The third security dialogue at the deputy-ministerial level between Vietnam and Australia took place in Canberra on February 22 to enhance bilateral cooperation in security and law enforcement issues of common concern.

The dialogue, held under the countries’ joint statement on their strategic partnership signed in March 2018, was co-chaired by Sen. Lt. Gen. Luong Tam Quang, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security, and Sophie Sharpe, Deputy Secretary at the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Among the issues under consideration, they discussed the enhancement of cooperation in exit, entry, and the fight against illegal maritime migration to Australia so as to improve the migration management capacity, receive citizens back, and share information and improve the air security capacity.

The officials looked into the promotion of ties in cyber security, data security, and essential technology through the consideration of possibility for coordinating in anti-cybercrime programmes.

They exchanged information about organised crimes, drug and precursor trafficking, and the combat against money laundering. The two sides agreed to boost collaboration via the joint anti-transnational crime team, provide equipment support, work together to deal with requests for the extradition of internationally wanted fugitives and for  mutual legal assistance related to extraditions and criminal matters, and push ahead with the cooperation in improving the law enforcement capacity of the Vietnamese ministry’s officials via the Asia Region Law Enforcement Management Programme (ARLEMP).

Vietnam and Australia will support the exchange of information about actions and policies to ramp up the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and boost the adherence to international standards through sharing financial information about suspicious transactions and jointly fighting organised and transnational crimes, they said.

They also discussed the reinforcement of partnerships in minimising disaster and climate change risks, along with in improving the response and recovery capacity through delegation exchanges with the National Emergency Management Agency of Australia.

Another issue on the table was to keep sharing information about the regional and global situations related to each country.

Monkey found near Nội Bài airport runway

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has urged Nội Bài International Airport to have a plan to drive away a monkey which has been found near the runway twice this month.

The yellow monkey was found at the V1 security booth near the security fence of the airport on February 14 and February 18. The animal has not yet entered the airport’s runway.

“This poses safety risks for operation at the airport in case the monkey enters the flight area," said the CAAV leader.

In order to ensure the airport’s safety, the CAAV has asked the airport to quickly take measures to prevent the appearance of the monkey near the runway.

It has required the airport to regularly monitor surveillance cameras and strengthen inspection on the area where the monkey appeared and have a plan to prevent the appearance of wild animals near the runway.

It has also asked the Hà Nội Forest Protection Department to coordinate with the aviation authority to handle the situation and at the same time instruct agencies and units to deal with cases of rare and endangered animals at the airport. 

VRCS raises nearly 10 bln VND in support of Turkish, Syrian people

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) has received nearly 10 billion VND (434,000 USD) donated by Red Cross workers, organisations and businesses in support of Turkish and Syrian people following the devastating earthquake. 

The sum was raised right at the launch of a fundraising campaign in Hanoi on February 23. 

In response to the appeal of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and with the approval of the Prime Minister, the VRCS issued a call for support for those affected by the earthquake disaster in the two countries, which has been widely disseminated by the media and on social media, conveying a message of solidarity and support for the people of Turkey and Syria, demonstrating a sense of solidarity, responsibility, and humanitarianism of the Vietnamese Government, people and the VRCS, President of the VRCS Central Committee Bui Thi Hoa said.

She vowed that all proceeds will be sent to the right addresses in a transparent and timely manner, in line with the law.

Hoa took the occasion to urge VRCS chapters nationwide, agencies, businesses, religious organisations, and individuals to join hands to help Turkish and Syrian people overcome difficulties and return to normal life.

Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Vietnam Gulay Kosem Rignault thanked the Vietnamese Government, people and VRCS for providing invaluable and timely support for Turkey.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, which occurred on February 6 in the southeast of Turkey and northeast of Syria, claimed the lives of over 46,000 people, leaving thousands of buildings collapse completely, and destroying infrastructure system. This is one of the most horrific disasters in the history of the past century.

Donations for the people of Turkey and Syria can be sent to the VRCS Central Committee at 82 Nguyen Du, Hanoi, or its representative office in the South at 201 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Donors can also send their contributions to the VRCS Central Committee's bank accounts at the Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, No.124 02 02 005 348 (for donations in VND), No. 124 02 02 018198 (for donations in USD). 

The time to receive voluntary contributions will last through May 30.

Vietnam, Japan see great opportunities to promote tourism

Vietnam and Japan have many opportunities for mutual tourism promotion, boosting economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, said experts at a workshop held by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) in Ho Chi Minh City on February 23.

Director of the municipal Tourism Department Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said that to beef up the exchange of visitors between the sides, the city needs a long-term blueprint, encouraging the opening of direct flight routes linking the city and Japanese localities.

It is also necessary for the sides to organise more festivals and cultural exchange events and join each other’s tourism fairs, she noted.

Uchida Shusuke, Deputy Chief Representative of the JNTO office in Vietnam, said currently, flights between Vietnam and Japan have recovered 95% as compared to their pre-pandemic levels.

In 2023, JNTO will focus on building relationships and cooperation with travel companies, airlines, and media channels. The company will also promote digital marketing and Japan's image via the Vietnam - Japan Festival and events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. This will serve to quickly restore the number of Vietnamese tourists coming to Japan to the pre-pandemic levels.

According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, HCM City welcomed more than 600,000 Japanese visitors in 2019, accounting for over 60% of the total number of the group coming to Vietnam. In 2022, after reopening, many tourism promotion activities were held in Japan and Vietnam. With more than 100,000 Japanese visiting the city so far, Japan has always been in the top 10 international tourist markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Before the pandemic, about 500,000 Vietnamese came to Japan annually. In 2022, Japan attracted more than 284,000 Vietnamese tourists, accounting for 7.4% of its total volume of international visitors.

Vietnamese artists perform in India

A group of artists from Vietnam’s Tra Vinh Province attended the Ramayan Mandli Competition, which was held in Rajim City, Chattisgarh State, India, from February 12 to 20.

The 12-member group included lecturers and students from Tra Vinh University and professional artists. Their participation in the competition took place as part of their two-month trip to India for cultural exchange.

At the competition, they delivered several chapters of Ramayana, which is one of the two important epics of Hinduism, the other being the Mahabharata.

Their performance won enthusiastic appreciation from the Indian audience.

The Vietnamese artists also took the occasion to learn performing skills and styles from their Indian colleagues.

Throughout history, the Khmer ethnic people in Vietnam, as well as the people of Southeast Asia in general, have received and transformed classic literary works of India.

In Vietnam, the Ramayana epic is represented through the cultural activities and practices of the Khmer community. The Khmer people have even adapted the Ramayana epic into their own literary work under the name 'Riem-ke'.

Training cooperation to improve digital capacity and promote digital transformation

The Information and Communications Public Management Institute (ICI) and the Digital Transformation Strategy Institute (DTSI) signed a cooperation agreement on February 22 to enhance the digital capacity of organisations and individuals towards the implementation of the three pillars of national digital transformation – digital government, digital society, and digital economy.

Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate in implementing training programmes on digital transformation. DTSI will build and develop the training programmes while ICI will carry them out.

In addition, the two sides will cooperate in the research and development of scientific projects and scientific products related to digital transformation based on the policies of the State, Government, and related ministries and agencies.

The two institutes will also coordinate with each other to organise scientific seminars, scientific research, thematic talks, consulting activities, surveys, and joint assessments in the field of digital transformation.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Hong, Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications and Chairman of the Vietnam Digital Communication Association, voiced his appreciation for this strategic cooperation and hopes that the two sides will build together to effectively implement training programmes on digital transformation following the decisions of the Government.

Ministry warns about high-impact security vulnerabilities in Microsoft products

The Ministry of Information and Communications’ Authority of Information Security (AIS) has recently issued a warning about serious and high-impact security vulnerabilities in Microsoft products.

In a warning sent to IT units of ministries, ministerial-level and Government agencies, municipal and provincial Departments of Information and Communications, State-owned corporations, commercial banks, financial organisations, and information security units, the AIS announced that on February 14, Microsoft had released a list of 75 security patches for its products.

The AIS highlighted 12 high-impact and serious vulnerabilities, including four security holes, namely CVE-2023-21529, CVE-2023-21710, CVE-2023-21707 and CVE-2023-21706 in Microsoft Exchange Server that allow remote code execution by attackers.

Others include CVE-2023-21716 in Microsoft Word, CVE-2023-21715 in Microsoft Publisher, CVE-2023-23376 and CVE-2023-21812 in Windows Common Log File System; CVE-2023-21705, CVE-2023-21713 and CVE-2023- 21528 in Microsoft SQL Server, and CVE-2023-21717 in Microsoft SharePoint Server.

The AIS advised units to check Windows operating systems that are likely to be affected, perform timely patch updates to avoid the risk of attacks, strengthen monitoring and get solutions readied in case signs of network exploitation and attacks are detected, and regularly monitor warning channels from relevant agencies to promptly detect attack risks.

If necessary, units could contact the National Cyber Security Monitoring Centre (NCSC) for support via phone number 02432091616 and email address: ais@mic.gov.vn.

Vietnam pledges to contribute to formation of Global Digital Compact

Vietnam pledges to actively participate in and contribute to the building of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) to promote the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, a Vietnamese representative told the first Informal Consultations on GDC in New York on January 30.

The building of the compact is necessary to promote a safer, fairer and more developed digital world for all. Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, said at the event.

It is also important to ensure the goal of universal connectivity by 2030, so that everyone can have access to the Internet, digital technologies and services at affordable costs.

Although this is an intergovernmental process, it is necessary to create conditions for the participation of the private sector to make the process more comprehensive.

The GDC needs to ensure the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law, under which all countries and stakeholders must fully comply with national sovereignty in cyberspace and territorial integrity, and not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, added Giang.

The GDC is one of 16 processes being discussed at the UN to implement the UN Secretary-General's report ‘Our Joint Agenda’ (OCA) that will outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all.

The process on the compact will take place from February 2023 until its approval at the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

Vietnam-Belgium cooperation strengthened

The Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association on February 23 organised a seminar themed “Innovation development: The future of cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium” as one of the activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (March 23, 1973 – March 23, 2023).

Participants discussed initiatives and ideas to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in fields including culture, diplomacy, trade, education and training, scientific research, and technology.

Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Director of the Europe Department under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), said that Belgium is one of the first Western European countries to recognise and officially establish relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on March 23, 1973.

During the 1970s - 1980s, the Government and people of Belgium gave Vietnam valuable assistance through aid projects, making positive contributions to the construction and socio-economic development of Vietnam. Over the past 50 years, the bilateral relationship has been continuously consolidated and developed in various fields, especially politics - diplomacy, trade, agriculture, education and training, science and technology at the federal, regional, and community levels, she said.

Belgium is now Vietnam's sixth largest trading partner in the EU with a total investment of more than 1.1 billion USD to Vietnam, mainly in the field of logistics and infrastructure development which Belgium has strengths.

Vietnam and Belgium have been actively cooperating in education, science, technology, transportation, defense and security, and expanding cooperation to tackling global issues like climate change and non-conventional security.

Giang said that during complicated and unpredictable international and regional situations, solidarity and a common voice for world peace is an important factor and needs to be promoted to maintain the stability and development of each country as well as the whole world.

With the stable foundation for many years, the good traditional friendship and people-to-people exchange cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium have been increasingly strengthened including many practical contributions by organisations such as Vietnam - Belgium Friendship Association, Belgium - Vietnam Friendship Association, and The Belgian Vietnamese Alliance.

However, according to Giang, organisations need to innovate content, change methods to attract and mobilise more resources.

More activities are needed to promote cultural exchange and connection between people in Vietnam and Belgium, she said.

Vietnam - Japan Festival hoped to help foster bilateral ties

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai received Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, on February 23 to discuss the organisation of the eighth Vietnam - Japan Festival.

The host appreciated his guest’s efforts and enthusiasm in coordinating with the city to prepare for the coming festival, scheduled to open on February 25, and said he believes the event will be successful to become a demonstration of bilateral friendship and help promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

In particular, via a meeting with Japanese enterprises at the festival, leaders of HCM City hope to learn about the firms’ investment and cooperation intentions and update them with local development orientations so that the two sides can fully tap into cooperation potential and opportunities, Mai went on.

For his part, Takebe Tsutomu said thanks to thorough preparations, the festival will help spread the countries’ culture of peace and friendship to the world and strengthen bilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and assistance.

He highlighted the importance of locality-to-locality and people-to-people ties to the Vietnam - Japan relations, noting that he hopes each people will bring into play their role so as to contribute to the development of the two countries, ASEAN, and the world at large.

The eighth Vietnam - Japan Festival is the first cultural exchange in 2023 and part of the activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, continuing to affirm the countries’ extensive strategic partnership and promote bilateral trade, investment, tourism, friendship, and mutual understanding, according to the HCM City Department of External Relations.

The festival will feature a large number of cultural activities and 150 booths of trade, cuisine, and tourism exhibition. The opening ceremony will be held on February 25 morning.

Art performance celebrates Vietnam – Australia diplomatic ties

The Australian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on February 23 held an art programme themed “Come Together” on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Australia (February 26, 1973 - 2023).

Addressing the event, Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski highlighted the significance of the event, saying it is the start of a series of programmes honouring achievements that Vietnam and Australia have recorded over the past five decades.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Duong Anh Duc spoke highly of the fruitful development of the bilateral relations, saying that the two sides have reaped many cooperation achievements across fields.

The performance conveys a meaningful message about the beauty of culture, history and people of the two nations, he said

It helps strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples, contributing to tightening and promoting the bilateral relations, he went on.

Duc expressed his hope that the Vietnam – Australia strategic partnership in general and the relations between HCM City and Austrian localities in particular will be further expanded for the benefit of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

New cold spell to hit northern region

A new cold spell is forecast to hit the northern region on February 24 night and then affect the central region, making temperatures plunge at night and early morning, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

On February 24 night, temperatures in northern and north central provinces drop to 13-16 degree Celsius in plain areas, 10-13 degree Celsius in mountainous areas, and even below 9 degrees Celsius in high mountainous areas. 

Scattered showers accompanied by thunderstorms may appear in some areas. From February 25, rain is expected to increase in the areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai.

Weather forecasters have warned about the risk of whirlwind, lightning, hail, and strong winds. Inundation is also forecasted to occur in lowland areas.

At sea, from the afternoon of February 24, the Gulf of Tonkin will see strong wind plus rough sea.

Embassy celebrates 73rd anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties

The Vietnamese Embassy in China on February 23 held a ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the Vietnam-China diplomatic relations with the participation of Vietnamese expatriates, and Chinese officials, businessmen, experts and reporters.

Addressing the event, Ambassador Pham Sao Mai stressed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always attache great importance to consolidating and strengthening the friendship and cooperation with their Chinese peers.

Vietnam considers developing relations with China one of the top priorities in its foreign policy, he affirmed.

Since the beginning of this year, China's optimisation of its epidemic prevention and control policy has created favourable conditions for the comprehensive restoration of exchanges and collaboration between the two countries.

The two sides need to continue to fully and effectively implement the common perceptions reached by senior leaders of the two Parties and countries as well as their signed agreements, he proposed.

The diplomat said it is necessary to strengthen political trust; expand and improve the effectiveness of cooperation across fields; promote people-to-people exchanges and tourism collaboration; and control and properly address disagreements on the basis of respecting each other's legitimate interests in accordance with international law, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and deepening the nations’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

NA Chairman welcomes European Parliament’s official

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hailed the European Union as a top important partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy during a reception in Hanoi on February 23 for Chair of the European Parliament (EP)’s Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister.

Chairman Hue said Vietnam always supports the strengthening of ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and stays ready to play an active role in the process. 

Vietnam is also willing to work with the EP to promote the implementation of the initiative on establishing the EU-ASEAN Parliamentary Council, which is seen as a platform to help advance the EU-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, he said.

McAllister, for his part, said the EP wants to further reinforce ties with ASEAN parliaments in general, which is also the reason for its establishment of a liaison office in Indonesia. 

Apart from bilateral cooperation in energy, the environment, national defence-security, the EP is willing to support Vietnam based on its proposals to lift bilateral ties to a greater height.

The Vietnamese legislative leader proposed that McAllister, with his position as Chair of the EP’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, continue to support the development of EU-Vietnam and EU-ASEAN relations, raise the EP’s role in leveraging the advantages of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to advance trade ties and maintain EU-Vietnam and EU-ASEAN supply chains, and facilitate the exchange of delegations at the committee level between EP and the Vietnamese legislature.

He also suggested the EP push the approval of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by remaining EU member states, considering it a foundation to launch the EU's "Global Gateway" initiative in the region.

Vietnam is ready to support and boost cooperation between the EU/EP and ASEAN/ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), as well as jointly carry out the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2023-2027 to help the EU connect with the ASEAN market and step up negotiations on the ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement, he said.

Hue also called on the EU to continue to promote and contribute to ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea for peace, stability and development in the region and the world, strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Mekong sub-region, assist Vietnam in capital, technology and human resources for green economic development, digital transformation, and just energy transition.

He hoped that the EU will help Vietnam realise the Political Declaration on Establishing Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with international partners to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 as committed at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Asking the EU to remove its yellow card warning on Vietnam, Hue affirmed that the implementation of the European Commission’s recommendations on fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will to ensure interests of fishermen for sustainable development.

He also sought the EU’s assistance for Vietnam in improving fishing management capacity, modernising fishing sector in terms of aquaculture process, technique, preservation, logistics and retail, and building a closed-end value chain in the sector.

Via the guest, Hue conveyed his invitation to EP President Roberta Metsola to visit Vietnam at a convenient time this year.

Ministry values international cooperation in defence-security

Politburo member and Minister of Public Security To Lam received visiting Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Samuel Fringant of the French-based DCI Group on February 23 in Hanoi.

The group is the operator of the French Ministry for the Armed Forces for the transfer of know-how to the nation's partner countries.

Lam said at the meeting that he visited the group’s booth at the defense and security exhibition in Vietnam last December and was very impressed with its models, helicopter pilot training programmes, and assistance, unmanned aerial vehicles.

He stressed his ministry highly values and wishes to further promote cooperation activities with French partners in the field of defense-security, including air force, maritime police, unmanned aircraft, cyber security, special training, medicine, and satellite telecommunications.

In response, Fringant wished the countries’ collaboration will grow stronger, reaping sound outcomes across all sectors.

He added that he believes the coordination between the Vietnamese ministry and competent French agencies will be fortified in the time to come, contributing to the bilateral ties.

HCM City eyes boosting agriculture, trade with Canadian province of Nova Scotia

Ho Chi Minh City and the Canadian province of Nova Scotia have the potential and advantages to boost cooperation in areas, particularly hi-tech agriculture, and trade of aquaculture products, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan said during his meeting with Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Steve Craig.

Hoan said that as this year marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – Canada diplomatic ties, the two countries have identified key cooperation areas in the coming time including economic-trade-investment, security-defence, climate change response, marine environmental protection, clean and renewable energy, digital economy, innovation, green growth, and high-quality human resources training.

Among 117 countries and territories investing in Ho Chi Minh, Canada is the 22nd largest investor with 119 projects and investment capital of approximately 130 million USD.

However, the economic relationship between the city and Canada has yet to be commensurate with the level of relationship between the two countries, Hoan said.

“Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City is an attractive destination to Canadian investors thanks to advantages in stable politic conditions, location, business environment, and human resources. Through Vietnam, Canadian businesses can access the markets of 14 other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - a market with about 30% of the world's population and accounts for 30% of the global GDP. Ho Chi Minh City is committed to always accompanying and creating the best conditions for foreign investors including those from Canada,” Hoan said.

Craig said that the Nova Scotia delegation is impressed with the dynamic development of Ho Chi Minh City and wishes to promote cooperation in areas where the two sides have potential and demand.

He said Canadian senior leaders have a special interest in cooperation with Vietnam while Canadian businesses are also actively looking for business investment opportunities in Vietnam, especially in the trade of aquaculture products and culinary business in Ho Chi Minh City.

Refresher course held to improve foreign-service information capacity

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British Embassy in Vietnam opened a refresher course for some state and press agencies on February 23 to help improve staff knowledge of foreign-service information and communication skills.

The course, held in Ho Chi Minh City, was attended by officials of the departments for external relations and the offices of the People’s Committees of 11 southeastern and Mekong Delta provinces, along with some agencies, sectors, and press outlets in HCM City.

Opening the two-day programme, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang noted information for foreign service is attracting growing attention from leaders of the Party, State, and localities. The knowledge was also identified by the Foreign Ministry as one of the focal tasks of the diplomatic sector to introduce Vietnam as an independent and self-reliant country wishing to be a friend of all countries and to bring the world closer to Vietnam.

She underlined the importance of reforming the mindset about foreign-service information, which is a task of the entire political system and all members. It is important to stay constantly updated with relevant knowledge and skills to diversify information dissemination methods such as via social networks.

The official asked localities to continue coordinating with the Foreign Ministry and agencies for external relations to better carry out duties related to foreign-service information in the new context.

No Vietnamese casualties reported in Turkey quake thus far: ambassador

It has been two weeks since the devastating earthquake on February 6, and there have yet to be reports of Vietnamese casualties in Turkey, Vietnamese Ambassador to Turkey Do Son Hai said on February 22.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, he said the embassy has coordinated closely and effectively with local authorities, representatives of the Vietnamese community, and rescue teams to stay updated with the situation of Vietnamese citizens affected by the earthquake.

Shortly after the earthquake, the embassy convened emergency meetings to make citizen protection plans. It quickly liaised with many sources of information, from local administrations to the Vietnamese community in Turkey, to learn about the number of Vietnamese in the 10 quake-hit provinces.

The embassy hasn’t recorded any Vietnamese deaths in the earthquake so far, Hai noted.

All the seven families of Vietnamese women in the affected localities are safe, but their houses were damaged. They are residing in makeshift tents and now find themselves in great hardship.

Therefore, the embassy has provided financial aid and essential goods for the families, he said, adding that it is also working with the Vietnamese community in the Middle Eastern country to assist the expatriates in reconstruction efforts so that they can soon return to the normal life.

Regarding the search and rescue operations by the teams from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam, the ambassador said the tasks in Turkey were difficult as this was the first time Vietnam had sent rescue teams to such a faraway place and with limited information.

The teams worked at their full capacity and coordinated closely with local and international rescue forces, along with local administrations and residents. The embassy kept a close watch on the situation, maintained contact with local authorities, and mobilised resources from Vietnamese people in those areas to provide timely support for the teams, Hai went on.

The teams received high evaluation from Turkish authorities and people as well as from international rescue forces. Their successful fulfillment of duties and safe return to the homeland was a great success in this extremely difficult campaign, according to the diplomat.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake on February 6 has claimed more than 47,000 lives in Turkey and neighbouring Syria so far, statistics show.

Binh Thuan seminar discusses sustainable management of tourist destinations

A seminar on the sustainable management of tourist destinations was held on February 23 in Binh Thuan as one of the first activities opening the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 hosted by the south central province.

Nguyen Minh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Thuan, said that the seminar aimed to provide local travel firms and the management boards of tourist destinations and sites knowledge of sustainable area management, while sharing experience in tourism development between Vietnam and Japan.

Ha Van Sieu, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that the Visit Vietnam Year 2023’s theme “Binh Thuan - Green Convergence” affirms Binh Thuan’s commitment to green growth and environmentally-friendly tourism products, contributing to promoting tourism in association with other economic sectors, and creating jobs for the local community.

Participants at the event discussed various issues, including the prerequisites for sustainable tourism areas; key steps to initiate sustainable area management; and the settlement of socio-economic problems and measures to improve people's income. Some localities such as Lai Chau, Ninh Binh and Quang Binh provinces shared their experience in ensuring sustainability in tourism activities.

They highlighted the need for higher quality human resources for tourism management and the joint efforts of all parties in protecting the environment at tourist destinations.

With a coastline of nearly 200km and rich natural landscapes as well as historical and cultural relic sites, Binh Thuan boasts high potential for the development of various tourism types, especially maritime eco-tourism.

In particular, Mui Ne is considered a highlight of local tourism as it is home to one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Vietnam. It is also dubbed the “kingdom of resorts” with about 600 resorts and hotels and 1,000 condotels. The province has established itself as one of the top Vietnamese destinations for beach-loving travellers.

In January, Binh Thuan welcomed nearly 700,000 visitors, including nearly 24,000 foreign arrivals, respectively rising 2.1-fold and 4.6-fold from a year earlier. Tourism revenue also soared 2.9-fold to about 1.79 trillion VND (nearly 75.9 million USD), according to the province’s tourism promotion information centre.

The province is attractive for tourism investors with more than 300 projects underway.

Last year, Binh Thuan welcomed more than 5.7 million visitors, 3.2 times higher than that in 2021, including 88,000 foreigners, earning about 13.68 trillion VND (574.18 million USD).

By hosting the Visit Vietnam Year 2023, Binh Thuan hopes to receive 6.5 million tourists this year.

Acting President extends gratitude to doctors nationwide

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on February 23 met with doctors and officials of the health sector on the occasion of the 68th Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27, 1955 - 2023).

Extending her best wishes and profound gratitude to doctors, officials and staff of the health sector nationwide, Xuan affirmed that the Party and State always pay attention to and invest in the sector, especially in institutional building with the recent promulgation of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment.

To achieve the goal of turning Vietnam into a developed country by 2045, the Acting President stressed the importance of the quality of human resources, including those of the health sector.

Therefore, the sector needs to continue fostering and developing human resources, especially in the context that the world and the country have to face pandemics, including new diseases  that can threaten human life and health, Xuan said.

It is also necessary to research and apply new scientific and technological advances, and build a contingent of highly skilled medical staff to improve the quality of healthcare services, she added.

Kon Tum, Laos’ Attapeu strengthen border cooperation

The boards on border affairs of the Central Highlands of Kon Tum and Attapeu province of Laos on February 23 held talks to review outcomes of the border work in field and signed a document on cooperation in the work between the two localities in the coming time.

The two sides agreed to continue effectively implementing legal documents on the border signed between the two localities; report to leaders of the two provinces to propose the Vietnamese and Lao governments consider upgrading the auxiliary Dak Long - Vang Tat border gate into the main border gate.

The two sides will strengthen information exchange, and coordination in monitoring and preventing issues arising in border areas shared between the two nations every six months or a year.

In the event of a serious disaster or epidemic, the border working committees must report to leaders of the two localities, thus taking measures to prevent those from spreading to the territories of each other.

Khonesanga Phimmasone, Director of Attapeu’s Department of Foreign Affairs, said the two sides have actively mobilised civil servants in various sectors and people to implement the Vietnam-Laos border and border landmark protocol, the agreement on regulations on border and border gate management.

According to A Brao Bim, Deputy Director of Kon Tum’s Department of Foreign Affairs, through the field trip and talks between the two border boards, the two sides proposed specific coordination directions in the coming time, contributing to improving the efficiency of cooperation between the two localities.

Kon Tum and Attapeu share a border line of 75km with 33 border makers, and the Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia border junction land marker. The two sides have the Bo Y - Phoukeua international border gate and the Dak Long - Vang Tat auxiliary border gate.

Previously, in October 2022, the two provinces signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in many fields such as politics, economy, diplomacy, defence and security in the 2022 – 2027 period.

Initiatives sought to reduce plastic waste in Thua Thien - Hue

The management board of the project “Hue – A city to Reduce Plastics in Central Vietnam” and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation on February 23 launched a contest to seek initiatives to reduce plastic waste in Hue city.

Hoang Ngoc Tuong Van, a representative of the project, said that as Hue is striving to become a smart city, the technology factor, especially that in waste management, will be an important key to turn the locality into a plastic-reducing city. 

She said the project is making efforts with the locality to carry out practical activities to realise the target that by the end of 2024, Hue city will reduce 30% of the amount of the plastic waste discharged into the environment.

Van added that the contest organisers hope the initiatives sent to the contest will help increase recycling activities, reduce plastic waste, and improve the management system based on waste classification. 

The contest’s final round is expected to be held in Hue city in May 2023 with four to seven initiatives to be chosen for funding, a maximum budget of about 500 million VND ( 21,000 USD) for each project.

Secretary of the Hue city Party Committee Phan Thien Dinh spoke highly of the contest, adding that in the coming time, the locality will consider this activity as a political task to call on people to join in reducing the use of plastic products.

Vietnam People’s Army rescue team wins praise for efforts in Turkey

The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) team has successfully completed its mission providing humanitarian assistance, rescue and relief for earthquake-hit Turkey.

The team, comprising soldiers from the engineer unit and border guards, helped with rescue and relief work in Hatay Province – one of the localities hardest hit by the earthquake on February 6.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency, Major Lê Đức Tài, captain of the Engineer Unit's Rescue Team, said that 30 soldiers have helped detect and pull victims out from under the rubble.

They discussed search plans and then used sniffer dogs and sapper equipment to search sites where there were possibly victims under the debris.

Many soldiers put aside their personal lives, delaying wedding celebrations and saying goodbye to their new-born babies, to accompany their teammates during the difficult mission.

All soldiers entered the earthquake epicentre with the hope and determination to rescue the most people, helping Turkey quickly rebuild and ease people’s suffering.

Tài said, playing a pivotal role in search and rescue, the soldiers worked closely with the High Command of Border Guard’s Search and Rescue Dog Team and local rescue forces.

The military team searched locations in Hatay, helping discover two sites with survivors trapped under the rubble.

However, he said, the team encountered some obstacles when the equipment could only rescue victims buried in shallow areas as well as positions where the supporting concrete pillars had not yet completely collapsed.

The team coordinated with local rescue forces to help victims in high-rise buildings that had collapsed.

Nguyễn Văn Nghĩa, Deputy Captain of the VPA’s Search and Rescue Dog Team, said it was a great honour to participate in the rescue operation in Turkey.

After ten days, the soldiers had managed to pull 31 bodies out of the rubble.

Major Trần Quốc Hương, Captain of the Search and Rescue Dog Team, said the trip had left lasting memories.

Amid the rubble after the earthquake, the service dogs climbed and explored every possible gap to try to find traces of the victims.

The dedication of the Vietnamese soldiers and the dog team touched many Turkish people, who put their hands on their chests to express their gratitude.

“These are precious and unforgettable memories for soldiers during the relief campaign in this tragic land of Hatay,” he said.

President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan thanked Vietnamese forces for their support and tireless efforts in search and rescue operations following the huge earthquake on February 6.

Erdogan noted his gratitude to foreign countries for their emergency aid and dispatch of search and rescue forces to Turkey, stressing that the earthquake has revealed the importance of international solidarity and Turkey will forever keep in mind the friendship.

Mineral exploitation must ensure environmental protection: Deputy PM

Mineral exploitation planning must ensure landscape and environment protection and not affect natural, cultural and historical areas that need to be preserved, said Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà.

The Deputy Prime Minister chaired a meeting on Wednesday with the Assessment Council on Exploring, Exploiting, Processing, and Using Minerals as Construction Materials, where he emphasised the need for careful planning to protect landscapes and the environment.

He also stressed preserving natural, cultural, and historical areas.

The plan, which the Ministry of Construction compiled from 2021 to 2030, aims to guide the exploration, exploitation, processing, and utilisation of minerals as construction materials.

The deputy prime minister underscored that this must be done to prioritise safeguarding the environment and important sites, as mineral exploitation can significantly impact the environment and cultural heritage.

The Deputy Prime Minister's words reflect the government's commitment to responsible and sustainable development practices. 

During 2021-30, more than 800 new and existing mineral areas in 41 localities will be exploited.

About 364 other areas will be explored to identify the mineral reserves.

The conference established that mineral planning overlaps with the planning of industrial areas, tourism sites, urban areas and natural forests.

Deputy PM Hà asked the assessment council to give feedback on solutions to promote a circular economy, use recycled materials as construction materials to reduce environmental harm and protect biodiversity and rare ecosystem.

He said that mineral mining that damages landscape and poses environmental risks is not encouraged, calling for technological and environmental solutions applied in mineral reserve assessment.

He emphasised economic, efficient and multi-purpose exploitation and use of natural resources for a green and circular economy.

He said that mining and processing technology is important to ensure economic efficiency and protect the landscape and environment.

He ordered areas with insignificant mineral reserves, not on an industrial scale, to prioritise socio-economic activities and a green economy.  Areas with large mineral reserves on the industrial scale should prioritise mineral extraction.

If the localities are granted authority to explore and exploit mineral mines for construction materials, if the values of minerals are found to be much higher than those of construction materials, Hà asked for further reports to avoid illegal mining.

He asked the council not to add new mining areas that lack surveying and exploration into the planning and not attach the planning to specific projects.

Central city celebrates Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s birthday

The Japanese General Consulate officially celebrated the Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at a ceremony in the central city, as he turned 63 years old on February 23.

The Head of the Japanese General Consulate, Yakabe Yoshinori, said the Consulate-General was delighted to host a reception to celebrate his birthday, and this is the first reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito in Đà Nẵng.

He said the Japanese government's diplomatic strategy, ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’, placed great importance on ASEAN, which is located in a position that connects the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Currently, there are approximately 300 Japanese companies operating in Đà Nẵng and the surrounding provinces, and the number of Japanese companies in this region has increased, Yoshinori said.

Yoshinori said the relationship between Japan and central Việt Nam had become comprehensive and inclusive, covering politics, security, economy, and culture.

Yoshinori said direct flights between Đà Nẵng and Japan would resume in late March, and various exchanges between central Việt Nam and Japan, including visiting senior officials, were expected to increase steadily in the future.

In Đà Nẵng, the Consular Office of Japan opened three years before and was elevated to Consulate-General in 2022.

Đà Nẵng and Hội An have hosted the annual Việt Nam-Japan Culture Exchanges since 2013.

Japanese businesses have invested US$932 million in Đà Nẵng, creating 40,000 jobs for local and neighbouring provinces.

Đà Nẵng inked memorandums of understanding on investment and cooperation with Yokohama, Kawasaki and Sakai and built relationships with 15 other cities in Japan.

VFF, Sun Group sign deal to promote football development

The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) and Sun Group on February 23 signed a cooperation agreement on developing national football over a three-year period.

Following the deal, the group's Sun World brand will be an official partner of the national team and in many other activities of the federation from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2026.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, VFF President Trần Quốc Tuấn thanked Sun Group for their help and said Sun Group's companionship with the national football team at this time was really great encouragement for the players, coaches and the federation. The support would help provide the best conditions for their preparation for the coming international tournaments.

Also at the ceremony, the VFF official revealed that the new national team coach would be announced on February 27. He is expected to guide the team in various tournaments in 2023 including the 2026 FIFA World Cup's second qualifier, 32nd SEA Games and 19th Asian Games.

Hà Nội wins to lead U16 championship

Hà Nội remained as the tournament leader after beating HCM City 4-0 in the National Girls' U16 Championship. 

Trương Thị Hoài Trinh scored a double for the hosts at the fifth and 57th minutes while Hà Huyền Mai and Lương Thị Chương netted one each at the 30th and 42nd minutes, respectively.

HCM City tried to open more attacks to find a complimentary goal but all of their efforts was denied by Hà Nội's strong and disciplined defenders.

It was the second win for Hà Nội who have grabbed seven points to top the ranking.

Meanwhile, HCM City is in third place with four points.

In the earlier match, Phong Phú Hà Nam won 2-1 over Thái Nguyên T&T.

Hà Nam quickly went ahead after Lê Thị Thanh Hiếu made an amazing solo goal, running the ball away from a Thái Nguyên defender and shooting straight to open the scoring just six minutes into the game.

They continued dominating the match with many threatening opportunities which, however, failed to find the sheet.

The score was levelled just two minutes after the interval. Đỗ Thị Thuý Nga stole a ball from Hà Nam's captain Hồng Yêu in the box and netted without a mistake.

Hà Nam set up their domination again and found their second goal at the 54th mark. Y Za Lương took the ball, left all Thái Nguyên defenders behind and fired true from close range.

Hà Nam were in second place with seven points while Thái Nguyên fell to the bottom position with only one point.

In the second leg's first round on February 27, Hà Nội will see Hà Nam again. Their first match ended 0-0 last week. Meanwhile, HCM City will play Thái Nguyên. Their first match was a draw with one goal for each side.

In other news, former champion HCM City trounced underdog Sơn La 4-0 in the National Women's Football Cup's classification playoff.

Although fielding all young players for the match, HCM City met no difficulty to steal the show. 

Nguyễn Thi Tuyết Ngân scored a double while Nguyễn Thị Thanh Tâm and Ngô Thị Hồng Nhung made one goal each.

In the semi-finals on February 24, Hà Nội 1 will play Thái Nguyên while Phong Phú Hà Nam will face Việt Nam Coal and Minerals. The two winners will advance to the gold medal match on March 1.

Bac Giang Province chair, vice chair disciplined

Chairman Le Anh Duong and Vice Chairman Phan The Tuan of the northern province of Bac Giang have been reprimanded by the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission.

The Inspection Commission also reprimanded the provincial Party Civil Affairs Committee in the 2021-2026 tenure, the provincial Department of Finance’s Party Committee in the 2020-2025 tenure and the Finance Department’s director Nguyen Dinh Hieu.

Besides, the provincial Department of Health’s Party Committee in the 2020-2025 tenure and its director Tu Quoc Hieu received a warning.

The disciplinary actions were made at an Inspection Commission meeting held between February 20 and 21, the local media reported.

The Inspection Commission hailed the great efforts of the provincial Party, the government, and the people in Bac Giang during the anti-Covid fight as well as in the socioeconomic recovery and development.

However, under its leadership, the provincial Party Civil Affairs Committee was found to have violated the principle of democratic centralism and working rules; showed dereliction of duty; and let the provincial People’s Committee, a number of organizations and individuals violate the Party and State regulations in the procurement, management, and use of medical equipment that caused substantial losses to the State budget, provoked public outcry, and hurt the prestige of the Party and local authorities, according to the Inspection Commission.

Therefore, the Inspection Commission demanded these Party units and members seriously review their violations, learn from experience, tackle their shortcomings and violations and report the results to the Inspection Commission.

Former Rector of Da Nang Science & Technology University detained

The Investigation Agency under Da Nang City Public Security Department yesterday announced the decision to detain Doan Quang Vinh, former Rector of Da Nang Science & Technology University for violating regulations on state asset management.

Accordingly, the Investigation Police decided to prosecute and detain Doan Quang Vinh for the crime of ‘violating regulations on management and use of state assets, causing loss and waste’.

The misconduct of Vinh and Hoang Quang Huy – the university’s Head of Planning and Finance Department – had created good conditions for Lam Thi Hong Tam – the university’s Treasurer – to carry out embezzlement activities from 2021 to December 2022, causing a property damage of over VND80 billion (US$3.36 million).

Before this, Da Nang City Public Security Department had already prosecuted and detained Lam Thi Hong Tam and Hoang Quang Huy for the crime of ‘property embezzlement’.

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