The Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) is calling for joint efforts in support of the people hit by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6.

The VRC’s campaign responds to the appeal by the  International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, targeting people from all social strata.

As of February 17, the natural disaster killed more than 45,000, with the number of the injured expected to rise in the time ahead, making it one of the strongest earthquakes over the past nearly century.

The Vietnamese Government has sent two search and rescue teams to the earthquake sites.

The donations should be sent to the VRC’s headquarters at 82 Nguyen Du, Hanoi. Phone: 024.38263703; 024.38224030. Fax: 024.39424285. Mobile number: 0912.544.050. Email: thuy.lth@vnredcross.org.vn.

Its representative office in the southern region is also available for the donations, at 201 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Phonei: 0283.8391271; Fax: 0283 8322298. Mobile number: 0913.847.027. Email: ctdpn@yahoo.com.

Apart from bank accounts, the association has opened an app named “Thien Nguyen” to serve the campaign, which will last until May 30.

VPA rescue force discovers two additional earthquake victims in Turkey

Search and rescue force from the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) on February 17 located another two victims buried by the recent earthquake in Hatay province of Turkey.

The force, in coordination with its peers from Mexico, conducted search activities in three positions in Turunclu of Antakya, the capital city of Hatay, and discovered two dead victims in one location.

The force then handed over the location to the local rescue force.

As of February 17 evening, the VPA search and rescue force had located 12 positions of victims of the disaster, including two with signs of survivors.

On February 18, Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang sent a letter to the force, praising their efforts and strong performance in search and rescue activities in Turkey.

The minister highlighted that amid many difficulties from the extreme weather conditions and dangers from the continuous aftershocks as well as obstacles in language and the hard living conditions, the force has promoted the tradition of 'Uncle Ho's soldiers', raced against time and promptly discovered positions with buried victims, enabling timely rescue activities.

The officers' activities have shown the responsibility, capacity and reputation of the VPA in the settlement of non-traditional issues, which have been praised by the international community, the Government and people of the host country.

"The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence commend, recognise and highly value your working results, spirit, high sense of responsibility and efforts," wrote the letter.

The minister also underlined the force's heavy tasks ahead, expressing hope that the officers will work even harder as Turkish people are in need of them.

The nation is always proud of them and accompanies them, he emphasised. 

According to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, more than 6,400 buildings in the country collapsed after the two earthquakes and more than 430 aftershocks. Some 8,300 international personnel have joined search and rescue operations in the country.

The 76-strong rescue teams of the VPA, along with 35 tonnes of cargo, departed for Turkey on February 12 night to assist the country in recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake.

Vietnamese puppetry performance to raise up curtain of world theatre congress

The 36th International Theatre Institute ITI World Congress in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 21 will raise the curtain up with a Vietnamese puppetry performance, entitled “Mo Rong” (Dream of Dragon), by Director Le Quy Duong, according to the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists.  

The performance is made at the invitation of the ITU/UNESCO, said People’s Artist Nguyen Tien Dung, Director of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre.

This is the only performance representing the Asia-Pacific region at the opening ceremony, along with others from Europe, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and the Middle East.

Duong said the performance is a combination and sublimation of the traditional drum in the Cheo (Vietnamese traditional opera), with unique foot puppetry, creating a performance imbued with traditional identities but modern sound, lighting imagery and staging effects.

It will feature the participation of young artists, including Meritorious Artist Hoang Thi Kim Thoa, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Nguyen Lan Huong, Cao Thi Huyen, and especially drum artist Tran Dinh Quang.

Based on ancient Cheo drum rhythms, Quang will sublimate and create new melodies, making his drum sound like a character directly accompanying and leading the whole story.

Hoa designs visual effects for the show, in combination with music and sound effects of Australian musician Darin Verhagen.

The opening ceremony is expected to bring together nearly 1,000 artists and representatives from nearly 100 countries and territories, and will be broadcast live on the National Television of the UAE.

The 36th ITI World Congress, from February 19-25, will be the first worldwide on-site ITI gathering since 2017.

At this congress, participants will be inspired by debate, artistry, and sharing best practices, reigniting their love of the theatre arts and the people associated with them.

HCM City aims to upgrade canal system

Ho Chi Minh City plans to implement a project to upgrade its over 30-km Tham Luong-Ben Cat-Nuoc Len canal route that runs through the city in the hope of improving the face of the city’s canal system after 20 years.

Once completed, the project will create two roads along the route with a total length of more than 60km.

This is the second phase of a project to deal with pollution in Tham Luong-Ben Cat-Nuoc Len canals that started in 2002.

The project, which crosses District 12, Binh Tan, Tan Phu, Tan Binh, Go Vap, Binh Thanh and Binh Chanh districts, has a total investment of about 8.2 trillion VND (347.12 million USD).

 Ho Chi Minh City plans to upgrade its canal system after 20 years (Photo: sggp.vn)
It is expected to end the flooding in an area of over 14,900 hectares, improving the local environment quality, and facilitate the traffic capacity of the city.

A representative from the project’s management board said that the project includes the construction of a 63.11-km dyke system and the dredging of 31.46km of canals. The project also includes the building of 12 ports and three bridges.

Currently, the ground clearance for the project has nearly finished, as only District 12 and Go Vap district are finalising the work.

At the same time, the selection of contractors for nine out of the total 10 bidding packages of the projects has been completed, enabling the project’s construction to start in late February. It is scheduled to finish in 2025.

Previously, in the first phase of the project to improve the drainage and pollution situation of Tham Luong - Ben Cat - Nuoc Len canal route, 153.5 hectares of land were cleared.

Regulations on granting water resource-related licences issued

The Government has issued a decree detailing the implementation of the Law on Water Resources, with regulations on granting water resource-related licences.

Under Decree No. 02/2023/ND-CP, to receive the licences, organisations and individuals must complete the announcement and feedback collection, and have projects and reports that match approved relevant planning schemes.

The licence on the exploitation and use of surface water and sea water is valid for a minimum of five years and a maximum of 15 years, and can be extended several times, by three years to 10 years each.  

Meanwhile, the licence on underground water exploration has a duration of two years, with only one-time extension by less than 12 months.

The licence on underground water exploitation and use is valid within a minimum of three years and a maximum of 10 years, and can be extended several times, by two to five years each.  

The decree will come into force from March 20, 2023.

Joint efforts made to plant 1 billion trees by 2025

In an effort to combat global climate change and extreme weather patterns which have caused severe human and property losses, Vietnam is resolved to plant 1 billion trees in the 2021-2025 period.

Under Directive No. 03/CT-TTg on tasks after the 2023 Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for efforts in tree planting and forestation, and asked localities to step up the fight against wildfires by increasing forest protection.

Since it was launched by late President Ho Chi Minh in 1959, the tree planting campaign has become a fine tradition of the entire Party, people and army every spring.

Speaking at the annual tree planting festival at K9-Da Chong relic site, Hanoi’s outlying district of Ba Vi, on January 27, the sixth day of the Year of the Cat, PM Chinh stressed that Vietnam’s forest coverage expanded from 28% in 1990 to over 42% in 2022, absorbing over 70 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The leader highlighted Vietnam's commitment to achieve the net zero emission target by 2050 and expressed his belief that this year’s tree planting campaign will produce positive achievements, helping the country deliver its commitment and contributing to national development.

The northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang has taken the lead nationwide in forest protection and forest-based economic development, with forest land accounting for 76% of its natural land and forest coverage reaching over 65%.

In his remarks at a tree planting festival launch ceremony in Truong Son commune, Chan Son district, Yen Son commune, Tuyen Quang province, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue expressed his belief that the province will reap better results in the efforts, contributing to building a green Vietnam with sustainable development.

Northern and north-central localities have launched the tree planting campaign every spring while those in southern, south-central and Central Highlands regions start the work the occasion of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19), depending on their cultivation schedules.

Localities such as Hung Yen, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho have also actively responded to the call.

Of the 1 billion trees to be planted by the end of 2025, 690 million will be grown in urban and rural areas, and the rest in protected, special, and production forests.

The project aims to protect the ecosystem, improve the scenery, respond to climate change, boost socio-economic development, improve the quality of people's life, and foster the sustainable growth of the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been tasked to be in charge of the work and cooperate with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment, and authorities of centrally-run provinces and cities to build related annual and five-year plans.

Hanoi gives priority to cooperation with Vientiane

Politburo member and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung has affirmed that Hanoi always gives high priority to the development of friendship and cooperation with Lao localities, especially the capital city of Vientiane.

During a working session with Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and chief of the LPRP Central Committee’s Office Thongsalith Mangnomek on February 17, Dung informed the guest about comprehensive achievements made by Hanoi last year, including a 8.89% growth in gross regional domestic product – a record in a decade.

He said Hanoi had pooled the involvement of the entire political system and people in all of its programmes, unlocked resources for development effectively, arranged the right personnel for the right jobs, enhanced inspection and supervision to win public trust.

According to him, ties between the two capital cities as well as between Hanoi and Lao localities have kept growing on various channels with effective projects, including in economy, health care, education, agriculture, military and people-to-people exchange.

Mangnomek, for his part, said his visit aims to share experience between the two offices of the Party Central Committees and sign a cooperation agreement between them.

He said Hanoi’s development lessons are invaluable experiences for Vientiane in the coming time.

As scheduled on February 18, Permanent Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen will take the Lao delegation to an outstanding cooperative model in the outlying district of Gia Lam.

Party chief receives Lao Party official

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  on February 17 received Secretary and Chief of Office of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Thongsalith Mangnomek, who is on a working visit to Vietnam. 

During the meeting, the Lao official congratuted Vietnam on its achievements in recent years, expressing his belief that  under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Vietnamese people will continue to gain greater achievements, and successfully implement the 13th Party Congress’s Resolution. 

He said he is delighted at the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, which is increasingly expanding in different forms across fields. He thanked Vietnam for its significant support to Laos in its liberation struggle in the past and national construction and development at present.

The Lao official highly valued cooperation between the offices of the two countries’ Party Central Committees in recent times, saying that they coordinated to well perform assigned political tasks, and effectively organised activities in the 2022 Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year.

The two sides discussed and agreed on a plan implementing the their cooperation agreement in the 2021-2025 period, and agreements reached by senior leaders of the two parties and the two countries, he added.

For his part, the Vietnamese Party chief congratulated Laos on its achievements after two years of implementing the 11th Party Congress's Resolution, showing his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP, the Lao people will continue to obtain more achievements. 

He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach great importance to the special relations with Laos, and strongly support the national renovation, protection and construction cause of Laos. 

He highlighted the sound development of the Vietnam - Laos special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, saying that it has importantly contributed to maintaining political stability, national defence, security and socio-economic development in each country.

The two Parties and countries need to continue to strengthen and improve the efficiency of cooperation to meet new requirements; and share and support each other to overcome difficulties, he said. 

The General Secretary emphasised the important position and role played by the two offices in giving strategic advice to the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Standing Committee of the Secretariat of their countries.

He suggested the two offices continue to enhance the exchange of theoretical and practical issues and experience, and closely coordinate and help each other in the strategic work, and effectively implement cooperation agreements between the two officies and between the two parties' senior leaders.

On the same day,  the Lao official had talks with Chief of Office of the Vietnamese Party Central Committee Le Minh Hung.

Japan Coast Guard staff visit Vietnam

A delegation of Settsu patrol ship and Japan Coast Guard led by its Deputy Commander Maj. Gen Nagai Nobukazu visited and had an exchange with officers of the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 stationed in Nui Thanh district, the central province of Quang Nam on February 17.

Col. Tran Quang Tuan, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2, said it is a good chance for both sides to learn from experience in law enforcement at sea as well as enhance exchanges to raise mutual trust and understanding.

They reached consensus on plans for search and rescue drills between Settsu ship and Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2’s vessels on February 18.

On the occasion, staff of the Japan Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard Region 2 joined in a friendly volleyball match.

Party chief receives Lao Party official

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong  on February 17 received Secretary and Chief of Office of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Thongsalith Mangnomek, who is on a working visit to Vietnam. 

During the meeting, the Lao official congratuted Vietnam on its achievements in recent years, expressing his belief that  under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Vietnamese people will continue to gain greater achievements, and successfully implement the 13th Party Congress’s Resolution. 

He said he is delighted at the special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, which is increasingly expanding in different forms across fields. He thanked Vietnam for its significant support to Laos in its liberation struggle in the past and national construction and development at present.

The Lao official highly valued cooperation between the offices of the two countries’ Party Central Committees in recent times, saying that they coordinated to well perform assigned political tasks, and effectively organised activities in the 2022 Vietnam-Laos, Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year.

The two sides discussed and agreed on a plan implementing the their cooperation agreement in the 2021-2025 period, and agreements reached by senior leaders of the two parties and the two countries, he added.

For his part, the Vietnamese Party chief congratulated Laos on its achievements after two years of implementing the 11th Party Congress's Resolution, showing his belief that under the leadership of the LPRP, the Lao people will continue to obtain more achievements. 

He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attach great importance to the special relations with Laos, and strongly support the national renovation, protection and construction cause of Laos. 

He highlighted the sound development of the Vietnam - Laos special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, saying that it has importantly contributed to maintaining political stability, national defence, security and socio-economic development in each country.

The two Parties and countries need to continue to strengthen and improve the efficiency of cooperation to meet new requirements; and share and support each other to overcome difficulties, he said. 

The General Secretary emphasised the important position and role played by the two offices in giving strategic advice to the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Standing Committee of the Secretariat of their countries.

He suggested the two offices continue to enhance the exchange of theoretical and practical issues and experience, and closely coordinate and help each other in the strategic work, and effectively implement cooperation agreements between the two officies and between the two parties' senior leaders.

On the same day,  the Lao official had talks with Chief of Office of the Vietnamese Party Central Committee Le Minh Hung.

Foreign Minister: Vietnam ready to join post-quake reconstruction in Turkey

Vietnam is ready to join reconstruction efforts in earthquake-hit areas in Turkey, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told Turkish Ambassador to Vietnam Haldun Tekneci during a reception in Hanoi on February 17.

At the event, Son also conveyed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s letter of sympathy to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the ambassador and informed him about what Vietnam has been doing to help Turkey overcome the consequences of the disaster.

He asked Turkish authorities to continue creating favourable conditions and ensure the safety of the Vietnamese search and rescue teams as well as citizens living there.

Ambassador Tekneci, for his part, said the Turkish Government and people are deeply moved by the friendship and support shown by their Vietnamese counterparts. They highly appreciate Vietnam's first-ever deployment of search and rescue teams with a donation of 100,000 USD to Turkey. This is seen as evidence of the friendship, cooperation and mutual support between the two countries in difficult times.

He affirmed that Turkey always values relations with Vietnam and will do its best to lift bilateral ties to a greater height.

As the two nations are celebrating the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both sides agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, jointly hold economic and cultural events, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, toward further deepening bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Regarding the earthquake on February 6, Son previously cabled messages of condolences to his Turkish and Syrian counterparts Mevlut Cavusoglu and Faisal al-Mekdad.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey and representatives of the Ministry of Public Security’s search and rescue team visited and presented gifts to a Vietnamese family in Adiyaman city.

Following the Foreign Ministry’s directions, the Vietnamese embassies in Turkey and Syria will continue to closely follow the situation and actively work with the host authorities and Vietnam’s working delegations to offer the best support to search and rescue work, contributing to the Vietnamese Government’s common efforts to help the two nations recover from the disaster.

Top legislator hosts Russian guest

Russia is one of the most important and priority partners in Vietnam's foreign policy, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue told  First Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federal Assembly’s Federation Council Andrey Yatskin, who is leading a delegation of the council to visit Vietnam.  

During his reception for the Russian guest in Hanoi on February 17, NA Chairman Hue emphasised that the Russian delegation’s visit is of great significance as the two countries have marked 10 years of the the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2012 - 2022), and are preparing for the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's arrival in Russia (1923 - 2023).

The Vietnamese NA wishes to continue substantive and effective cooperation with Russia in various fields, for the mutual benefits of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and development in the region and in the world, Hue said. 

NA Chairman Hue expressed his pleasure at the strong development of the bilateral relations with high confidence, saying that in the parliamentary cooperation channel, the two sides have maintained high-level meetings even when the COVID-19 developed complicatedly.

The two countries have been also maintaining meetings and mutual support at multilateral cooperation mechanisms, he said, adding that Vietnam thanked Russia for supporting its candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2023 -2025 term. 

Vietnam supports Russia to play an active and constructive role in the region and the world, he stressed, affirming that as an active member of ASEAN, Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge to promote cooperation between Russia and other ASEAN member countries.

He spoke highly of outcomes of the talks between NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh and Yatskin on the same day, saying that the results are a basis for the two sides to continue strengthening their legislative relations.

Host and guest agreed that the two sides will  discuss and finalise a draft to renew the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the  Russian Federal Assembly’s Federation Council.

Sharing Hue’s opinion on the full implementation of the joint statement on the vision of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to 2030 signed in 2021, Yatskin affirmed that Russia is ready to coordinate with Vietnam in implementing the joint statement.

Both host and guest stressed that the two sides need to expand economic, trade and investment cooperation in a practical and effective manner, especially in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food.

The two sides should consider resuming air routes to boost tourism cooperation, people-to-people exhange, and economic ties, thus meeting requirements of investors, businesses and citizens of the two countries, they said.

The Vietnamese top legislator suggested the two countries step up bilateral cooperation in the fields of oil, gas and energy, saying that Vietnam welcomes oil and gas enterprises to strengthen cooperation and engage in offshore wind and gas power projects in Vietnam.

He called on the Russian parliament and government to continue supporting activities of Russian oil and gas enterprises in Vietnam in accordance with international law.

Regarding education cooperation, NA Chairman Hue thanked the Russian side for helping Vietnam train a large number of students and officials, and providing 1,000 scholarships for Vietnam per year. He hoped the two sides will continue to boost cooperation in science and technology with joint cooperation projects, especially in terms of marine scientific research.

Receiving a letter of Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia handed over by Yatskin, NA Chairman Hue thanked and accepted the iniviation to visit Russia from Speaker Matvienko, conveyed an invitation to Matvienko to pay an official visit to Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Deputy PM: Vietnam ready to deepen ties with French Development Agency

Vietnam is ready to further deepen the traditional relationship and strategic partnership with France, especially with the French Development Agency (AFD), Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha told its CEO Rémy Rioux during a reception in Hanoi on February 17.

Deputy PM Ha expressed his wish for AFD’s technical assistance to improve the legal environment for the transition to green economy, green investment and green finance. This includes developing a budget for climate change adaptation, building a carbon credit market, diversifying energy sources, achieving a sustainable energy balance, and fulfilling commitments to addressing climate change, such as afforestation and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

By joining the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement with G7 and other developed countries, Vietnam demonstrates its high commitment and responsibility towards global issues, particularly in climate change response, he said.

Apart from helping Vietnam access modern technology for the development of green and renewable energy, he highlighted the need to build a global financial mechanism to pool investment in practical and core research on a smart grid system, transportation and export of renewable energy, and the production of green fuels.

The host wished that in the near future, the support models and projects of AFD, which boasts 30-years of experience in working in Vietnam, would be cross-regional and cross-sectoral. AFD would partner with scientists and businesses to study and commercialise renewable energy technology, produce green fuels and develop a smart grid system.

According to him, Vietnam could become an example of a developing country that successfully carries out JETP with support in resources and its financial mechanism.

Rioux, for his part, said AFD has funded 84 projects with a total commitment of over 2 billion EUR to help Vietnam adapt to climate change. During 2006-2022 alone, it disbursed about 1.1 billion EUR for 30 development projects.

About funding for public projects within the JETP framework, he said AFP vows to add the social impact of the energy transition process, as well as support the analysis of the Vietnamese Government's options when participating in this agreement.

AFD also wants to cooperate with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and State-owned commercial banks to increase support for the private sector, especially in the financial system, he said.

According to him, the agency recently asked the SBV to build a comprehensive programme to support the transition of the financial system, similar to what has been implemented in Indonesia and India to attract private investment for renewable energy development.

Northern region to see new cold spell

A new cold spell will hit northern region on February 19 morning, then blanket the north central and several areas of the central-central region, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

From February 18-19, the north and north central regions will see rainfalls and thunderstorm in several areas.

Meanwhile from February 19, the central-central region will experience heavy rainfalls.

The centre said the cold spell will cause waves as high as 3-5m in the sea from the north to the south.

Urban development must adapt, help combat climate change: experts

It is necessary to increase tree coverage to reduce the effect of heat-induced problems and increase the absorption of greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas in order to contribute to realising the target of net-zero emissions by 2050, according to Nguyen Tuan Quang from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE).

Reports showed that Vietnam has more than 860 urban areas, and the urbanisation rate increased to nearly 40% in 2021.

Urban areas are an important driving force for socio-economic development, speeding up economic restructuring towards industrialisation and modernisation.

However, the rapid development of urban areas leads to overpopulation, an increase of economic development activities, high traffic density and energy consumption, and is consequently a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions which is the cause of climate change.

Cities account for two-thirds of total energy consumption and 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, so they play a vital role in efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment, experts said.

Quang, deputy head of MoNRE’s Department of Climate Change, said coastal cities are often affected by storms, high tides, extreme rain, floods and rising sea-levels.

Cities near high mountains face risks of landslides and flash floods after heavy rains.

For urban areas combined with industrial parks and economic zones, the impact of climate change and natural disasters can disrupt the circulation of goods and materials, affecting the overall economy.

Sharing the same view, Ngo Minh Hung and Le Thi Kim Oanh from Van Lang University said the strong urbanisation process in developing countries has led to worsening environmental pollution, adding that the impact of climate change make urban governance more difficult.

Scarcity of water supply, heat, urban flooding and wastewater-related issues have been affecting lives and socio-economic conditions in urban areas.

The solution of a carbon-neutral urban model is a new trend to promote sustainable environmental development in the country, they said.

It is necessary to prioritise the implementation of a number of governance policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas, such as promoting the use of public transport and limiting the use of private vehicles, using land resources economically and efficiently, developing ecological parks, and creating more urban green spaces and landscapes.

Duong Thi Thuy Nga from the University of Science under Vietnam National University-HCM City said tall buildings that block wind, a large population, a high number of vehicles and carbon emissions are also contributing to the increase of the urban heat island effect in HCM City and other large cities in Vietnam.

They are causing heat waves with some of the highest recorded temperatures ever in the country, affecting public health.

Mai Quoc Buu from Van Lang University said green projects and buildings in urban areas not only have green trees on the roof, but also use eco-friendly construction materials.

Quang said that sectors and localities should promote the efficient use of energy, apply renewable energy solutions in production, traffic and urban lighting as well as recycling waste and wastewater in line with the circular model, and produce energy from waste, while ensuring urban development associated with environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

Upgrading traffic works in areas vulnerable to climate change, constructing buildings and urban areas in accordance with green standards and close to nature, and applying energy efficiency standards in buildings are also needed, he added.

Vietnam, Russia eye bolstering comprehensive strategic partnership

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of  Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien on February 17 received a delegation of the  Russian Federal Assembly’s Federation Council led by its First Deputy Speaker Andrey Yatskin. 

Yatskin, who is also head of the council’s group for cooperation with the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA), is on a working visit to Vietnam.

During the meeting, Chien said Vietnam will forever remember the great support from Russia across different periods of time, especially the most difficult eras in Vietnam's history.

Vietnam hopes that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries will be further promoted and achieve more good results, he added. 

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) strongly supports the close and friendly cooperation in many aspects between the two nations’ legislatures, and the party will create the most favourable conditions for the two sides to fulfill their commitments and cooperation agreements, Chien affirmed.

He expressed his belief that both nations will have effective solutions to solve difficulties and meet each side’s wishes.

Cooperation between Vietnamese and Russian localities is also a basis for the two sides to tap potential and strengths to achieve practical results, he noted. 

For his part, Yatskin spoke highly of the political position and leadership role of the CPV for the country's development; and Vietnam's foreign policy, including enhancing relations with the former Soviet Union, and Russia today.

The well-developed relationship between the CPV and major Russian political parties shows that the Vietnamese party’s foreign policy, the relationship of the Vietnamese Party and State with Russia is widely supported by political parties in Russia, he stressed.

Yatskin said in his talks with Vietnamese NA Vice Chairman and President  of the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Nguyen Khac Dinh, the two sides discussed and agreed on measures to promote cooperation between the two legislative bodies and between the two friendship parliamentarians’ groups. They include promoting exchange of delegations, strengthen coordination in supervising and urging the effective implementation of cooperation agreements signed by the two governments.

He affirmed that the delegation’s visit to Vietnam shows the importance Russia places on the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and his country’s support for the central role of ASEAN in the region. 

The guest thanked Vietnam for its contributions to promoting the ASEAN - Russia relations in recent years. 

He took the occasion to suggest the CPV continue to support and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership in general, and cooperation projects in various fields between the two countries in particular.

Belgian lower house leader affirms support for collaboration with Vietnam

The President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Eliane Tillieux, on February 16 affirmed her backing for strengthening relations with Vietnam while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao in Brussels.

Leaders of the Belgian parliament over the past time have attached great importance to maintaining and consolidating relations with the Southeast Asian nation, including cooperation between localities and citizens, stated Tillieux.

She also pledged to coordinate closely with the Vietnamese National Assembly in promoting common concerns in socio-economic affairs, sharing legislative experience, and carrying out activities in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Thao said that thanks to the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), two-way trade hit a record high of 6 billion EUR (6.34 billion USD) last year, up 65% year-on-year.

Therefore, to boost investment, he proposed the Belgian lower house support and promote the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

He also conveyed NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the Belgian lower house leader.

Vietnam attends 46th session of IFAD Governing Council

Ambassador Duong Hai Hung, Vietnam’s permanent representative at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), attended the 46th session of the IFAD Governing Council in Rome from February 14-15.

The session focused on “Accelerating Action for Food Security”, especially in the context of the world facing the largest food crisis in modern history as progress on achieving zero hunger moves backwards.

The fund has called for urgent investment in transforming food systems. As the world’s fund for food and agriculture, it plays an innovative and catalytic role in accelerating action for food security by supporting small-scale food producers.

With the effective cooperation over the past more than four decades, IFDA has actively supported poverty reduction and rural development in Vietnam, especially in mountainous areas and those in extremely difficult circumstances.

It is implementing many projects on smart agriculture and climate change response in the Southeast Asian nation.  

In reply, Vietnam has also contributed to common activities of the fund through financial contributions, technical support, and three-party and south-south cooperation, as well as activities by the permanent representative.

NA leader chairs discussion on draft revised Cooperative Law

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on February 17 chaired a discussion on the draft Cooperative Law (revised), which will receive the final consideration from the NA Standing Committee in the time to come before being submitted to the legislature's upcoming fifth session for approval.

Hue underlined that although the contribution proportion of cooperatives to the country’s GDP is not very high, this is an important economic sector that has a close attachment to the nation's socio-economic development in general, especially in agricultural and new-style rural development.

According to Chairman of the NA Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh, relevant parties have reached consensus on many issues of the bill, including those in internal credit activities and cooperative audit, but there are still many issues with different opinions, including the name of the law, as well as issues related to Cooperative Federation, representative organisation and Cooperative Alliance.

Participants agreed to keep the name of the bill unchanged as the Cooperative Law (revised) as well as the regulations of internal credit not for profit but for the purpose of capital preservation.

The most important thing is that policies to encourage cooperative development must be feasible, accessible and easy to come into life, especially preferential policies on land, credit, tax, and social insurance, they said.

Participants also pointed out difficulties in forming internal auditing bodies of cooperatives.

Concluding the discussion, Hue asked the NA Economic Committee and the Ministry of Planning and Investment as well as relevant agencies to come up with a single option to submit to the NA and NA Standing Committee.

He also asked Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang to consult the Government again to soon agree on major issues raised at the discussion.

Webinar talks Paris Peace Accords’ impacts on Vietnam - US ties

The US Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Vietnamese Embassy in the US held a webinar on February 16 to look into impacts of the Paris Peace Accords, signed 50 years ago, on the two countries’ relations today.

The event attracted nearly 200 guests who were scholars, historians, and representatives of some organisations and associations.

Addressing the webinar’s main session, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung emphasised that the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam was a result of the sacrifice by millions of Vietnamese people, their strong desire for peace, independence, and national reunification, as well as the art of negotiation and the opportunity-seizing ability of many excellent diplomats from the parties concerned.

It was an important milestone and a turning point for Vietnam and Southeast Asia at large. To the Vietnam - US relations, it put an end to a sorrowful chapter and heralded a long process towards reconciliation, mutual understanding, normalisation of bilateral ties in 1995, and establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2013, he said.

Dung went on to say that the 50th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords signing is an occasion to contemplate the value of peace and the precious lessons that the agreement generated for peace, security, and international relations.

To maintain peace and prevent conflicts, countries, especially superpowers, should thoroughly understand the history and small countries’ aspirations and legitimate interests, while attaching importance to the key role of diplomacy in preventing and ending wars, according to the ambassador.

At the event, Ambassador Dung, Ambassador John D. Negroponte – former assistant to then US National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger at the Paris negotiations, Prof. Carolyn Eisenberg, Prof. Nguyen Thi Lien Hang, and guests shared their views on the deal signing and personal accounts during the agreement negotiation and enforcement processes.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, USIP Vice President William Taylor said the 50th anniversary is an ideal chance for all parties to look back on the history, assess the successes and shortcomings of efforts to prevent conflicts in the past, and gain lessons for the future.

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