Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision approving the master plan for the Central Highlands region in the 2021-2030 period with a vision to 2030, which aims to promote the sustainable development of the region.

Under the plan, the Central Highlands will be developed towards a green and circular economy, with the formation of large-scale industrial crops, fruit trees, flowers, and renewable energy centres for the whole country as well as high-quality tourist destinations that attract domestic and international tourists.

The region will have an ecological space rich in cultural diversity, while forest ecosystems will be conserved and developed, and modern and harmonious infrastructure will become important platforms to connect the Central Highlands with major economic centres in the country and promote international economic integration.

Meanwhile, the region’s cultural identity will be promoted and playing the role as a foundation for development, and harmonious development between the economy and culture, society, and environmental protection ensured.

Specifically, the region will focus on promoting high-yielding, ecological, organic and large-scale agriculture production in association with forming concentrated agricultural production areas using high technologies.

Agricultural centres associated with regional high-tech agricultural zones and economic corridors are expected to be formed, along with linkages in agricultural product value chains among localities.

The region will concentrate on developing the forestry economy and improving the lives of forest workers, according to the plan.

The region will sustainably restructure its forestry industry in line with the implementation of national target programmes, while developing the forestry economy, encouraging the afforestation in areas with suitable conditions, and expanding material regions for processing facilities.

In terms of industry, the region will prioritise the development of the processing-manufacturing industry and sectors with high added values, high technology contents and environmental friendliness in association with optimising advantages in raw material resources in the region.

It will form deep processing industrial zones and clusters, and inter-sectoral industrial linkage associated with central urban areas and economic corridors, while effectively connecting with the industrial sector of the central-central subregion, the south-central subregion, and the southeast region.

At the same time, the Central Highlands will promote the development of the mechanical industry to serve the agriculture, forestry, agricultural and forestry product processing industries, mineral exploitation and processing, and handicraft industries in the region, the plan clarifies.

Besides, it will promote the growth of the service sector in association with the development of the agriculture and industry sectors, while focusing on developing supply and consumption markets in the region and outside the region along corridors connecting it with major seaports to international markets.

Under the plan, the Central Highlands will also ensure the harmonised growth of modern and traditional trade to suit the special conditions for urban and rural areas, while increasing the cross-border trade activities based on expanding the infrastructure system at major international border gates.

The master plan also highlights the need to develop logistics services associated with economic centres and corridors connecting intra-regional and inter-regional trade activities and support the development of manufacturing industries associated with domestic and international markets, while developing eco-tourism, resorts, and cultural tourism associated with preserving and promoting the cultural values and identities of the Central Highlands ethnic groups, and strengthening connections and improving service quality in the value chain of specific tourism products in key areas./.

Third Lam Dong Tourism Golden Week 2024 opens

The Lam Dong provincial People's Committee hosted an opening ceremony to mark the start of the third Tourism Golden Week in 2024 on May 31 to stimulate tourism demand and elevate the image of Da Lat - Lam Dong to both domestic and foreign tourists.

Along with art performances, a space and a culinary area were also set up to introduce various ethnic cultures and 49 delicacies.

Furthermore, a tea ceremony combined with museum visits, tours, and a number of night tourism products were also introduced at the event.

Upon addressing the function, Vo Ngoc Hiep, chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, affirmed that, in addition to the overall development of the Vietnamese tourism industry, Lam Dong tourism has made great strides and has gradually become the key driving force for the province’s economic sector.

This year’s event aims to develop unique tourism products and showcase local advantages in association with preserving and promoting the traditional cultural identity of ethnic minorities residing in the province.

It is hoped that this will contribute to fully tapping the potential of Lam Dong tourism and serving to simultaneously elevate the position of the Da Lat - Lam Dong tourism brand to the wider world, Hiep added.

This year, the locality is striving to achieve the goal of welcoming 9.7 million visitors.

Annual Southern Fruit Festival launched in HCM City

The 20th Southern Fruit Festival running with the theme of ‘The Happy Journey of Farming’ kicked off on June 1 at the Suoi Tien Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City, with exciting festivities held for visitors.

In her speech at the opening ceremony, Bui Thi To Trinh, deputy general director of the park, said the annual event features a diverse and exotic range of tropical fruits grown in the country; honours farmers; and intensifies cultural and tourism activities.

It covers a market selling local specialty fruits such as plums, avocados, mangos, mangosteens, watermelons, and longans, along with OCOP products, at low prices.

Visitors can enjoy delicacies from all over nation at a food market boasting over 20 stalls.

A gigantic fruit collection, parades, fruit sculptures, and musical performances are also being held on the occasion.

Besides the usual festivities, there will also be several debut events such as the Green Unity Campaign competition in which artistic projects will be created using only recycled materials.

Fruit lovers can pick their own fruits and eat them at the Suoi Tien Farm where over 30 foreign fruits are grown in line with strict organic and VietGAP standards.

The Southern Fruit Festival was recognised as an iconic tourism activity of the southern city in 2004 and typically attracts around one million visitors annually.

It is also a highly anticipated part of the second HCM City River Festival this year and will run until August 31.

Vietnam-EU justice cooperation bears fruits: conference

The Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the EU Delegation to Vietnam and the UN in Vietnam organised a conference to review the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme (EU JULE) in the Southeast Asian country on May 31.
 
The EU JULE, which consists of two components of Pillar Assessed Grant or Delegation Agreement (PAGoDA) and Justice Initiatives Facilitation Fund (JIFF), was carried out from August 18, 2018 to May 31, 2024, with financial contributions from several UN organisations such as UNDP and UNICEF.

At the event, Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Khanh Ngoc highlighted that the Vietnamese legal and justice system has been unceasingly reformed and completed, creating legal foundation and confidence for socio-economic development and improving locals’ material and spiritual lives.

He stressed that the results have been buoyed by Vietnam’s intrinsic strength as well as support and cooperation from international partners, with the EU and UN organisations playing a positive role.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier, head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, expressed his delight over the success of the project after six years of implementation, especially enhancing the transparency of the Vietnamese justice system.

The EU will continue its support for Vietnam in managing and building a rule-of-law state as well as promote bilateral cooperation activities, he highlighted.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis described the project as an example of the close partnership between a UN member with the EU, international organisations, JIFF beneficiaries and the UN development system.

She went on to say that the project has helped raise the awareness of laws among vulnerable groups such as women, children and people with disabilities, as well as complete and improve the justice support system.

The UN stands ready to cooperate with Vietnamese partners and the EU to promote the positive results of the project, contributing to building the socialist rule-of-law state to serve the Vietnamese people and consolidate the country’s position as a leading nation in implementing the Sustainable Development Goal on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

The project not only brought about technical support and international experience to Vietnamese organisations but also helped the country to popularise its legal regulations, helping the international community get a better insight into its legal system and achievements in justice reform.

Festival promotes Vietnamese culture in Japan

The Vietnam Festival in Japan 2024 opened at Yoyogi park in Tokyo on June 1 with art and cultural performances and over 130 booths showcasing typical Vietnamese products.

Over the past 15 years, the festival has become the largest cultural event most awaited by the Vietnamese community in Japan and local residents.

The opening ceremony saw the attendance of former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo, Chief Representative of the Komeito party Yamaguchi Natsuo, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Masahito Moriyama, along with Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Thi Thuy, representatives from associations, among others.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Hieu highlighted that the annual Vietnam festival in Yoyogi park has become Vietnam's cultural brand in Japan. He hoped that friendly exchange activities like the festival will help promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchange as well strengthen trust and mutual understanding between Vietnam and Japan.

For his part, Minister Masahito Moriyama highly valued the efforts of the festival’s organising board and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan for successfully organising the festival over the past years.

He said his ministry will continue to coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and localities to further promote cooperation in fields and optimise the role of Vietnamese alumni in Japan.

In addition to more than 130 booths of Vietnamese and Japanese companies, organisations, and individuals, the two countries’ popular art troupes and bands performed at the event. In particular, residents of Tokyo and foreign tourists are very interested in the Vietnamese water puppet shows.

The festival which runs until June 2 is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors./.

Action Month for Children 2024 kicks off

The Action Month for Children 2024 was launched at a ceremony held in Hue city, the central province of Thua Thien - Hue on June 1.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Chairman of the National Committee for Children, said the Party, State, families, and teachers always create the best conditions for children to grow up comprehensively. More and more attention has been paid to improving infrastructure, welfare facilities, social services, health care, and education for children, especially in disadvantaged, ethnic minority, border, and maritime areas.

However, he noted, there remain millions of children with special circumstances or at risk of falling into special circumstances needing assistance. That requires the entire political system from central to local levels as well as each people act strongly, give higher priority, and reserve greater love, attention and resources for children.

He asked ministries, sectors, and local Party committees and administrations to enhance their sense of responsibility towards the development of children, build a comprehensive national strategy for children’s development, and build a multi-layer and quality system of welfare and social services for children.

In addition, it is also important to ensure children can maximally enjoy their benefits, are not subject to discrimination, and express and have their opinions respected, the official noted, pointing out the need to develop healthy, suitable, and quality cultural, literature, artistic, and educational works for them.

The Deputy PM also voiced his hope that children nationwide will be studious, love their families, sympathise with disadvantaged people, engage in physical activities, and actively access the humankind’s treasure of knowledge and culture to become global citizens.

He also called on children to nurture their love for the Fatherland, treasure the value of peace and freedom, and strive to realise their dreams to develop themselves and contribute to national development.

This year’s Action Month for Children, themed “Acting practically, prioritising resources for children”, aims to assist each commune to build or upgrade one facility for children, and encourage each member of socio-political and social organisations to take a practical action for children.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Ha presented gifts to 50 children with special backgrounds and bicycles to 30 others. The Thua Thien - Hue Fund for Children received over 7 billion VND (275,000 USD) in aid from donors.

Also on June 1, the Deputy PM and Thua Thien - Hue officials attended a ceremony marking the roofing of a multifunctional hall at the Vy Da Primary School. They also visited and presented gifts to children at the SOS Children’s Village in Hue city./.

Project eyes CO2 reduction in Vietnam

Ecotree Group, a sustainable forestry company focusing on carbon removal and biodiversity preservation, will team up with Germany's NGUYEN GmbH Chau Au to implement a carbon dioxide reduction project in Vietnam under an agreement signed on May 31.

Under the project, Ecotree will plant 1 million ha of forest in Vietnam and manage them in line with European standard.

According to Le Thanh Tung, Chairman and General Director of Ecotree Group, its strategy is to attract foreign direct investment to Vietnam, contributing to boosting the country's socio-economic development and GDP growth.

To date, Ecotree has worked with 16 provinces and cities across the country, of which six have approved proposals on conducting surveys to pilot a carbon credit project for planted and natural forests.

He went on to say that Ecotree experts have begun conducting field surveys in some provinces such as Ca Mau, Gia Lai and Binh Dinh, which will serve as a foundation for signing cooperation agreements with local forest owners.

According to Raphael Thomas, an environmental expert, Vietnam has a very large forest area and great potential to develop the carbon credit market. He estimated that the project can absorb 12 million tonnes of CO2 each year and earn about 120 million EUR (130.4 million USD) per year.

Truong Thanh Ha, deputy head of Gia Lai province’s Forest Protection Department, spoke highly of the project, saying said that it does not only brings CO2 credits but also creates a better living environment, and improves income for people engaging in forest planting at the same time.

According to Ecotree Group, the CO2 reduction project will be deployed this year and its implementation results will be reviewed in each phase./.

Defence Ministry delegation meets officials of countries, partner

A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence have held bilateral meetings with many officials of other countries and partners while attending the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 31 to June 2.

Meeting with Permanent Secretary of the Singaporean Ministry of National Defence Chan Heng Kee, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, who is also member of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, asked the two sides to promote the agreements reached since the two countries’ defence policy dialogue in 2023, and step up cooperation in personnel training, search and rescue, and digital transformation in military.

He also proposed extending the working period of Vietnam’s liaison offers at Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC).

Chan took in the Vietnamese side’s proposals and said Singapore will discus details in the coming time.

At the meting with Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) – organiser of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Chien highly valued the dialogue’s role in regional security and safety, affirming that Vietnam will continue taking part in this event.

He suggested the IISS-Asia office, based in Singapore, to enhance cooperation in researches and academic exchanges with research units of Vietnam, including the Institute for Defence Strategy.

Giegerich agreed with the opinions and asked the two sides to discuss these cooperation activities for the time ahead.

During the visit to Singapore, the Vietnamese delegation visited the IFC at Changi Naval Base and gave encouragement to the liaison officers of the Vietnam People’s Army working there.

Chien and IFC leaders also looked into the centre’s structure and tasks, along with the possibility of exchanging maritime information in the future.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard Le Quang Dao delivered a speech at a session on June 1 afternoon.

He held that security, order, and safety in sea areas have continued to face many traditional and non-traditional security challenges, which requires international cooperation be enhanced to cope and deal with. He stressed that building trust is important to the success of international cooperation.

Dao noted sea-related challenges will keep increasing and developing complicatedly in the time ahead, setting new and higher requirements for international cooperation in maritime law enforcement.

Given this, the commander called on countries to further strengthen cooperation on the basis of international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and countries’ laws to implement the documents they have joined or signed in a more effective and substantive manner. He also suggested promoting the signing of new cooperation mechanisms, launching more practical and effective initiatives to resolve maritime security challenges, and pushing ahead with building trust in the implementation of the signed cooperation documents and the drafting of new ones.

On the dialogue’s sidelines, Dao also had a meeting with Seguchi Yoshio, Vice Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard./.

National footballers receive support to enhance performance in 2024-27

Việt Nam's football will continue receiving strong support from Herbalife Việt Nam after a three-year deal signed on May 31 in Hà Nội.

The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) and Herbalife will accompany with each other until 2027.

Herbalife continues providing national football teams nutritional products and financial support; and share knowledge about nutrition and motor skills for coaches and players in the period.

"The sponsirship is important for national all teams and VFF in the preparation process for big tournaments in the future," said VFF General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi.

"VFF appreciates Herbalife's contributions that strongly help players get better performance and avoid injuries. The cooperation between two sides will also inspire not only players but also sport lovers to apply nutritional regime to maintain and lift their physique."

Speaking at the event General Director of Herbalife Việt Nam and Combodia Vũ Văn Thắng said: "Herbalife will continue to work closely with the VFF to help players achieve optimal strength and physical fitness based on scientific nutrition and physical training.

"Football is the most popular and loved sport by Vietnamese people, this sponsorship will also inspire the community to live healthier through regular exercise combined with healthy nutrition."

Following the deal, Herbalife Việt Nam and VFF will jointly organise programmes on nutrition and training plans for men's and women's teams of the U19s to U23s male as well as national squads. National clubs' players will also have chance to use high-quality nutritional products and participate in the professional training programmes.

In 2024-27, national teams will compete in different major international competitions including 33rd and 34th SEA Games, 20th Asian Games and 2028 World Cup qualifications. 

Hà Nội FC named best club in V.League 1 for May

Hà Nội FC have been acknowledged as the best club in V.League 1, Việt Nam's top professional football league, for the month of May.

During their last five matches, Hà Nội accumulated 11 points, losing only one game. This allowed them to climb from 6th to 3rd place, the best performance among teams that earned the same number of points this month.

This result is impressive considering Hà Nội did not have many star players, either domestic or foreign. The team also had to deal with coaching changes and the physical toll of playing in multiple events at the start of the season, which affected their performance.

Despite their success, Hà Nội's chances of winning the V.League 1 championship this season are slim. With 33 points, they trail league leaders Nam Định by nine points with only five matches remaining in the season.

Hà Nội's Japanese coach Daiki Iwamasa was also named the best coach of the month. Meanwhile, Nam Định's Brazilian striker Rafaelson Fernandes received the best player title and also scored the best goal of the month. Fernandes has netted 11 goals so far, helping Nam Định solidify their position atop the standings.

Fernandes' best goal came in the 48th minute of last week's match between Thanh Hóa and Nam Định. In that play, he controlled the ball with his chest before firing a spectacular overhead kick into the far corner of Thanh Hóa's goal.

Bac Ninh - Kinh Bac cultural values promoted in France

An event titled “ Bac Ninh – Kinh Bac Cultural Night” was held in Paris on May 31 to promote cultural values of the northern province of Bac Ninh which is often referred to as Kinh Bac – a land with long history and ancient culture in Vietnam.

The event was organised by the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province, the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France to mark the 15th anniversary of UNESCO recognition of Bac Ninh Quan Ho (love duet) singing as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2009-2024).

The event saw the participation of nearly 200 people, including about 30 ambassadors of countries to UNESCO, representatives from French agencies and organisations, diplomatic missions and international organisations based in Paris and Vietnamese associations in France.

Participants had a chance to enjoy and learn about Quan Ho singing and Dong Ho painting – two typical cultural values of Kinh Bac.

Previously, Kinh Bac consisted of Bac Giang province and Dong Anh and Long Bien districts of Hanoi. The region is associated with several legends and is considered the cradle of the Dai Viet (Great Viet) civilisation.

Located in the centre of the Red River Delta, Kinh Bac is blessed with fertile land, beautiful landscapes and favorable conditions for economic and cultural exchanges with other localities throughout the country.

Since the early years before Christ, the region was one of the cradles of the wet rice civilization and the founding place of the Great Viet civilisation. Kinh Bac is also famous nationwide for its folk festivals, especially Quan Ho singing, an art form that combines various elements, including music, lyrics and costumes, and features the distinctive culture of people in the region formerly called Kinh Bac.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UNESCO, affirmed that Vietnam always pays attention to protecting intangible cultural heritage and promoting cultural heritage values associated with sustainable development.

As a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022-2026 term and currently the Vice Chairman of the committee, Vietnam has been strengthening cooperation with other member countries and relevant parties to promote the implementation of the convention, she said./.

Charity programme launched to help children with disabilities

A nationwide charity programme to support children with disabilities in ten border provinces was launched in Hanoi on May 31.

The programme, entitled 'Supporting children with disabilities to go to school', will be jointly implemented by the Vietnam Fund for Disabled Children and the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Vietnam Disabled Children Relief Association and the National Humanitarian Electronic Information Portal 1400.

The programme aims to raise funds from agencies, organisations and people nationwide for at least 1,000 gifts worth 2 million VND each (about 78 USD) for children with disabilities in difficult circumstances who are able and willing to attend school.

The gifts are expected to reach beneficiaries in the ten provinces of Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Quang Ninh, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Dak Nong on the new school year 2024-2025.

The annual programme provides continuous, long-term support for children with disabilities. The beneficiaries will receive the support from the time they go to school until they attend vocational training and earn their living by themselves.

According to statistics, as of December 31, 2023, the country had counted about 8 million people with disabilities, accounting for 7.06% of the population aged 2 years and older. Of them, there were nearly 2 million children with disabilities, or 28.3% of the total. The children with disabilities usually come from families with difficult circumstances, multidimensionally poor households and live in rural and remote areas.

Vietnam was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and was the 118th member to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007./

Int’l Children’s Day celebrated at Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school in Vientiane

The Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school in Vientiane on May 31 organised a ceremony to celebrate the International Children’s Day (June 1) for its students.

Addressing the event, Principal of the school Sivanhueang Phengkhammay said that the International Children's Day coincides with the conclusion of an academic year and the start of the summer break.

Quoting President Ho Chi Minh’s saying of “children today, the world tomorrow,” Sivanhueang stressed that the caring, protection and education of children are not only the task of families and schools but the whole society.

As a special school demonstrating the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam, over the years, the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school, along with its teachers, has worked as ambassadors spreading the thousand-year culture of Vietnam to Lao people. It is also the place to nurture, reinforce and promote the pure and loyal Laos-Vietnam friendship, she stated.

Counsellor Nguyen Thi Thuan, standing member of the Department for Community Affairs at the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, hailed the achievements that the school has achieved in protecting and caring for children.

She called on parents and the whole society to join hands in providing better care and education for children.

On the occasion, Thuan presented the embassy’s certificates of merit to 13 teachers at the schools in recognition of their contributions to maintaining and promoting the Vietnamese language.

A representative of Star Telecom (Unitel), a joint venture of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) in Laos, presented 50 scholarships to disadvantaged students and those with outstanding academic performance in the 2023-2024 academic year./.

Workshop spotlights President Ho Chi Minh’s role in liberation movements in Africa

President Ho Chi Minh, his role in the national liberation movements in Africa, and the Vietnam - Morocco relations were the focus of a workshop held in Rabat capital on May 31.

The event was held by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Former Members of the Liberation Army of Morocco.

In his speech, Prof. Abdallah Saaf, Director of the Rabat-based Centre for Studies and Researches in Social Sciences, affirmed that President Ho Chi Minh had realised that only the strength of national solidarity combined with international solidarity could create the synergy necessary for the success of Vietnam’s revolution.

He said the Vietnamese people’s struggles, under President Ho Chi Minh’s leadership, substantially contributed to the national liberation movements in many countries in the 20th century. Apart from giving political support to and showing the solidarity with the fights for the right to self-determination and national independence worldwide, Vietnam also assisted many liberation forces in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America by sharing experience and training officials.

Phan Xuan Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Commission for Information and Education, said with the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory that “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe” 70 years ago, Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh become a symbol of national liberation movements.

Together with Vietnam, a number of colonised peoples in the world and countries in Africa, from Algeria to Morocco and Nigeria, rose up to escape from the colonial and imperialist rules and gain independence and freedom, leading to the collapse of the old colonialism around the world, he added.

Mustapha El Ktiri, High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Former Members of the Liberation Army of Morocco, hailed the greatness of President Ho Chi Minh through the resounding Dien Bien Phu Victory, perceiving that the victory, under the President’s leadership, had positive impact on national liberation movements in Africa, marked the start of the liberation from the Western colonialists’ oppression, and kindled a strong hope among the oppressed peoples.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Commission for Information and Education, said looking back on the national liberation movements in Vietnam and Morocco, people nowadays even further treasure the two countries’ friendship, whose foundation was laid by President Ho Chi Minh.

Reviewing bilateral diplomatic ties, established in March 1961, he noted relations between the two countries took shape during the resistance war against the French colonialists in the 1950s. At that time, many young men of Morocco were forced by France to fight in Vietnam, but they were inspired by the land, people, and just struggle of the Vietnamese people under President Ho Chi Minh’s leadership, and then surrendered or joined the Vietnamese troops in protecting the country.

History is an important bridge connecting the Vietnamese and Moroccan peoples so that they work together toward a bright future of all-round cooperation, Nghia stated.

The workshop took place as part of a CPV delegation’s working visit to Morocco./.

Czech MP hails parliamentary ties with Vietnam

President of the Czech Republic-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Petra Quittova has hailed the positive development of parlimentary relations between the two countries in recent times, saying that it was reflected through the exchange of all-level delegations and mutual support at multilateral and international forums like IPU, ASEP.

She made the remarks during a working session with Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam in Prague on May 30.

Quittova said she will continue making contributions to the development of traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

She took the occasion to inform the Vietnamese diplomat about cultural exchange programmes to be held in Prague, Brno and Karlovy Vary in 2024. She invited the Ambassador and staff of the Vietnamese embassy to the events.

Ambassador Nam thanked MP Quittova for her sentiments and efforts in strengthening relations between the two countries' legislatures, and contributing to promoting Vietnam - Czech Republic relations towards the 75th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations in 2025.

Nam agreed with Quittova's assessment on the areas that the two countries have a lot of potential and room for cooperation such as education, labour, tourism, and culture.

Sharing the host of plans of visits to the Czech Republic by delegations of the Vietnamese National Assembly in the second half of this year, he proposed that the Czech-Vietnamese Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group coordinate to promote working programmes with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Czech Republic and relevant agencies./.

Australian MP highlights Vietnam-Australia parliamentary relations

Deputy Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives and Chairperson of the Australia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group Sharon Claydon spoke highly of the good relations betweeen the legislative bodies of Australia and Vietnam while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam in Canberra on May 31.

At the reception, Claydon emphasised her wish to promote activities of the Australia-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, one of the largest parliamentarians groups in the Australian legislative bodies, so as to contribute to the two countries' friendship and cooperation as well as bilateral parliamentary cooperation on the basis of cooperation agreements signed by the two sides.

She extended her congratulations to newly-elected National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and greetings to Chairman of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Parliamentarians' Group Hoang Thanh Tung.

She expressed her desire to increase delegation exchanges and experience sharing between the two countries through the parliament channel.

For his part, Ambassador Tam highly appreciated Claydon's contributions to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the two parliaments.

He suggested the Australian House of Representatives support the implementation of cooperation agreements between the two countries, especially those reached during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Australia in March.

Host and guest discussed potential for cooperation between the two countries on gender equality, climate change, energy transition, green hydrogen and offshore wind power. They talked about Vietnamese in Australia, hoping that the community will continue to grow and contribute to the two countries' friendship./.

ASEAN Schools Games begins

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà officially announced the opening of the 13th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) 2024 in the central city of Đà Nẵng on June 1. In his address, he extended his best wishes to all athletes, encouraging them to compete with sportsmanship, honesty, solidarity, and friendship for the successful Games.

Bayu Rahadian, on behalf of the Chairman of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council (ASSC), Indonesia expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the host country of the 13th ASEAN Schools Games in Đà Nẵng City.

He stressed that the host’s exceptional hospitality and warm welcome have truly made this event a memorable experience for all delegates.

“We come together to honour the principles of sportsmanship, unity, and cultural exchange that define the 13th ASEAN Schools Games,” he said.

“The ASEAN Schools Games is more than just a sports event; it serves as a platform for fostering friendships, understanding diverse cultures, and building a sense of community among our nations. Through these games, we aim to promote not only excellence in sports but also the values of mutual respect, teamwork, and solidarity,” he added.

Bayu Rahadian emphasised these games stand as a testament to collective vision of peace, friendship, and collaboration among our nations.

Minister of Education and Training of Việt Nam, Nguyễn Kim Sơn expressed great admiration for the 13th ASEAN Schools Games, recognising it as the premier sporting event for ASEAN students, promoting unity, international friendship, respect, and mutual understanding among countries, all in support of students' harmonious physical and mental development.

He said the games will help build a young generation of ASEAN integration and development as well as providing opportunities for students from ASEAN countries exchanging and connecting with spirit of ‘Connect to shine bright’.

Sơn said the 13th ASG features as a symbol of unity, the role of school sports in the physical development of ASEAN students.

Chairman of Đà Nẵng City’s people’s committee, Lê Trung Chinh said the games marked as the second time that Việt Nam has hosted the ASEAN Schools sport event, and Đà Nẵng was chosen as the venue for the Games.

He said the city committed to create the best conditions for all students and athletes during the week-long competition.

The games would be memorable experience and time for all visitors exploring pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes of Đà Nẵng.

Athletes will be competing with tough games in basketball, swimming, athletics, badminton, pencak silat, and vovinam from June 1-7.

Vietnamese athletes secure two golds from Taiwan Open

Việt Nam secured two golds in the first day of competitions at the 2024 Taiwan Athletics Open on June 1 in Chinese Taipei.

Bùi Thị Ngân finished first in the women's 1,500m event while Nguyễn Trung Cường topped the men's 3,000m steeplechase hours later at the Taipei Stadium.

Ngân, who won silver at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia last May, and Gayanthika Thushari Artigala Aberathna of Sri Lanka quickly separated from the rest of the pack from from the start. They held the one-two position for most of the race, with the Vietnamese athlete maintaining a 2-metre distance from her rival.

When it was about 100m to the finish line Ngân sprinted up and past Aberathna to finish first in a time of 4min 21.68sec.

Aberathna was second on 4:24.66. She was followed by North Korean Ri Song Hui who clocked 4:32.95.

Another Vietnamese Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà also raced in the event. The SEA Games' 800m defending champion however could only come third on 4:34.80.

Hours later, SEA Games winner Cường met no difficulty to secure his gold after running in 9:06.93.

He left behind Sukarya Pandu of Indonesia, who timed 9:10.14, and Lin Zhewei of the hosts, who clocked 9:14.90.

In other activities, SEA Games champion Huỳnh Thị Mỹ Tiên placed seventh in the women's 100m hurdles and SEA Games silver medalist Vũ Đức Anh was eighth in the men's high jump.

The Taiwan Open will continue on June 2 with different categories. Việt Nam have 18 representatives at the tournament. Among them, the women's 4x400m team will seek the Olympic slot here. 

HCM City dominate national champs’ first leg

HCM City 1 topped the ranking table after the first leg of the National Women's Football Championship which wrapped up on June 1 in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province.

The defending champions beat archrival Hà Nội 1 1-0 with the only goal of Phan Thị Trang in the 65th minute.

HCM City had 19 points after six wins and one draw. Hà Nội 1 placed second with 16 points after their first loss of the season.

Thái Nguyên T&T jumped to the third place after a 1-0 win over Phong Phú Hà Nam. They had same 14 points with Việt Nam Coal and Minerals but earned better goal difference.

The second leg is scheduled on July 2 to August 2 in a locality in the North.

The winning team will take championship trophy and VNĐ500 million (US$19,650). The first and second runners-up will pocket VNĐ300 million and VNĐ200 million, respectively.

Awards and prizes will be given to MVP, top scorer, best goalkeeper among others.

Matches will be live aired on VTVcab channels. 

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