Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has postponed his official visit to Vietnam set for June 11-13 due to a major wildfire in Kazakhstan’s Abay province.

President Tokayev wished to make the visit at another proper time, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

Côte d'Ivoire's top legislator to visit Vietnam next week

President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Adama Bictogo will pay an official visit to Vietnam from June 13-16, said a communique released by the Vietnamese National Assembly.

The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, according to the document.

More detained for involvement in gun attacks in Dak Lak province

Twenty-two persons have been arrested for involvement in the gun attacks on the headquarters of the People’s Committees of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communes, including the communes’ police stations, in Cu Kuin district of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on early June 11.

Authorities have also rescued two hostages while another managed to escape, Spokesman of the Ministry of Public Security Lt. Gen. To An Xo said on June 12 morning.

According to the Dak Lak provincial Department of Public Security, a group of persons made gun attacks on the headquarters of the Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur communal People’s Committees on early June 11 morning, killing and injuring some communal police officers, communal cadres, and civilians.

Local authorities have quickly taken measures to stablise the situation, support the bereaved families and the injured, and call on local residents to stay calm and follow authorities’ instructions to ensure safety.

On June 11 afternoon, Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam signed a decision to posthumously promote the ranks of the four police officers dying in the attacks and give assistance to the families of the dead officers and the injured ones.

PM inspects electricity, coal supply in Quang Ninh

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the northern province of Quang Ninh on June 11 to inspect the production and supply of electricity at the Mong Duong Thermal Power Company, Quang Ninh Thermal Power JSC, as well as coal mining and supply for thermal power plants at Ha Tu Coal JSC.

Later, he held a working session with ministries, agencies, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) to discuss the electricity production and supply, and coal mining and supply for electricity production.

Quang Ninh is not only a major tourist destination but also a coal mining and a thermal power hub with seven thermal power plants totalling 5,640 MW in capacity. The electricity production in Quang Ninh reached an estimated 3.6 billion kWh in May, up 23.12% annually. In the first five months of 2023, the figure reached 16.7 billion kWh, accounting for 15% of the country's total electricity output and 35% of the electricity production from coal-fired power plants nationwide.

After listening to feedback at the session, PM Chinh asked the EVN to fulfil tasks assigned by him and take solutions to ensuring electricity supply. If difficulties remain, it must promptly report to him.

The Vinacomin must focus on coal mining and supply for thermal power plants as required while the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises must efficiently manage the use of capital in corporations and State-owned enterprises.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will review, amend and supplement regulations to remove obstacles related to electricity production and supply.

On the occasion, the PM directed dealing with seven other suggestions from Vinacomin and one from the Dong Bac Corporation.

Three children drown in Thanh Hoa beach

Three children drowned while swimming at Hai Ninh Beach in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa's Nghi Son Town on Sunday afternoon.

Chairman of Hai Ninh Ward People's Committee, Le Dinh Phuong announced on Sunday evening that the tragic accident occurred at 3 pm the same day when a local man Mai Viet Tu, 62, took his four grandchildren to swim at the Hai Ninh Beach.

After a while, he took the youngest child home, leaving three others including two boys and a girl aged between 11 and 14 at the beach.

The grandfather then returned to the beach to call the children but could not find them.

Rescue forces were sent to search for the children and they found three bodies of the children some 500 metres from the beach at 5pm.

"The water was calm today but maybe the children went far away from the shore and were swept out to sea," the official said.

Local people usually go to Hai Ninh Beach to swim during the summer, although this beach has no rescue staff available.

Vietnamese workers in RoK updated on local laws

Vietnamese workers in Changwon city of Gyeongsangnam province, the Republic of Korea (RoK), were updated on the host country’s laws at a meeting held on June 11.

The event, organised by the city’s centre for supporting foreign workers and the labour management office under the RoK’s Employment Permit System (EPS), attracted a large number of Vietnamese workers who also had their questions answered.

The meeting was part of a series of activities to give legal advice and encourage workers to return to Vietnam when their contracts expire, in line with regulations so as to enhance labour management and assist them during their stay in the RoK.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Jin Jong-sang, Director of the Changwon centre for supporting foreign workers, said his centre is providing assistance for all foreign workers in different aspects.

He held that as most Vietnamese work industriously and sincerely, they have won local employers’ trust. However, illegal labour is still a problem needing to be addressed.

Up to now, Vietnam has sent over 110,000 workers to the RoK under the EPS programme, with average monthly income of 1,800 USD. About 30,000 are working under the EPS among the 40,000 Vietnamese workers in the RoK at present, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

OVs recall visits to Vietnam’s seas, islands in gathering

Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) from European countries who had visited Truong Sa and the DK1 platform held a gathering in Paris on June 11 to reminisce about the memories of their visits to Vietnam's seas and islands.

The event, initiated by the Liaison Department for Vietnamese in Europe "For the sea and islands of Vietnam", was part of the activities toward Truong Sa (Spratly) following the success of a scientific workshop on the East Sea and Vietnam’s sovereignty issues.

Cao Hong Vinh, head of the department, said the activities toward Truong Sa during this period include workshops, exhibitions, and exchanges among OVs who visited Truong Sa. The purpose is to give the Vietnamese community in Europe and international friends a better understanding and a clearer view of the lives and courageous spirit of the soldiers working at the forefront to protect every inch of Vietnam's sacred land.

Mai Phan Dung, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said the committee has organised about 10 trips to Truong Sa and DK1 platform, with the participation of over 500 OVs from 40 countries.

He said the OVs have made significant contributions to the construction of facilities on the islands over the past years, helping improve the lives of soldiers and residents at the forefront. These contributions have amounted to billions of VND, adding that more similar trips will be held to foster bonds between people at home and OVs, and between OVs and their love for the homeland.

On the occasion, a collection of traditional Vietnamese dresses, designed by Ngoc Han, was also introduced at a music show. An exhibition of photos and artifacts about Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) will be open until June 17 at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France.

Notably, a painting of Truong Sa by young artist Nguyen Tuan Dat was auctioned. He donated all proceeds worth 500 EUR (536 USD) to the organising board to support Truong Sa.

Vietnamese team defends championship in Czech Senate’s football tournament

The FC Sapa Praha team of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic has become champion of the annual friendly football tournament held by the Czech Senate for ethnic communities, thus successfully defending their title in the competition.

Held on June 10 at the Dukla stadium in Prague, the event drew the participation of 24 teams representing various foreign communities in the Czech Republic, including those from Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Vietnam, China, and more.

The tournament adopted a 7-a-side format, with the 24 teams divided into 4 groups. The top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals, and the semifinals and final were held on the same day.

In the opening match, the FC Sapa Praha struggled against the Moravia team and was held to a 1-1 draw. However, with the enthusiastic support of the Vietnamese fans and well-adjusted tactics from the coaching staff, they achieved four consecutive impressive victories in the group stage. They continued to surpass the Romania and Ukraine teams in the quarterfinals and semifinals. In the final match, a sole goal by Alex Bui helped the Vietnamese team successfully defend their championship title.

Earlier, FC Sapa Praha secured championship titles in 2011, 2019 and 2022 and reached the semifinals and finals many times.

Over 10,000 runners join VnExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon

The fourth VNExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon took place in the coastal city of central Binh Dinh province on June 11, attracting the competition of over 10,000 domestic and foreign runners.

Runners competed in the men's and women' elite and amateur and age groups categories in the 5km, 10km, half marathon (21km) and full marathon (42km).

Organisers awarded over 100 prizes worth more than 1 billion VND ( 42,560 USD) in total to winners.

Specifically, in the men's 42km distance, Pham Ngoc Phan finished first with a time of 2 hours 40 minutes 57 seconds, while in the women's 42km distance, Kenyan athlete Shelmith Nyawira Muriuki came first with 2 hours 47 minutes 41 seconds.

Nguyen Quoc Anh and Pham Thi Hong Le topped the men's and women’s 21km distance with 1 hour 15 minutes 22 seconds, and 1 hour 24 minutes 46 seconds, respectively.

In the men's 10km distance, Le Dinh Tuong finished first with a time of 36 minutes and 06 seconds, Nguyen Thi Kim Luyen topped the women's 10km distance with 42 minutes and 40 seconds.

With 17 minutes 39 seconds, Bui Nguyen Nhat Phi came first in the men's 5km distance, while in the women's 5km distance, Le Mai Hong Ngoc finished first with 21 minutes and 12 seconds.

Vietnam Festival held in Osaka

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka and the Japan’s festival organisation committee on June 10 held a ceremony to launch the Vietnam Festival 2023, an activity marking the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Speaking at the event, Consul General Ngo Trinh Ha said that over the past 50 years, Vietnam and Japan have built a cooperative relationship of friendship, trust, mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. 

Japan is Vietnam's leading important partner in many fields and is the country with the second-largest Vietnamese community in the world.

Ha expressed his hope and belief that with consensus, potential, and strengths, the two sides can complement each other, bringing their relationship into a new stage of effective practical development in fields.

Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Yamada Kenji said that the Japan-Vietnam friendship relationship was formed through cooperation in many fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, culture, art, and people-to-people exchanges. 

He noted that Vietnamese food such as pho and spring rolls are very popular in Japan. At the festival, stalls are introducing Vietnamese food and goods, he said, adding that and he wants to try the Vietnamese culinary culture.

The Vietnam Festival 2023 in Osaka takes place in two days from June 10-11 with performances by popular singers in Vietnam and Japan as well as community teams. More than 90 booths at the festival join introducing and promoting Vietnam and its culinary culture. The organisers expect more than 100,000 visitors to the festival.

East Sea, Vietnam's sovereignty from perspective of European scholars

A conference themed “East Sea and the Sovereignty of Vietnam” was held in Paris on June 10, attracting the participation of many Vietnamese and foreign scholars.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang said this event is of great significance for overseas Vietnamese, especially those living in Europe, showing their affection and attachment to their homeland and their concern with major national issues.

Organised under the initiative of the Liaison Board of Overseas Vietnamese in Europe, the conference received 14 speeches from scholars, professors, doctors and researchers on Asia and the East Sea, as well as economists and educators from European countries such as Poland, Germany, France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Ukraine, and Canada, and Vietnam.

The presentations mentioned many points of view on the East Sea and Vietnam's sovereignty over sea and islands, from the historical, cultural, political and legal perspectives. The situation in the East Sea, solutions to handle disputes, and options for marine economic development were also discussed at the event.

History Professor Patrice Jorland, former president of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, told Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Paris that Vietnam has sovereignty in the East Sea, and historical evidence shows that the country has asserted sovereignty over Truong Sa and Hoang Sa since the end of the 18th century, under the Nguyen Dynasty.

The French professor also stressed that the parties concerned need to respect international law, and that ASEAN, of which Vietnam is an active member, should strengthen solidarity, promote diplomatic efforts and negotiations, and avoid using force to settle disputes.

Malgorzata Pietrasiak, a professor at the University of Lodz in Poland and an expert on Vietnam, appreciated Vietnam's method of handling issues at sea, which she called the term "Hedgingowa" (roughly translated as "risk prevention").

According to her, this is a wise, flexible and peaceful strategy, without tension, but also without concession. She said this method has affirmed the effectiveness of Vietnam's diplomacy in international politics.

Role models nationwide honoured

The Central Council for Emulation and Rewards held a conference in Hanoi on June 11 to honour role models nationwide, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s appeal for patriotic emulation.

The event attracted the participation of 700 delegates representing exemplary collectives and individuals in various regions and sectors.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is also Chairman of the council, said on June 11, 1948, President Ho Chi Minh issued the appeal for patriotic emulation, officially launching a nationwide movement to foster a spirit of patriotism within the entire Party, people and army.

Since then, it has truly become a widespread movement, extending from the lowlands to the islands and mountain and border areas. It encompasses both urban and rural areas with the active participation of people from walks of life, and has achieved significant results.

The role models, regardless of age, position or profession, shine with a spirit of patriotism, dynamism, creativity, daring to think and act, and taking responsibility for the common good. They exemplify determination, resilience, aspirations for progress and dedication to the community and society, he said.

On the occasion, he asked departments and agencies to effectively follow the Party and State’s policies and laws on emulation and reward, step up start-up and innovation movements, develop green, digital and circular economies.

Emulation movements must be in tandem with the Party building and rectification, the campaign on studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and lifestyle; prevention and control of corruption, wastefulness, and negative phenomena; judicial and administrative reform. At the same time, national cultural identity must be preserved and upheld while external affairs and global integration must be stepped up, the PM noted.

Also at the event, the honourees told their own stories, highlighting their spirit of determination, self-sacrifice, wholeheartedness, and dedication to the country and people. They expressed their commitment to continuing to be role models in life, work, study, and contributing to the national development.

The PM also presented certificates of merit to 75 role models in various areas at the event.

Vietnam - Holy See relations record progress: official

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Vietnam (CBCV) hosted a meeting of the  Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) themed “FABC 50 Bangkok Document and its implications for Asia” in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau from June 5-10, looking back on the 50-year operation of the FABC and sharing ideas about activities to protect the environmental, ensure social justice and migration in Asia.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang said the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See has recorded much progress.

The Vietnam - Holy See Joint Working Group held the 10th-round meeting in the Vatican on March 31, during which the two sides had extensive discussions on the Vietnam - Vatican relations, including issues related to the Vietnamese Catholic Church.

This was an important event in the process of upgrading bilateral relations, contributing to opening up favourable opportunities for the Catholic Church of Vietnam in integrating into the world Catholics, Thang stressed.

He affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always pursue a consistent policy of respecting and ensuring people’s right to freedom of belief and religion, creating conditions for religious organisations to operate in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and promoting good cultural and ethical values and resources of religions for the country’s development.

Vietnam's law on belief and religion has been increasingly improved, concretising the Party's viewpoints and policies, he said.

The official praised the Vietnamese Catholics for their engagement in and active contributions to the country's socio-economic development, especially in  charity work, health care, and education.

The CBCV’s hosting affirms the Vietnamese Catholic Church’s position in the Catholic Church in Asian countries, and also fulfills its responsible commitments to Catholicism in the region as a member of the FABC, Thang stressed.

Vietnam, Indian state promote IT cooperation

A webinar on exploring information and communication technology startup ecosystem between India’s Karnataka state and Vietnam opened in New Delhi on June 9.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai said Karnataka has great potential for IT cooperation and development as it has affirmed its position as a global startup and innovation hub with more than 400 international research and development centers and 4,000 startups in Bangalore.

Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC) Vo Xuan Hoai also said Karnataka has recorded many achievements in science and technology development and innovation, while Vietnam is known as a dynamic country in promoting innovation with the Global Innovation Index ranked 48th out of the 132 economies.

Hoai expressed his hope that in the coming time, the two sides will have many bilateral cooperation programmes on promoting innovation and increasing investment in key areas of mutual interest such as IT, electronics, information, smart factories, smart city and digital communication.

A local representative, Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy said Karnataka expressed his hope that this webinar will help connect and create opportunities for investors and businesses of the two sides to meet and exchange ideas in order to realise the development potentials of the two countries.

Trade Counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in India Bui Trung Thuong said he believe the event will open new opportunities and collaboration for the IT and communication industries of the two countries while promoting trade and investment between Vietnam and Karnataka in particular as well as Vietnam and India in general.

Deputy PM orders sufficient supply of vaccines for children by all means

By all means, enough vaccines must be provided to children as soon as possible, asked Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at a working session with leaders of some ministries, sectors and localities on the purchase of vaccines for children within the expanded immunisation programme, held on June 10.

He made the order amid a number of emerging problems in vaccine purchasing activities.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that the ministry was assigned to buy and allocate vaccines to localities within the target programme for the medical-population programme for the 2016-2020 period.

After this programme ended in 2020, the ministry received budget from the central budget for the work to ensure vaccines for 2021 and 2022

She said that the ministry hopes to be allowed to continue the vaccine purchase for the expanded immunisation programme as it is an effective scheme with significant importance in ensuring social welfare for women and children.

She said that recently, the ministry has worked with a number of ministries, sectors and localities on measures in purchasing, bidding and negotiating for prices of a number of kinds of vaccines.

Meanwhile, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Nguyen Anh Dung pointed to a number of legal obstacles in the work. He said that all vaccines in the expanded immunisation programme are on the list of drugs for national centralised bidding, so there is no mechanism for self-biding in localities.

Dung suggested that central agencies provide a budget to the Ministry of Health for bidding activities and allow it to allocate vaccines.

Agreeing with Dung, Director of the Hanoi Department of Health Tran Thi Nhi Ha said that to date, the capital city has run out of some vaccines in the expanded immunisation programme, but there is no mechanism for the city to buy vaccines by itself.

Vice Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology Duong Thi Hong said that so far, nine out of the 11 kinds of vaccines for the expanded immunisation programme have run out.

Addressing the working session, Deputy PM Ha asked the Ministry of Health to focus on settling the problems in buying vaccines for the programme.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was asked to work with manufacturers, international organisations and countries to seek more supplies of vaccines for the programme.

The Deputy PM requested the Ministry of Health to immediately issue a guidance on disease prevention and diagnostic and treatment protocols for medical facilities when children contract diseases.

Vietnam looks to cooperate with US vaccine developer

Vietnam wishes to cooperate with Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, in medicine and vaccine supply, and hopes it will invest in the production of drugs, vaccines and medical biological products in the Southeast Asian nation in the near future, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen has said.

The Vietnamese health official showed the desire at a meeting  with representatives of Pfizer Inc. in New York on the occasion of his working trip to the US to attend the International Biology Conference in the US from June 5-8.

Tuyen thanked the US government and people as well as Pfizer for their provision of vaccines and medical supplies for Vietnam in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pfizer has also provided many high-quality specific medicines for Vietnam, contributing to the health care in the country, Tuyen said.

For his part, Timothy Hogan, senior vice president of external relations at Pfizer Inc., affirmed that Vietnam is one of the countries that the firm prioritises cooperation with.

He also offered recommendations for Vietnam to develop biopharmaceutical industry, such as building a leading scientific centre for producing high-quality medicines in the ASEAN region, promoting development and application of digital health, and creating a stable and favourable environment for cooperation to attract investment in the health sector.

Vietnam aim for one point at World Cup: midfielder

Midfielder Tran Thi Hai Linh has said the goal of the Vietnamese women's football team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is to take one point.

The team is in Group E alongside defending champions the US, reigning runners-up the Netherlands, and Portugal.

“The 2023 World Cup is a very big event," Linh said during a training session in Germany.

“My personal goal is to play well, try my best and show all my abilities, and the team's goal is to get one point in the group stage.

“My further goal is to be able to contribute more and bring more achievements to the national women's team. In the future, I want to have the opportunity to play abroad."

The Vietnamese team is training in Germany and then in Poland for three weeks to prepare for the World Cup.

Vietnam will have its first friendly match against Eintracht Frankfurt on June 10 at Stadion am Sommerdamm.

According to coach Mai Duc Chung, the team is not under heavy pressure at the Cup but will try their best to preserve the image of the SEA Games champion.

The 2023 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Vietnam will kick off their World Cup campaign against the US on July 22 in Auckland.  They will then play Portugal on July 27, followed by the Netherlands on August 1.

PM launches learning society building movement

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 10 launched an emulation movement in building a learning society and strengthening life-long learning in the 2021-2030 period.

Addressing the event, which was held on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's call for patriotic emulation, PM Chinh, who is also Chairman of the Central Council for Emulation and Rewards, highlighted the studious tradition of the nation.

Recalling President Ho Chi Minh's saying that "learning never has its end", he underlined that education and training has been defined as a key national policy.

Learning encouragement and building a learning society have received great attention from the whole community and become a widespread movement across the country, he said.

Highlighting the expansion of the country’s education movement, especially in far-flung, border, island and ethnic minority-inhabited areas, as well as the creation of learning opportunities for all people at all ages, PM Chinh underlined the important role of the Party Committees and administrations at all levels, as well as organisations, especially the Associations of Learning Encouragement.

He stressed that in a fast changing world where globalisation and international integration are becoming popular, along with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, learning and upgrading knowledge and skills is a must for everyone.

Life-long learning has become a global trend, he said, noting that so far, more than 1,000 cities around the world have joined the "learning cities" initiative.

In order to make stronger progress in building a learning society, the Government leader asked Party Committees and the administration at all levels as well as ministries, socio-political organisations, associations and the whole community to continue to effectively implement the Party and State's policies regarding education, training and learning and talent encouragement.

It is necessary to build an open, diverse and modern education system with equality and integration, meeting the new requirements in the new period, he said.

He ordered the revision and completion of mechanisms and policies on learning society building, along with stronger support to community learning facilities and assistance to disadvantaged people to access learning opportunities.

Along with strengthening the mobilisation of social resources for education promotion, the PM also underlined the need to optimise the efficiency of funds for learning activities.

The PM called for the engagement of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, socio-political organisations, association, collectives and individuals inside and outside the country to actively respond to the movement to encourage studying and talents and build a learning society, contributing to turning the dream for a prosperous and happy nation into reality.

Vietnamese volunteer soldiers’ remains repatriated from Laos, Cambodia

A memorial ceremony and reburial service was held in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum on June 10 to pay final respects and rebury the remains of 12 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos and Cambodia.

The remains were found and repatriated by Team K53, and reburied at Ngoc Hoi district’s Martyrs’ Cemetery of Kon Tum.

Addressing the ceremony, Y Ngoc, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee and head of the provincial Steering Committee 515, expressed her gratitude to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation.

She emphasised that the great dedication and sacrifices of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers have contributed to liberating the people of the Lao tribes from the invaders and reviving Cambodia after the genocidal regime, a shining symbol of the noble international spirit between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

OVs recall visits to Vietnam’s seas, islands in gathering

Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) from European countries who had visited Truong Sa and the DK1 platform held a gathering in Paris on June 11 to reminisce about the memories of their visits to Vietnam's seas and islands.

The event, initiated by the Liaison Department for Vietnamese in Europe "For the sea and islands of Vietnam", was part of the activities toward Truong Sa (Spratly) following the success of a scientific workshop on the East Sea and Vietnam’s sovereignty issues.

Cao Hong Vinh, head of the department, said the activities toward Truong Sa during this period include workshops, exhibitions, and exchanges among OVs who visited Truong Sa. The purpose is to give the Vietnamese community in Europe and international friends a better understanding and a clearer view of the lives and courageous spirit of the soldiers working at the forefront to protect every inch of Vietnam's sacred land.

Mai Phan Dung, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said the committee has organised about 10 trips to Truong Sa and DK1 platform, with the participation of over 500 OVs from 40 countries.

He said the OVs have made significant contributions to the construction of facilities on the islands over the past years, helping improve the lives of soldiers and residents at the forefront. These contributions have amounted to billions of VND, adding that more similar trips will be held to foster bonds between people at home and OVs, and between OVs and their love for the homeland.

On the occasion, a collection of traditional Vietnamese dresses, designed by Ngoc Han, was also introduced at a music show. An exhibition of photos and artifacts about Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) will be open until June 17 at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France.

Notably, a painting of Truong Sa by young artist Nguyen Tuan Dat was auctioned. He donated all proceeds worth 500 EUR (536 USD) to the organising board to support Truong Sa.

Better vigilance needed to prevent wildfires as intense heatwaves continue

The ongoing intense heatwaves across the country are not only adversely affecting people’s health but also causing high risks of wildfires.

Multiple forest fires have been reported between mid-May and early June in various localities.

According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF), due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, there will be more intense heatwaves, with a higher number of sunny days than the previous years’ average, along with abnormal fluctuations. 

The combination of blazing heat and a lack of rainfall increases the risk of wildfires in many areas, leading to damage to forests, the environment, and affecting people’s health, properties and livelihoods. 

NCHMF director Mai Van Khiem said that starting from mid-June, the average temperature is expected to be higher than that of previous years by around 0.5-1 degrees Celsius.

Since the beginning of summer this year, forest protection forces have been on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock checkpoints, increasing patrols, conducting awareness campaigns, and implementing fire prevention and firefighting measures.

In order to enhance urgent measures for forest fire prevention, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had issued a directive on May 22, requiring localities to strengthen inspections and monitor of wildfire prevention and control. 

This is considered a top priority in which complacency, negligence, and lack of vigilance are strictly prohibited. 

The directive calls for the establishment of dedicated task forces and assigning patrols on standby around the clock throughout the dry season and hot days.

Authorities should also monitor, supervise and provide guidance on setting fires near and in forest areas, especially with people burning vegetation for cultivation. 

The PM also assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to lead forest fire prevention and control nationwide. In the case of forest fire, authorities must be present for firefighting management. 

In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises and the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) are also required to cooperate with localities to ensure the safety of the national electric grid.

Cultural value a great resource for tourism development

Cultural tourism is a priority in Vietnam’s tourism development strategy and planning until 2020 with a vision to 2030 as it aims to attract more foreign visitors who are interested in exploring the local culture.

Looking to other countries like Thailand, cultural tourism has generated high revenue for the country. During this year’s traditional Songkran festival from April 13-16, the country earned about 550 million USD from tourism activities.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea is developing two tourism products that offer tourists to stay in traditional houses (Hanokstay) and pagodas (Templestay) to boost local economic development and preserve and promote the nation’s traditional cultural values to the world.

France, where the tourism sector serves about 90 million tourists each year and makes up 7.4% of the GDP, has built a hotel inside the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage, to give visitors a luxurious experience at the site.

Vietnam, with a rich treasure of cultural resources, has a high potential of promoting cultural tourism.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), along with maritime tourism and ecotourism, cultural tourism is one of the prioritised products for development in the national tourism strategy and planning until 2020 with a vision to 2030.

The country is focusing on promoting heritage tourism, festival tourism, and local culture exploring tourism, and associating cultural values in all other tourism products.

A number of localities have started exploiting cultural resources for tourism development.

The central province of Thua Thien-Hue launched its first Hue Festival in 2000 at the national level, which has become a large-scale cultural event providing a venue for cultural and art exchanges among many nations and introducing the quintessence of the culture of Vietnam in general and Hue in particular.

Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports, said that along with the purpose of attracting visitors, the Hue Festival is a way Hue chooses to promote and build its trademark at the same time.

Since 2022, the Hue Festival has been held in a four-season format, aiming to become a major tourism product meeting the demand of tourists, he said.

Together with Hue, many other localities have successfully organised large-scale festivals drawing international attention, including Nha Trang Sea Festival, the Carnival Ha Long, the Tay Nguyen Gong Festival, the Hau Giang Rice Festival, the Southern Fruit Festival, Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, and the Da Lat flower festival.

The festivals have brought about "cultural effects", promoting the understanding and exposition of Vietnamese culture to the world, leaving a strong impression in the hearts of domestic and international tourists alike.

Vietnam outplay Bundesliga Top 3 in friendly ahead FIFA Women’s World Cup

The Vietnam National Women’s football team beat Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in a friendly game on June 10 evening during a training camp ahead of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

Coach Mai Duc Chung sent in his best players at the start of the game who quickly transformed their coach’s attacking tactics into actions.

Bich Thuy early opened the scoring for Vietnam from a cross by striker Huynh Nhu.

Chung’s players continued to flex their muscles by carving out several scoring chances in the first half, but they failed.

Several minutes into the second half, Hai Yen escaped her opponents’ mark and cushioned the ball over the goalkeeper’s head, extending Vietnam’s lead.

A few minutes later, the Bundesliga top 3 team earned a goal to narrow the gap. However, they could not hold the visiting team to a 2-2 draw in the end.

This is the Vietnamese team’s first win during their training camp in Germany.

They are scheduled to play two German teams and a Polish team before flying to New Zealand to play another friendly game and then take part in the global football tournament.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will jointly be hosted by Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Vietnam will play in Group E alongside defending champions USA (on July 22), Portugal (on July 27), and the Netherlands (on August 1).

Saigon Heat beat Hanoi Buffloes 85-71 in VBA opener

Saigon Heat showed the power of champions crushing Hanoi Buffaloes 85-71 in the opening match of the Việt Nam Basketball Association (VBA) professional championship on Saturday in Hà Nội.

It was a rematch of the last season's final and the fifth meet of the two sides, but the winner was still the Heat, the first pro basketball club in the country.

In the first quarter's early time, the Buffaloes took more points and temporally led the score at 7-6. But the champions quickly showed off their ability which helped them to win three seasons in a row.

Star Võ Kim Bản hit three perfect three-pointers that blew out the Cầu Giấy Gymnasium.

His American teammate Kentrell Barkley also stepped up to add eight points to push the Heat ahead at 23-7.

Lê Quang and Antony Sundberg also scored to help the defending champion to end the first quarter at 25-11.

The domination of the Heat continued in the next two quarters which saw 67-45 for the Heat before the Buffaloes rose up in the last one.

Nguyễn Tiến Dương was put on the field to strengthen the Hanoian representative team.

Together with the effort of captain Đinh Thanh Tâm and American Russell Smith, the Buffaloes gradually narrowed the gap to 76-63.

It forced coach Matt Van Pelt to call for time outs to adjust his defence.

The Heat, however, were still stronger than their rival, bagging the first win of the season at 85-71.

Their Barkley received the Player of the Game award with 28 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists. It was the most successful debut in VBA history.

The second match of the tournament will be between Danang Dragons and Thanglong Warriors was held on June 11 night.

The eighth VBA season is back with a new format and changes that promise more exciting games for fans.

Seven teams will compete in three games each instead of two previously.

In the qualification round, teams will compete in two stages. The first stage is in centralised format with 21 matches from June 10-30.

The second stage's 42 matches from July 8 to September 3, will be a home-and-away competition.

The Play-off round, which is expected to have six matches, will be from September 7-15, and the Finals, scheduled for five games, will be from September 17-30.

Women’s futsal champion open in Hà Nam Province

Hà Nội drew 1-1 with Phong Phú Hà Nam in the opening match of the National Women's Futsal Championship on June 9 in Hà Nam Province.

Backed by home support, Phong Phú Hà Nam pushed from the off, testing the visitors from with a series of strong attacks.

Hà Nội fought back desperate to take the first three points.

They got their reward in the 13th minute when Bùi Thị Trang converted one of Hà Nội's opportunities.

The 26-year-old broke through Hà Nam's defence rounding goalkeeper Hải Yến to slot into the empty net.

Phong Phú Hà Nam took just five minutes to get back on level terms. Trần Thị Duyên controlled the ball and dribbled into the Hà Nội's half before shooting into the top corner of the net.

Both side had chances to win the game but wasted a number of good opportunities.

In the earlier match, HCM City beat Luxsen Paint 3-1 to top the table.

K’Thủa scored the first goal of the tournament at the 14th minute.

Hồng Huế levelled the score just a minute later. Her teammate Ánh Ngọc pushed Luxsen ahead with a straight shot at the 16th mark.

Hoàng Thị Nương netted for HCM City to end Luxsen's two-minute lead.

HCM City dominated the second half but they could only score one more goal near the end of the match by Thanh Như.

In the second edition, the championship sees the participation of five teams of Hà Nội, Phong Phú Hà Nam, Luxsen, Thái Sơn Nam and HCM City.

They will compete in round robin format with two strongest teams advancing to the final on June 19.

The champions will walk away with VNĐ100 million (US$4,250). The first and second runners-up will collect VNĐ80 million and VNĐ50 million, respectively.

Other awards are Fair-play team, top scorer, MVP and best goalkeeper.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, VFF General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi said the national championship was an important event where players show off their ability while coaches scout the most talented on for the national team.

Last year, Thái Sơn Nam District 8 won 3-2 over Phong Phú Hà Nam I to top the podium. Hà Nội took the third position.

Vietnamese junior chess masters bag golds at world championships

Việt Nam won three titles at the World Under 8-18 Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2023 on June 8 in Batumi, Georgia.

Undefeated Đầu Khương Duy topped the boys' U12 rapid chess event after earning 10.5 points from 10 wins and one draw in 11 matches.

Temirbekov Taimaz of Dagestan came second with nine points, followed by Tyhran Ambartsumian of Armenia with 8.5.

The second Vietnamese world champion was Lê Thái Hoàng Ánh in the girls' U12 rapid chess.

Despite being seeded No. 17, Ánh has an impressive performance with 10 wins and one loss to have 10 points for the top position. She left behind Aiaru Altynbek of Kazakhstan and No. 1 seed Diana Preobrazhenskaya of Russia.

The third one was Phạm Trần Gia Phúc in the boys' U14 rapid chess. He came back from poor results in early matches to get consecutive wins in the later half of the tournament. With 9.5 points after 11 matches, Phúc secured his first world crown.

His teammate, Đinh Nho Kiệt, finished second with 8.5 and Savva Vetokhin of Russia was third with 7.5.

The Vietnamese team also took one silver by Nguyễn Hồng Nhung in the girls' U18 rapid and one bronze by Nguyễn Nhất Khương in the boys' U8 rapid chess.

The team led the medal tally after the rapid event. Blitz chess will follow on June 10-11.

The world championship, which will end on June 12, lures more than 460 masters from 35 countries and territories, competing in the age groups from U8 to U18 for boys and girls. 

Việt Nam sent a team of 13 masters to checkmate in seven categories. 

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