Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived at Amsterdam on December 10 afternoon (local time) to start his official visit to the Netherlands at the invitation of Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

He is scheduled to have talks and meetings with many leaders of the host country, visit its major economic establishments, attend the Vietnam – Netherlands business forum, witness the signing of bilateral cooperation documents, and meet representatives of the Vietnamese community there.

Over the past years, bilateral relations have seen vigorous developments in various fields, especially investment, trade, agriculture and climate change response. The Netherlands is Vietnam’s second biggest trade partner in Europe and its biggest investor in the European Union. Two-way trade in 2021 reached 8.37 billion USD, nearly 10% more than that a year earlier; and amounted to 8.2 billion USD in the first nine months of this year, marking an increase of 36% year on year.

The Netherlands counts 380 investment projects in Vietnam with a combined capital of 13.5 billion USD. Over the past two years, Vietnam has received 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from the European country.

PM meets overseas Vietnamese in Luxembourg

The Vietnamese Party and State totally respect the choice of the people and the differences, as they have no goals other than the happy and prosperous life of every people.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the statement while meeting representatives of the Vietnamese community in Luxembourg on December 10 afternoon while on a visit to the country, speaking highly of the role of the community.

He briefed them on bilateral relations and the changes back in Vietnam, as well as the outcomes of his Luxembourg visit which, he said, ushered in many great chances of cooperation between the two countries.

The leader also expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community there will continue their trust on the leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State.

Representatives of the community expressed their joy at Vietnam’s achievements and their belief on the fine future of the country, and raised their proposals on developments in various fields.

They also voiced their hope for better conditions for them to contribute to the national building and development.

Luxembourg press highlights Vietnamese PM’s visit

Newspapers in Luxembourg ran articles featuring Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the country on December 9-10, all affirming that the trip will help intensify the bilateral relations.

The Zeitung vum Lëtzebuerger Vollek (ZLV) posted an article summarising Chinh’s activities in Luxembourg, including his talks with his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel, during which they exchanged views on the bilateral ties, the EU-Vietnam relations, and international issues.

After a meeting with President of the Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen, the Vietnamese Prime Minister visited the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and attended the Vietnam-Luxembourg Economic Forum where he witnessed the signing of various letters of intent on cooperation between the two countries.

The article also stressed that with a total capital of 2.6 billion USD, Luxembourg is the European Union's third largest investor in Vietnam and one of the first to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.

The Vietnamese leader’s Luxembourg trip was also spotlighted by Tageblatt and Luxemburger Wort daily newspapers.

Vietnam appeals for cooperation, contributions to peace, stability, legal order at sea

Countries should cooperate with one another and make active and practical contributions to the maintenance of peace, stability, and legal order at sea, Vice Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on December 10.

She made the remark while responding to the media’s question regarding the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The official affirmed that the adoption of the 1982 UNCLOS – the “constitution of the seas and oceans” – is significant to the development of international law in general and the international law of the sea in particular. Over the last 40 years, the convention has always served as a comprehensive and full international legal framework and the legal foundation for all activities of sea and ocean management and use.

As a law-abiding and responsible member of the international community and an active member of the 1982 UNCLOS, Vietnam has consistently upheld the convention’s guidelines, goals, and principles; seriously complied with and implemented the convention; persistently resolved sea-related differences by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS; and actively engaged in and contributed many initiatives to activities within the institutions set up under the convention, winning the international community’s recognition, Hang noted.

Besides, Vietnam has also stepped up perfecting its legal regulations on sea management and use in accordance with the convention, while enhancing international maritime cooperation on the basis of UNCLOS and the UN Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015, according to the Vice Spokeswoman.

On this occasion, Vietnam also emphasised that countries need to continue respecting and fully implementing their obligations under UNCLOS and international law; cooperate with each other; and make active and practical contributions to the maintenance of peace, stability, and legal order at sea, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, and the sustainable development of the seas and oceans.

Vietnam prioritises upholding international commitments to human rights: UN Resident Coordinator

Among Vietnam’s pledges as part of its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), it is encouraging that the country prioritised upholding its commitments and obligations under the international human rights treaties, of which Vietnam has ratified seven out of nine, according to UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis.

In her article titled “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All” on the occasion of Human Rights Day (December 10), Tamesis quoted the first line of the Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which says “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”

“In one sentence, it encapsulates the principles and values that we, as a human family have promised to uphold and fulfil 74 years ago. It is a powerful reminder of the proclamation made by the United Nations General Assembly on this very day in 1948,” she wrote.

Tamesis said 2023 marks the 45th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership to the UN, citing UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as saying during his recent visit that upholding human rights in all its dimensions, remain vital to the next chapter of Vietnam’s development success story.

She pointed out that the world today continues to face a multitude of challenges, from pandemics to conflicts to climate change.

Vietnam has not been spared from impact of global crises, she said, adding that while the country is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it needs at the same time to cope with the increasing food and energy prices from the fallout of the war in Ukraine, while battling natural disasters and impact of climate change. Unfortunately, the poor and those least capable to overcome these shocks disproportionately bear the brunt of these crises.

According to the UN official, the climate crisis exacerbates vulnerabilities faced by ethnic minority groups. Drought, heat waves and flooding lead to climate change-induced insecurity. Smallholder agriculture, particularly poor, ethnic minority and women farmers are ultimately the most severely impacted.

She said all these development challenges threaten dignity and equality in rights, including health, food, education, an adequate standard of living, social assistance, and even to life itself.

“The realities that vulnerable individuals and communities face in their lives and livelihoods serve as a reminder and push for our continued action to integrate human rights in all development priorities – from climate action, to labour and social protection, to economic transformation – and put people at the centre of development,” Tamesis wrote. 

She noted that Vietnam’s election to the UNHRC for the period 2023-2025 presents a great responsibility but also an important opportunity to redouble efforts in protecting and promoting economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights in line with international human rights standards.

Among Vietnam’s pledges as part of its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), it is encouraging that the country prioritised upholding its commitments and obligations under the international human rights treaties, of which Vietnam has ratified seven out of nine, strengthening education on human rights, and addressing the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights, with particular attention on the rights of vulnerable groups, she wrote.

As Vietnam commences its membership to the council, it would be critical to translate these commitments into concrete actions, and to demonstrate even stronger evidence of the protection and promotion of human rights, she suggested.

The UN, as a proud and long-standing partner of Vietnam over the past 45 years, will continue to work closely with the Vietnamese Government, development partners and civil society, to keep human rights at the centre of all development efforts, she pledged.

“Renewed collaboration and cooperation, including meaningful inclusion and participation of diverse non-government actors and communities, will be crucial for promoting the vibrant dialogue needed to help Vietnam progress on a broad range of human rights,” Tamesis said.

“Together, we can fulfil the promise of a human family that upholds dignity, freedom and justice for all”.

Vietnam Coast Guard holds bilateral exchanges with Indonesia and Cambodia

The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) High Command held bilateral meetings on December 9 in Hanoi with the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) and the National Committee for Maritime Security of Cambodia.

Earlier, the VCG and the Bakamla signed a letter of intent on stepping up cooperation between the two sides. 

This comes following the VCG and the Bakamla signing a letter of intent regarding ramping up co-operation between the two sides. 

Last year saw the Coast Guard commanders of the two countries sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding collaboration between the two agencies via a webinar. The VCG and the Bakamla have since regularly maintained the exchange of information on incidents arising at sea, such as illegal exploitation of seafood, piracy, and rescue operations. 

During the course of the working session with the Cambodia National Committee for Maritime Security, the two sides agreed to continue implementing the signed Protocol on their hotline communication mechanism. This in addition to sharing information on security and safety in their bordering waters, fishing activities in historic waters, and incidents arising at sea for timely handling.

According to the terms of the MoU on co-operation signed at their first meeting, the VCG and the Cambodia National Committee for Maritime Security will alternately hold annual bilateral meetings to review the results recorded over the previous year. In addition, they will discuss plans and orientations for further collaboration over the subsequent year, whilst the two sides also signed the protocol on a hotline communication mechanism.

With regard to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the VCG sent a letter to the Cambodian side, informing them that Vietnamese authorities and law enforcement forces at sea have stepped up patrols, inspection, and control of the sea as a way of promptly detecting and handling violations related to illegal fishing.

Relay race against natural disasters and climate change sees large turn out

More than 1,000 people participated in a relay race against natural disasters and climate change on December 10 in the central city of Da Nang.

The race was held as part of activities within the framework of the "Together We Act" campaign which is running in response to the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13. The event was co-hosted by the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam.

Participants in the race were made up of people of all age from across the country with two distance categories, including three km for people aged six to 16 and 15 km for those over the age of 16.

Vietnam expects broader co-operation with US in science-technology

Along with science and technology development the next decade will see the country focus on promoting innovation, circular development, and commercialising research outcomes.

These are the wishes expressed by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy  at the 11th meeting of the Vietnam-US Joint Committee on Science-Technology Cooperation held on December 9 in Hanoi.

He also showed the country’s desire for further US support and co-operation in the process of common growth in the near future.

Deputy Minister Duy highlighted the strong development of science and technology within the US, Vietnam, and the entire world, which directly influences people’s life. In addition, digital technology and artificial intelligence are in the process of growing strongly, thereby serving the circular economy and sustainable development.

In response, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E Knapper said that the increasing linkages between the two nations in science and technology will serve to promote the prosperity and progress of both sides. Moving forward to next year, the two sides will celebrate their strategic partnership, he noted, proposing that based on their long-term co-operative relations, the two sides can take their collaboration in science and technology to new heights.

Programme aims to improve foreign language skills among children, youngsters

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has signed a decision approving a programme to improve foreign language skills among Vietnamese children and youngsters in the 2022-2030 period, with the aim of equipping them with the abilities necessary to promote international integration.

Under the programme, chapters of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union at all levels nationwide should conduct at least one activity to raise public awareness about learning and practicing foreign languages, especially English, to promote international integration among young people.

By 2030, at least one foreign language and international integration club is planned for every university, college and high school, and at Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union committees at provincial and district levels.

In order to complete these goals, the programme offers a number of solutions, including designing mechanisms for children and youngsters, especially young officials, to improve their foreign language skills and international integration capacity, providing learning materials for them, and effectively investing in youth foreign relations and international integration.

Int’l forum on sustainable development for universities launched in HCM City
 
An international forum on sustainability (IFS) seeking sustainable development solutions for universities was officially launched in Ho Chi Minh City recently.

IFS, an initiative of the University of Economics HCM City (UEH), was jointly organised by UEH and its partners, the South Korea Kwangwoon University, Handong Global University, UN Academic Impact Korea University, and Italian Trieste University.

The forum has three main functions, including supportive programmes, research and development (R&D), and sharing knowledge.

Accordingly, it will organise workshops, seminars, conferences, discussions, exchanges and short courses for sustainable education, operation, and governance for universities that consider the implementation of the people-centred approach.

Building sustainable guidelines, indicators, and key performance measures to help universities of emerging countries reach sustainability, while also doing R&D that integrate sustainable topics to solve social issues will be included.

It will gather, exhibit and introduce successful sustainable development cases, activities, programmes and campaigns.

Building, developing and managing the forum’s Open Library on sustainable development, where parties can consult and learn about sustainable development cases, activities, programmes and campaigns is free of charge.

Photo exhibition marks 55th anniversary of Vietnam – Cambodia diplomatic relations
 
A photo exhibition was opened on December 9 in the Central Highland province of Gia Lai to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam - Cambodia diplomatic relations.

A total of 51 photos are displayed at the exhibition which is organised by the Union of Friendship Organisations of Gia Lai province and the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and will run until December 12 at Gia Lai Museum.

The photos depict different periods in the friendly relationship between the two countries and the friendship activities between Gia Lai province and northeastern provinces of Cambodia including Ratanakiri, Stung Treng and Preah Vihear.

First Spanish language dictionary introduced in Vietnam

The Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association working in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam and the Vietnam National University, Hanoi organised an event on December 9 to introduce the first-ever Vietnamese-Spanish dictionary.

The purpose of the function is to introduce local readers to the first dictionary of the Spanish language that is to be both printed and published in Vietnam.

Upon addressing the event, Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, standing vice president of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, underscored the importance of the work to broaden the knowledge, as well as to equip researchers and local Spanish learners with an useful tool to gain access to the language.

Most notably, the dictionary was also released amid both countries celebrating 40 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, as well as the 62nd anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Assoc. Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao expressed his belief that local Spanish learners will have a useful tool to access the Spanish language, particularly as it is the second most spoken in the world with more than 500 million users, accounting for 10% of the world's population.

Vietnam enhances cooperation with Indonesian, Cambodian law enforcement forces at sea

The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) High Command held bilateral meetings with the Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) and the National Committee for Maritime Security of Cambodia in Hanoi on December 9.

Earlier, the VCG and the Bakamla signed a letter of intent on enhancing cooperation between the two sides. 

In 2021, the Coast Guard commanders of the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two agencies via a webinar. The VCG and the Bakamla have regularly maintained exchange of information on incidents arising at sea such as illegal exploitation of seafood, piracy and rescue. 

The VCG has been maintaining an effective working channel with the Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam. The two countries’ coast guard forces have promptly shared information about the situation at sea as well as promoted bilateral cooperation.

The two sides agreed to continue to implement activities in accordance with the signed MoU, including organising a high-level meeting between the VCG and the Bakamla to reach consensus on upcoming joint activities.     

At the working session with the Cambodia National Committee for Maritime Security, the two sides agreed to continue implementing the signed Protocol on their hotline communication mechanism, sharing information on security and safety in their bordering waters, fishing activities in historic waters, and incidents arising at sea for timely handling.

Truong Sa island district celebrates 40th formation aniversary

The People’s Committee of Truong Sa island district in the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on December 9 hosted a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the district's establishment (December 9, 1982 - 2022). 

Addressing the event, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Ha Quoc Tri praised efforts of officers, soldiers and people of the island district over the years. 

He urged the district authority to promote patriotic emulation movements, and cooperate with relevant forces to perform well assigned tasks, and ensure safety in Truong Sa, serving as a base for fishermen at sea. 

On the occasion, under the authorisation of the President, the official presented the Labour Order, first class, to the armed forces and people of Truong Sa district; and certificates of merit to five organisations and eight individuals for their outstanding contributions to Truong Sa district’s development.

Over the last 40 years, Truong Sa district has witnessed strong development in all aspects. Investment has been poured into the building of infrastructure, such as ship locks, fishing logistics facilities. Ship locks in Truong Sa district can receive vessels with tonnages from 1,000 - 2,000 tonnes, and provide fisheries logistics services for fishermen.

Health stations and medical centres in the district have been equipped with modern machinery, ensuring health care for local soldiers, residents and fishermen. The district also has pre-school and primary schools.

Vietnam student olympiad in informatics, int'l programming contest wrap up

The 31st Vietnam Student Olympiad in Informatics (OLP'22) and the 2022 International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) Asia in Ho Chi Minh City concluded on December 9.  

Jointly organised by the Vietnam Association for Information Processing (VAIP), the Vietnamese Students' Association (VSA) and the Ministry of Education and Training from December 6-9 at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, the events attracted hundreds of students from more than 70 universities, colleges, and institutes nationwide.

The OLP has been organized by the VAIP, the VSA and the Ministry of Education and Training since 1992 to encourage the movement of learning computer science and look for young computing talents. 

Vietnam was officially approved to organise the ICPC in Asia in 2006. Since 2007, the OLP and the the ICPC have been been organised at the same time, creating a major IT event for Vietnamese students and those from Asia.

Cultural values should be promoted in sustainable development: conference

“Vietnam in the contemporary world: transformation and adaptation” was the topic of the sixth international conference on Vietnamese studies held by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University-HCM City, on December 10.

Domestic and international scientists presented nearly 60 reports, focusing on culture-literature-arts, history-society, and Vietnamese language teaching methods.

Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said the conference aims to create a high-quality scientific forum on Vietnamese studies at home and in the region, and establish a network for international researchers to discuss issues in the contemporary Vietnamese society.

Mentioning cultural diplomacy, Vu Thi Viet Nga, from the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS), stressed that thanks to efforts in this regard, Vietnam has promoted its image and culture in the international arena, adding that more and more countries want to learn about the country in a more intensive, extensive and practical way.  

Bui Minh Hao, from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, said in the context of exhausted natural resources, cultural values play an increasingly crucial role in development.

He took the example of ethnic minority groups that have successfully utilised their traditional culture in economic development, and stressed the need to roll out solutions to optimise culture in sustainable development of ethnic minority areas.

The conference also looked into the issue of value orientation among young people in the new situation.

1982 UNCLOS - inclusive global legal framework: experts

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), signed on December 10, 1982, is an inclusive and most important global legal framework to regulate rights and obligations of all coastal nations, a senior expert has affirmed.

Vu Hai Dang, a senior research fellow at the Centre for International Law - National University of Singapore, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that the fact that the convention had been ratified by the EU and 167 countries, including landlocked nations such as Laos, Mongolia and Switzerland, shows that its regulations have been widely recognised by the international community.

The implementation of the convention will reduce overlapping areas and manage disputes more effectively, preventing escalating tensions in the region, he said.

The expert spoke of the Group of Friends on the UNCLOS, established in June 2021 with Vietnam as a co-founder, and expressed his belief that the group will contribute to promoting the respect for international law and serve as an effective channel for discussions between countries on issues relating to seas and islands.

Professor, Dr. Thomas Engelbert from the German University of Hamburg held that the UNCLOS is of great significance to maritime security not only in Indo-Pacific but also the world as well.

This is the first time that clear regulations on behaviours at sea have been put forth, he said, viewing the formation of the document as a milestone in international law relating to the sea.

The convention has been used to successfully settle many complicated maritime disputes, including one on the East Sea in January 2013.

Talking about the UNCLOS Group of Friends, initiated by Germany and Vietnam, the professor said such cooperation initiatives and mechanisms are significant and crucial to the implementation of the convention.

Dr. Gerhard Will, former researcher on the East Sea at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said the UNCLOS should be the ground for any solution in the East Sea.

All regulations for long-term and sustainable purposes must be based on the convention, he stressed.

In another interview with the VNA, Pavel Gudev, senior research fellow at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations at the Russia Academy of Sciences, described the UNCLOS as a unique experiment in international relations as it was complied over nearly 10 years.

He said the convention could be considered a "constitution" of the sea, as it regulates almost all sea-related activities.

Folk Art Awards 2022 honours 37 outstanding works

"The Encyclopedia of Traditional Vietnamese Villages" by Bùi Xuân Đính, which provides readers with a treasure of vanishing knowledge about traditional culture in ancient Vietnamese villages, is one of four research works that won the second B prize at this year's Folk Art award.

The other second B prize-winning research works include "Material culture and social culture of the Đại Việt period" (two volumes), authored by Nguyễn Xuân Kính with a group of scholars, and two studies on the Bahnar epic by Nguyễn Tiến Dũng.

The organisers also presented four third-place prizes A, 12 third-place prizes B, 12 encouragement prizes, and five gifts at the awards ceremony for work in various categories.

Lê Hồng Lý, chairman of the Việt Nam Folk Arts Association explained that the organisers made the decision to not give out the first prize for any work due to objective difficulties stemming from the pandemic.

He said: "Most members of the Folk Arts Association's regular tasks are to go on field trips, meet artisans, and participate in cultural and spiritual events in order to examine and gather materials for research papers. However, it is clear that the regulations on social distancing and the pandemic have impacted their gathering and research efforts."

"The four projects that earned the top prizes this year were all completed prior to the outbreak." Lý added.

As part of the festivities, the Việt Nam Folk Arts Association also honoured its senior members with a Celebration of Longevity, recognised those who made significant contributions in 2022, and bestowed the title of Folk Artist on a number of artists whose work has promoted Vietnamese folk art. 

Fine art exhibition featuring more than 70 works on display in Hanoi

More than 70 artworks by artists who have made considerable contributions to the fine arts sector are on display in downtown Hà Nội.

Works by 39 painters, sculptors and photographers from the past 50 years, many of whom have worked as leaders in cultural sectors, have been chosen.

Titled "Fine Arts, Photography – 50 Years – A Road to Serve the Nation", the event aims to celebrate the department's 50th anniversary (1972-1922).

There are works by artists who have worked as leaders of the Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition Department under the culture ministry, such as painters Ngô Quang Nam, Lê Vân Hải, Vi Kiến Thành; sculptor Nguyễn Phú Cường, and photographers Mã Thế Anh and Trần Thị Thu Đông.

There are also works by recent leaders of Việt Nam Fine Arts Association, Việt Nam Photographers' Association and professional art councils like People's Artist Vương Duy Biên, sculptor Tạ Quang Bạo, painter Lê Anh Vân, photographer Vũ Quốc Khánh and Lý Hoàng Long. 

The exhibition runs til December 14 at No 29 Hàng Bài Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội.

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