will lead a delegation to visit Vientiane. From 2020, Hanoi will offer dozens of scholarships to Lao students to study in Hanoi-based universities, said the municipal leader./.

Deputy PM active on sidelines of UN General Assembly’s 74th session

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had bilateral meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) in New York on September 26.

At a reception for US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, Minh affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to the relations with the US and wants to further promote the bilateral ties as the two countries are to mark the 25th anniversary of the normalisation of their relations in 2020.

Minh proposed that the two sides strengthen contact and dialogues, especially at the high level, as well as further deepen and expand partnerships in trade-investment, security-defence, and enhance cooperation in regional and international issues.

The US official expressed his pleasure at the growing comprehensive partnership between the two countries in recent years and hoped the two sides will deepen relations in all fields.

He affirmed the US’ commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, saying the US has interests in ensuring rules-based order, freedom, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

He hoped Vietnam and the US will maintain all-level delegation exchanges, hold regular consultations and coordinate at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Deputy PM Minh also held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Uganda Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Everard Gonsalves, and Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum, who all congratulated Vietnam on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

They proposed measures to increase the exchange of delegations and promote cooperation in economy, trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and coordination at multilateral forums./.

Power control important to Party building

A delegation of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-Corruption at a working session in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak

Party members and the public have expressed their approval of the Politburo’s new regulation on power control in personnel work, and the prevention of bribery to acquire high-ranking positions.

Regulation No. 205-QD/TW, which was made public on September 23, has attracted the special attention of officials, Party members and people of all social strata, as it comes in the run-up to all-level Party congresses, towards the 13th National Party Congress.

Overall opinions hope that with the new regulation, the all-level Party congresses will be able to elect officials who have both the talent and mortal virtue to lead the country forward.

Major General Nguyen Van Ninh, former deputy head of the Department of Operations under the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, said the 12th National Party Congress focused on Party building and rectification, one of which was personnel work correction.

The key to personnel work correction is controlling power of officials and preventing the use of bribery and influence for high-ranking positions, he said.

Ninh pointed out that many officials, including those holding high positions, have committed violations due to individualism. He said the use of bribery and influence for high-ranking positions has been prevalent, which goes with embezzlement and corruption. Many have promoted their subordinates based on connections and family relations instead of standards and performances, he added.

Heads of Party committees and organisations, and agencies must have good morals and sense of justice, set bright examples in the personnel work, and show their diligence, thrift, integrity and selflessness following the example of the late President Ho Chi Minh, he stressed.

Associate Prof. Nguyen Chi My, former member of the standing board of the Hanoi Party Committee and former head of the Hanoi Party Committee’s board for popularisation and education, said the issuance of Regulation No. 205-QD/TW is a timely move.

According to My, moral degradation and the use of bribery and influence for power and high-ranking positions are no longer isolated cases. The bad practice has become rather common in Party organisations and among officials and Party members over the past years, leading to the abuse of power.

HeMy said many officials, including those holding high positions, have been disciplined, sparking public concern.

The personnel work must strictly follow Party’s principles, while democracy and transparency must be ensured, he said.

My also highlighted the role of heads of Party committees in power control in the personnel work and the fight against bribery for acquiring power and high-ranking positions./.