An exhibition entitled “Our Country” opened on August 24 in Hanoi on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

The exhibition features over 80 remarkable landscape paintings selected from the museum's collection of modern art that were created by well-known artists of different generations. They include painters who graduated from the Indochina Art School and those who were trained in the Resistance Art courses, as well as younger generations of artists.

The beauty of different regions of Vietnam is vividly depicted through the artists’ perspectives and diverse styles. Popular destinations of the country such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are portrayed at the exhibition, reflecting the artists love for the homeland.

The country is an inspiration for many art forms, Vietnam Fine Art Museum’s director Nguyen Anh Minh said in his opening remarks, adding that it is an endless source of emotions that each artist wants to convey through affection and talent.

This is the first time the museum combined a conventional method of exhibiting the artworks with digital technology and cinematography. With this new experience, the exhibition is expected to nourish the love for art and country, he noted.

The exhibition will run until September 10.

HCM City's leader receives Belgian Senate President

Politburo member, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen hosted a reception on August 25 for visiting President of the Belgian Senate Stéphanie D'Hose, at which he highlighted the potential of cooperation between the city and Belgium.

Nen highlighted the growing partnership between Vietnam and Belgium in all fields from politics, diplomacy to economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges, stressing that the two sides shared common interest in areas of education, culture, settling consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin, women protection as well as environmental protection and climate change response.

He said that HCM City is an economic, culture, education-training, science and technology hub of Vietnam and the country’s centre for international integration. The city has always implemented promptly programmes and plans of leaders of the two nations in all areas, Nen said, adding that HCM City has many effective cooperation projects with Belgium.

However, the official held that the current trade and investment partnership between the city and Belgium has remained modest compared to the potential and aspirations of the two sides. He believed that the Belgian Senate President’s visit will help deepen the cooperation between the two sides, especially between the city and Belgian localities.

Nen suggested D'Hose pay attention to assisting Belgium businesses in investing in the city, thus helping the city to perform its role as an economic driving force of the country.

The official highly evaluated and thanked the House of Representatives of Belgium for issuing a resolution on support to Agent Orange/dioxin (AO) victims in Vietnam.

For her part, D'Hose expressed her great impressions of Vietnam and its people. She said that her visit aimed to reinforce and further strengthen the Vietnam-Belgium relations.

The Belgian leader briefed the host on the outcomes of her visit, including the signing of a letter of intent between the Belgian parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly. She affirmed that the visit has given her a deeper insight into Vietnam and its people, which prompts her to make greater efforts to bolster cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade, investment and connecting businesses of the two sides.

Pointing out similarities in history between Vietnam and Belgium, D’Hose said that the Belgium Parliament is planning to approve the resolution on support to AO victims in Vietnam and will continue to assist the victims as well as the settlement of AO consequences. It will call on the World Health Organisation and other international organisations to increase research on the consequences of AO, and urge the US to continue assisting Vietnam in dealing with the aftermaths of AO, she added.

About 410,000 passengers expected at Noi Bai airport during National Day holidays

Noi Bai International Airport (NIA) in Hanoi is expected to welcome about 410,000 passengers and nearly 2,500 flights during the four-day National Day holidays, up 37% and 17% annually, respectively, the NIA's leader said on August 24.

The airport forecast a 5% increase in passenger traffic compared to regular days. 

During this period, the peak day is expected to cater to more than 106,000 passengers, including 31,000 foreigners and over 75,000 domestic visitors; and 637 flights, including 230 international and more than 407 domestic ones.

The airport also encourages passengers to complete web check-in or use kiosks at the terminal for self-check-in, which helps save time by avoiding queues at the check-in counters.

The upcoming holidays will last from September 1-4.

Efforts to promote Vietnamese language in Vietnamese communities abroad

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has agreed with the content of a 2024 plan to mark Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language in Vietnamese Communities Abroad (September 8) next year as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnamese representative agencies abroad are set to collaborate with relevant ministries, agencies, localities to implement activities within the framework of the plan, promoting the expats’ maintenance of their mother tongue; recognising and encouraging exemplary individuals who contribute to such preservation work in the communities.

The funding for implementing the plan will come from the state budget, sponsorships, support from organisations, and individuals in Vietnam and abroad, and other sources in line with regulations.

On August 3, 2022, the Prime Minister approved a project serving the celebration of the date for 2023 - 2030. Accordingly, responding activities are set to be carried out throughout the year and can be integrated into festivals and significant national anniversaries.

The project aims to make the day an important annual milestone in the cultural and spiritual life of the communities through practical events to honor the richness of the Vietnamese language and enhance awareness, particularly of the younger generation, on the language. It is also expected to act as a driving force to promote Vietnamese teaching and learning.

Hanoi FC to play defending AFC Champions League champions

V-League champions Hanoi FC of Vietnam will play alongside regional powerhouses of Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and China in the same group at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2023.

The fixtures for the group stage were announced at a draw held on August 24 at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

As the only Vietnamese representative in the tournament, Hanoi FC will play in Group J the likes of Wuhan Three Towns of China, Pohang Steelers of the RoK, and Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan - the defending champions of the AFC Champions League.

Hanoi FC were placed in Pot 3 alongside other clubs such as Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines, Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia, Melbourne City FC of Australia, and Lion City Sailors of Singapore.

A total of 40 teams, have been divided into 10 groups of four and will compete in this year’s AFC Champions League.

Out of the 10 groups, five will comprise of teams from West Zone (groups A to E), whilst five will see teams from East Zone (groups F to J). 

Group winners along with the three best second-placed teams from each zone, will progress to the knockouts, which will run from February to April, before the two-legged Champions League finals take place from May 11 to 18, 2024.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Hai Phong FC have been drawn in Group H for the AFC Cup where they are to compete against Hougang United of Singapore, Sabah FC of Malaysia, and Central Cost Mariners of Australia.

Group matches are scheduled to take place from September to early December.

ASEAN honours two eco-schools, two young eco-champions of Vietnam

Two schools and two people in Vietnam were honoured at the 4th ASEAN Eco-Schools and 2nd ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Awards, respectively, within the framework of the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment in Vientiane on August 23.

Nhon Nghia 1 in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho was honoured in the primary school category, while Yen Lac in the northern province of Vinh Phuc was named in the list of eco-secondary schools.

Nguyen Hong Minh, an activist in sea turtle conservation, the founder of the Simple Heart old paper and plastic bottle recycling project, was named as an ASEAN youth eco-champion in the age group of 26-35; and Nguyen Chau Bao, leader of Act-Now Team which gathers many young people to participate in the campaign against littering in the community in Lam Dong province’s Da Lat city, in the age group of 18-25.

To date, Vietnam has had eight eco-schools, and four young eco-champions.

The ASEAN Eco-Schools and ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Awards are held every four years, honouring primary and secondary schools and young individuals from ASEAN member states with outstanding achievements in environmental education activities.

Public bicycle sharing service debuts in Hanoi

Tri Nam Group on August 24 launched a public bicycle sharing service in Hanoi in an effort to keep the capital city clean and green.

In the first phase, 1,000 bicycles, including 500 electric bicycles, will be arranged at 79 stations across the city. These bicycle stations are linked to bus stops, public parks and tourist attractions.

The firm will charge VND10,000 for a 30-minute trip on electric bikes and VND5,000 for a 30-minute trip on normal bicycles. Full day hire will cost VND120,000 for an electric bike and VND60,000 for a normal bike.

Addressing the ceremony, Do Ba Dan, CEO of Tri Nam JSC, noted that during the 7-day test run starting August 16, as many as 7,454 trips had been recorded, with a combined length of nearly 47,000km. According to calculations, he said bike riders had helped reduce more than 2,844 kg of CO2 into the atmosphere as opposed to traveling by motorcycles.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, deputy head of the Hanoi government, said the city gives priority to achieving the sustainable development goal and improving the quality of life for its people. The use of clean energy vehicles, including bicycles, will help the city reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

The development of the public bicycle sharing service will contribute to improving operational efficiency and diversifying modes of public passenger transport, gradually changing people’s travel habits, and reducing environmental pollution, noted the official.

Instructions for new riders at public bicycle sharing points in Hanoi

To use the bike, riders are required to download a free public bicycle sharing application called TNGo, top up their account, and use a magnetic card or smartphone to scan the QR code on the key to unlock the bike.

The application also supports riders in finding the nearest bike station, registering for a rent, choosing a fare based on time of use, and viewing transaction history, along with offering exercisers, and measuring burned calories and travelled distance.

The bike stations do not need custodians, and users can return the bike at any station. In case the amount of money in the account is not enough, riders can continue to travel by a public e-bike, and the rental fee will be calculated the next time when they deposit money into the account.

VN- Korea Food and Culture Festival 2023 kicks off in Hà Nội

Việt Nam - Korea Food and Culture Festival 2023 will take place on August 26 and 27 at Trần Nhân Tông pedestrian street, Thống Nhất Park in Hà Nội.

The Hà Nội Media Association in collaboration with related units organised the festival with the aim to introduce and promote the unique cultural features of Việt Nam and the Republic of Korea to the residents of the capital through cultural, artistic and culinary activities. It also aims to strengthen the cultural and commercial relationship between the two countries.

Việt Nam - Korea Food and Culture Festival is a great chance for anyone who loves South Korea to explore the country's culture and cuisine.

Professors and students from six universities in Gyeongbuk Province will join the festival, including Andong National University, Kyungwoon University, Kyungil University, Daegu University, Daegu Hanny University, Yeungnam University, and Jeju Tourism University from Jeju Province.

North Gyeongsang Province is home of Korea's traditional culture with numerous hundred-year-old villages, well-known landmarks and unique traditional cultural festivals. North Gyeongsang is also known as a "museum without a roof", with various UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the National Buddhist Temple, Seokguram Cave and Changdeokgung Palace.

This year, the festival also features 14 companies in the fields of food, cosmetics and content production.

Along with culinary activities, many recreational activities will be held including the Talent search contest "Cultural colours of Việt Nam - Korea", and Việt Nam - Korea children's fashion show.

300 people are also expected to join a flashmob dance to the song Flower by BLACKPINK member Jisoo.

Citizens in Hà Nội will also have an opportunity to try on Hanbook costumes and participate in Korean and Vietnamese folk games. 

Green sea turtle in Con Dao suspected of being killed for eggs

A green sea turtle found dead on a beach in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau was killed for its eggs and organs, according to experts.

The green sea turtle was discovered lifeless on Dat Doc Beach in Con Dao Island on August 24. It was a mother turtle, weighing around 85-90 kilos and 91 centimetres long.

The right hip of the animal had a roughly 15 cm-long incision, with no eggs or organs remaining inside. A 1.50m-long cord was also tightly bound around the left pectoral fin. It was in the state of decomposition, suggesting it may have died around a week ago. 

According to initial assessments, the turtle would have been killed for its eggs. The criminal used the cord to submerge the turtle in the sea to hide the evidence.

Regarding the question of why just the eggs and organs of the turtle had been removed, experts suggested that if the perpetrator had butchered the meat, it would have been cumbersome and difficult to hide.

According to Con Dao National Park’s management, the case was regarded as a criminal offence and they would cooperate in the investigation with other agencies.

The green sea turtle, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas, is a precious endangered species that needs to be preserved.

Under Article 244 of the Penal Code, anyone who is involved in actions like hunting, killing, and illegally transporting animals in the list of species prioritised for protection, may be fined from VND500 million to VND2 billion or sentenced to between 1-15 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offence.

Precious wood and pangolin scale smugglers arrested

Two men in the central province of Nghe An have been detained for illegally transporting a large amount of wood and pangolin scales.

The smugglers were intercepted on Road 542C in Hung Thong Commune in Hung Nguyen District on Wednesday.The police stopped the trailer truck driven by Le Van Sang, 37, from Nghe An’s Thanh Chuong District for a check. He was accompanied by Pham Dinh Hieu, 19, in the vehicle.

The police found 2.10 tonnes of ebony wood and 2.50 tonnes of pangolin scales in the trailer storage compartment. The goods were valued at around VND10 billion (USD425,531).

The wood was divided into 29 pieces and pangolin scales were contained in 63 bags.

The two men failed to show paperwork related to the goods. They confessed that they intended to transport the products from Laos to Ha Tinh Province through Cau Treo International Border Gate.

Vietnamese MICE travellers to Thailand surge

Thailand has welcomed 35,000 Vietnamese tourists coming for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) activities so far this year.

The information was given by Puripan Bunnag, Senior Vice President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau at a business forum held by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in HCM City on Thursday. 

According to Bunnag, since early this year, MICE travellers from Vietnam have accounted for roughly 10 percent of the total number of Asian MICE tourists to the country during the time.

Thailand has set a goal to attract 15,000 more MICE tourists from Vietnam by the end of this year, he added.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand served 1.50 million MICE tourists per year. But, after the pandemic, the figure has dropped to 750,000 annually.

At the forum, he expressed how impressed he was by Vietnam’s economic growth of 8 percent last year. He added that the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau considered Vietnam as a key partner for cooperation.

This year, Thailand will hold dozens of exhibitions and fairs in various areas, which would be good opportunities for Vietnamese businesses.

Ho Chi Minh City to set off fireworks on National Day

Fireworks are due to light up the skies over Ho Chi Minh City on September 2 to celebrate the 78th anniversary of National Day.

A high-altitude firework display will be held from the roof of the Saigon River tunnel in Thu Thiem tunnel of Thu Duc city, whilst one low-altitude display will be set off in the Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11.

Ho Chi Minh City also plans to hold various artistic programmes to mark the event, including a special arts programme which is scheduled to take place on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 2.

Furthermore, the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed flying hot-air balloons on Nguyen Thien Thanh street in Thu Duc city on September 2 and September 3.

The country will enjoy a four-day holiday from September 1 to September 4 in order to celebrate the upcoming National Day.

Vietnam enjoys gold rush on first day of SEA age group swimming champs

The nation left other countries in their wake after claiming 16 gold medals on the first competition day of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Age Group Swimming Championship on August 24.

In the mixed relay event of 4x400m freestyle for athletes aged under 18, Le Thanh Danh, Pham Thi Van, Duong Van Hoang Quy, and Nguyen Thuy Hien brought home the first gold medal for Vietnam after clocking a time of 3’42”56. They were followed by swimmers of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, respectively.

Elsewhere, Nguyen Quang Thuan won a gold medal in the men’s 400 metre freestyle category in the 16 to 18 age group. 

Meanwhile, Vo Thi My Tien became the champion in the women’s 400 metre freestyle category in the 16 to 18 age group.  Young swimmers also came first in various categories of different age groups, such as the 14 to 15’s 100 metre butterfly, the 16 to 18’s 50 metre freestyle, and the U18s’ 4x800m relay.

Furthermore, they claimed nine silver and three bronze medals in other categories.

The annual SEA age group swimming champs draws the participation of over 260 swimmers from numerous Southeast Asian countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The competitors are divided into three age groups, U13s, 14 to 15, and 16 to 18, to compete for 105 sets of medals.

The 45th edition of the tournament will last through to August 26, with Vietnam sending 31 competitors to the tournament.

Efforts to promote Vietnamese language in Vietnamese communities abroad

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has agreed with the content of a 2024 plan to mark Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language in Vietnamese Communities Abroad (September 8) next year as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vietnamese representative agencies abroad are set to collaborate with relevant ministries, agencies, localities to implement activities within the framework of the plan, promoting the expats’ maintenance of their mother tongue; recognising and encouraging exemplary individuals who contribute to such preservation work in the communities.

The funding for implementing the plan will come from the state budget, sponsorships, support from organisations, and individuals in Vietnam and abroad, and other sources in line with regulations.

On August 3, 2022, the Prime Minister approved a project serving the celebration of the date for 2023 - 2030. Accordingly, responding activities are set to be carried out throughout the year and can be integrated into festivals and significant national anniversaries.

The project aims to make the day an important annual milestone in the cultural and spiritual life of the communities through practical events to honor the richness of the Vietnamese language and enhance awareness, particularly of the younger generation, on the language. It is also expected to act as a driving force to promote Vietnamese teaching and learning.

Vietnam actively contributes to promoting ASEAN financial cooperation: official

Deputy Minister of Finance Vo Thanh Hung, who led a Vietnamese delegation to the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) held in Jakarta, said that Vietnam has actively participated in the ASEAN financial cooperation process since 1995.

The ASEAN meeting is the most extensive financial cooperation channel of Vietnam so far, he said, adding that Vietnam has joined other countries to build and implement multi-sectoral cooperation activities in the financial industry.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency's resident reporter in Indonesia on the sidelines of the 10th AFMGM and related meetings taking place from August 22-25, Hung said that a highlight in Vietnam’s regional financial cooperation is that the Finance Ministry is the chair of ASEAN Insurance Regulators’ Meeting (AIRM) for the 2023-2024 term.

Specifically, Vietnam has worked with other ASEAN member countries to develop orientations to strengthen ASEAN insurance cooperation, especially on sustainable insurance, to enhance the role of the insurance industry in supporting regional sustainable development goals.

The 26th AIRM is expected to take place from December 5-8, 2023 in Vietnam’s Ha Long city.

Hung said that one of Vietnam's priority areas is the in-depth liberalisation of financial services. Vietnam's commitment to opening up its financial service market is also among the top in the region. Currently, Vietnam is continuing to actively participate in negotiating frameworks to build a transparent and deeply integrated ASEAN market.

He affirmed that efforts to promote financial cooperation in ASEAN have made positive contributions to strengthening external relations, sharing experiences, coordinating policies, enhancing the nation's position, and supporting the implementation of financial policies in Vietnam.

Regarding the 10th AFMGM, the Vietnamese official said that the meeting had completed planned tasks. A series of meetings within the 10th AFMGM framework contributed to enhancing regional financial cooperation.

For its part, Vietnam reviewed the activities of working groups in the ASEAN monetary and financial integration roadmap that aims to enhance capital market development and further liberalise regional financial services. The country also had very specific dialogues with representatives of international organisations to assess the regional and the world’s macroeconomy in the current volatile context.

Hung also highly appreciated Indonesia's initiative in strengthening inter-ministerial/sectoral coordination, particularly the organisation of the first ASEAN Finance Ministers and Health Ministers' Meeting.

According to the Deputy Minister, in the context of the post-COVID-19 pandemic, promoting cooperation between ASEAN regional health and financial authorities to strengthen regional health capacity to respond to future epidemic risks is necessary.

Hung also appreciated the organisation of the first meeting of ASEAN treasury leaders to discuss the establishment of the ASEAN Treasury Forum.

Hung said the establishment of the forum will be an important move to help the ASEAN soon develop and implement extensive cooperation and integration activities in the treasury sector on issues of common concern such as treasury management and public finance, digitalisation of public financial management, or support for sustainable financing./.

Exhibition on Vietnamese culture and people opens in Laos

An exhibition on Vietnam, its people and culture opened in Vientiane, Laos, on August 25, on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties and the 46th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

Co-hosted by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Culture Centre in Laos, the month-long event displays over 200 artifacts, photos and materials featuring the beautiful images of Vietnam as well as its nature and people, and the unity in diversity of the traditional cultures of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

They also depict the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States, and people of both countries over the past six decades.

The event is expected to help the people of both countries, especially the young generations, gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam and the bilateral special relationship.

Vietnam, China share Party building experience

Politburo member and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) Nguyen Xuan Thang hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 25 for Li Zhiyong, chairman of China's national research committee for Party building.

Thang expressed his delight at the positive developments of ties between the two Parties and countries, especially since the official China visit in late October 2022 by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Both sides took part in high level exchanges and rolled out synchronous measures to cultivate relations between the two Parties and countries in all fields and sectors, and at all levels, he said.

He proposed that both sides continue with important bilateral external activities from now until the end of this year.

Highlighting the importance of Party building and State governance both in theory and practice, Thang suggested enhancing the sharing of experience, promoting cooperation and exchange of experts in this field between the two sides, considering it a significant contribution to socialism construction in each country.

The host also proposed both sides work closely together to hold the 18th theoretical workshop between the two Parties in the near future.

Li, for his part, briefed the host about the Party building work in China. He agreed with Thang’s proposals and wished to learn about new theory achievements that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, has summarised and developed in recent years.

Earlier on August 24, deputy head of the CPV Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Hoang Dang Quang chaired a working session with the Chinese delegation, during which both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on issues related to Party building.

Quang introduced the overall goals, major tasks, and specific solutions for strengthening the CPV building since the 13th National Party Congress in early 2021. Li also updated the host about new theories and ideas regarding Party building of the Communist Party of China.

During the visit, the delegation also held a working session with several HCMA units and visited Party grassroots organisations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Seminar marks 78th founding anniversary of diplomatic sector

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the 78th founding anniversary of the diplomatic sector (August 28, 1945-2023) with a hybrid seminar held in Hanoi on August 25.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasised the need to build a comprehensive, modern diplomatic sector that plays a pioneer role in national construction and defence, adding diplomats should have both good professional knowledge and firm political mettle.

The official also reiterated the idea of “bamboo diplomacy” which was first coined by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong at the 29th diplomacy conference in 2016.  

At this conference, the Party leader highlighted the importance of diplomacy in maintaining peace, preventing conflict, and fostering international cooperation in the context of the rapidly changing world, he noted.

Participants looked into advantages as well as difficulties facing the diplomatic sector, and proposed solutions to promote its mettle, adaptability and pioneer role.

On this occasion, the ministry’s Party Committee announced winners of a writing contest on protecting the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)’s ideological foundation and refuting wrongful and hostile views.

PM stresses technological self-reliance to ensure cyber security

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the need to research, develop and reach self-reliance in technology, products and services for cybersecurity and safety in Vietnam while chairing the second meeting of the National Steering Committee on Cyber Security and Safety in Hanoi on August 25.

PM Chinh, who is also head of the committee, said hailed members of the committee and its sub-committees for fulfilling major tasks regarding cybersecurity, network information safety, national defence tasks on cyberspace, and fight against malicious and harmful information.

He called for the involvement of the entire political system, business community and the public in the world, with the committee, sub-committees and security forces directly responsible for ensuring cybersecurity and safety.

As the country is stepping up national digital transformation, cybersecurity and safety must be a crucial, regular and long-term task to maintain a secure, healthy, and trustworthy online environment for Government agencies, organisations, businesses and citizens, in parallel with socio-economic development, he said.

The committee and its office were assigned to periodically report major issues related to safeguarding national sovereignty, interests and security on cyberspace to relevant agencies, as well as hold a conference reviewing five-year implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution on national cybersecurity strategy as directed by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat.

They must also fine-tune laws and policies, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the State management on cybersecurity while raising public awareness of legal regulations on cyberspace management, identifying cyberattack plots and tricks as well as negative behaviours on cyberspace.

The PM also demanded proactive global integration in the field of cybersecurity and safety in the spirit of friendship and being a trustworthy and responsible partner in the international community, with compliance with international laws and agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.

He highlighted a need to issue a national strategy on database security and pay attention to human resources training with pilot incentives and special mechanisms for them.

Following the meeting, members of the committee must drastically perform tasks to make the work more substantial and effective in response to the changing landscape, he noted.

Vietnam, Japan cooperate in ocean waste management

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh held a working session with Japanese Minister of Environment Nishimura Akihiro in Hanoi on August 25 regarding cooperation in environment protection and climate change response.

Khanh told his Japanese counterpart that Vietnam is always at the forefront of climate change response, evidenced by the Prime Minister’s commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Vietnam has been actively partnering with other developed nations to implement the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), he said.

He called for cooperation in monitoring the quantity of waste discharged into the sea, and adopting measures to sort, collect, and process plastic waste while helping fishermen switch to the use of eco-friendly tools.

As Vietnam is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change, notably landslides in the northern mountainous region, geological fluctuations in the Central Highlands, and river and coastal erosions in the Mekong Delta, Khanh suggested Japan continue helping Vietnam build a carbon credit market and improve disaster forecasting and warning.

Akihiro, for his part, affirmed that Japan always accompanies Vietnam in environment protection and climate change response for sustainable development.

He proposed collaborating with Vietnam to survey and monitor ocean plastic waste, toward creating a handbook to improve the monitoring and surveying capacity. He also suggested inviting Vietnamese experts to Japan for training on this technology.

On the occasion, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in marine waste management. Under which, both sides will launch pilot projects and studies on marine waste in Vietnam, hold training sessions and workshops to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese members in managing marine waste, including monitoring and treatment. The two countries will share knowledge and experience to develop handbooks and guides in the field.

They also agreed to boost mutual liaison at multilateral forums on plastic waste issues; share data on marine waste monitoring, including publicly disclosed plastic waste collection data; as well as work together in other areas of mutual interest./.

Party chief visits Huu Nghi International Border Gate

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on August 25 visited and planted a tree at the Huu Nghi (Friendship) International Border Gate as part of his working trip to the northern mountainous province of Lang Son.

Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam, Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo, among others, were also present at the event.

Talking to the Chinese ambassador and representatives of competent forces at the border gate, the Party leader stressed that the name says it all, the Huu Nghi International Border Gate demonstrates the time-honoured friendship between the Vietnamese and Chinese people.

Vietnam always attaches importance and gives the top priority to building and developing its good relations with the Chinese Party, State and people, he said.

Trong lauded efforts by local authorities and competent forces at the border gate in coordinating with China to promote the friendship and cooperation between localities of the two neighbouring countries, including the management and building of a common borderline of peace, cooperation and development.

He asked Lang Son province and the border gate to carry forward the achievements and make more contributions to enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and China in the time ahead.

The border gate’s personnel should maintain their fruitful cooperation with competent forces of Chinese localities to contribute to building the shared borderline of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development, the Party chief stressed.

Located on National Highway 1A, the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, which is 17 kilometres from Lang Son city and 171 kilometres from Hanoi, witnessed entry and exist activities between Vietnam and China. It also plays an important role in terms of external affairs, and national defence and security.

Earlier, the Party leader visited and presented gifts to two families of revolution contributors in Lang Son city.

Significant activities held in Lao Cai to foster Vietnam-China friendship

The Border Guard High Command, in coordination with the Party Committee and authorities of the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, held a series of meaningful activities on August 25 as part of the 8th Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange programme.

Accordingly, they reviewed a decade of twinned relations between the border residential areas of Muong Khuong district in Lao Cai province and Haikou district in Yunnan province of China.

As many as 50 scholarships worth 100 million VND (4,300 USD) were presented to students while 10 breeding cows valued at around 200 million VND in total were granted to disadvantaged households in Muong Khuong district.

These activities have contributed to fostering the tradition of solidarity and friendship between the two Parties, States and localities.

HCM City wants to boost cooperation with Cuba’s Artemisa province: official

Ho Chi Minh City wishes to strengthen cooperation with Cuba’s Artemisa province in the areas of mutual interest and Cuba's strength like health care and bio-technology, a municipal official said on August 25.

At a reception for visiting Governor of Artemisa province and Vice President of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Ricardo Concepcion Rodriguez, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc called on Cuban leaders to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate in the Caribbean nation.

He also suggested stronger collaboration in medical personnel training, especially family doctors.

HCM City stands ready to share its experience with Artemisa in economic management and economic policy making, especially policies towards private firms, he affirmed.

For his part, Ricardo Concepcion Rodriguez said Artemisa has paid attention to preserving sites linked with Vietnam such as Ben Tre village and a kindergarten in Bauta district.

The official said his visit aims to contribute to consolidating and enhancing the relations between Vietnamese and Cuban Parties, States and people, and fostering economic ties with Vietnamese localities.

Artemisa wants to learn from Vietnam’s and HCM City’s experience in policy making and economic development in order to optimise its advantages to spur economic growth, he said.

Japan’s U15 footballers to play friendly match with Vietnamese peers

Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration Dang Ha Viet on August 25 met with a U15 football team from Japan's Nagasaki prefecture who came to Vietnam for a friendly match, as part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Speaking at the event, Viet said since 2013, Vietnam has sent delegations to JENESYS - a youth exchange programme through sports activities in judo, karate, badminton, and football organised by the Japanese Government. Many Japanese experts have also been involved in coaching Vietnam's sport teams in karate, football, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics and judo.

Deputy Director of the Nagasaki Sports Promotion Office Kawase Kosuke said the visit aims to further enhance unity and cooperation between the two countries in sports and in football in particular.

On this occasion, he congratulated Vietnam on its development and success in sports in recent years, especially the significant progress made by the Vietnamese women's national football team by joining the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Towards the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, numerous sports activities are also scheduled, including a street dance exchange programme in Hanoi in September, and a street dance competition held in Japan, among others.

The Japanese team will play a friendly match with a U15 squad of the PVF Football Academy on August 26 afternoon, and join several exchange events before returning home on August 29.

Int'l conference spotlights Vietnam-Canada relations

An international conference, titled “50-year Relationship of Vietnam-Canada: Look Back and Forward”, took place in Hanoi on August 25.

Co-organised by the Vietnam Institute of Americas Studies (VIAS) and the Canadian Embassy, it enabled participants to discuss the diplomatic relations’ progress in the past five decades from 1973 to 2023. They analysed the current regional context and international institutions of which both countries are members in order to find common ground, opportunities, and platforms serving the advancement of the ties in the time to come.

Delegates highlighted a need for the sides to further capitalise on the potential of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as well as their economic and education cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In his opening remarks, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), stressed that the friendly relations between Vietnam and Canada have been developing robustly, earning many accomplishments in all spheres, particularly politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, defence, security, education, and development cooperation.

VIAS Director Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung attributed those achievements to a strong foundation of past cooperation and the Canadian people’s support for their Vietnamese peers.

He said the two countries share common views in many areas such as maintaining peace, stability, and international security; respecting international law; supporting multilateralism; upholding human rights and equality; and contributing to sustainable development and international humanitarian activities. They also share the desire for a peaceful and stable environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, the community of over 240,000 Vietnamese people in Canada serves as a crucial bridge for people-to-people exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries, especially in such areas as innovation, green technology, digital technology, and human resources training.

Friendship insignia presented to Venezuelan diplomat

A “For peace and friendship among nations” insignia, the noblest award of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), was conferred upon Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Tatiana Pugh Moreno in recognition of her contributions to promoting solidarity and friendship, and mutual understanding between the countries’ people, at a ceremony in Hanoi on August 25.

VUFO President, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga said despite numerous challenges, especially those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Moreno and the embassy have flexibly and proactively collaborated with Vietnamese authorities to successfully organise significant events, including online talks between the two foreign ministries in March 2021 and high-level visits by Venezuelan leaders to Vietnam and representatives of Vietnamese agencies to Venezuela in 2022.

The diplomat also actively organised and participated in activities to promote the Venezuelan culture in Vietnam and vice versa.

Nga highlighted the significance of the Vietnam – Venezuela relationship, and showed support for Venezuela’s national construction and development.

She expressed her belief that Moreno will make important contributions to deepening the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Venezuela, and the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.

The Venezuelan diplomat expressed her honour to receive the insignia, and thanked the Vietnamese State and people's support for the embassy.

She affirmed that in any position, she will continue to make contributions to further strengthening and developing the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes