The Ministry of Health said that through the infectious disease surveillance system from the beginning of 2023 to the company, the country recorded about 9,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease; worse, three of them in Dak Lak, Kien Giang and Long An provinces died of the fatal disease.

Compared to the same period in 2022, the number of cases decreased by 28 percent but the number of deaths increased by 2 cases. In particular, the southern region had the highest number of cases and deaths due to hand, foot and mouth disease with 204 cases and 2 deaths. Cases are mainly in children under 10 years old accounting for 98.5 percent. 84 percent of cases are children from 1 to 5 years old.

Based on the latest laboratory results, a significant proportion of the samples tested positive for Enterovirus 71 (EV-71), which causes hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The EV-71 has been known to generally cause severe complications and deaths among some patients.

The Ministry of Health also pointed out that symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease usually include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet, mainly in the form of blisters, commonly found on the palms, soles, knees, and buttocks.

Most of the cases are mild, but some cases can be severe, causing dangerous complications such as encephalitis - meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and acute pulmonary edema leading to death.

Australian PM’s Vietnam visit a success: researcher

Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, a researcher at the Centre for Policy Futures under the University of Queensland in Australia, has noted that the freshly-concluded visit to Vietnam by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was a success, as reflected through the agreements reached by the two sides on both bilateral and multilateral issues. 
      
Albanese paid an official visit to Vietnam from June 3-4 at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh.

According to Hai, the two sides shared the view on positive developments of the bilateral diplomatic ties over the past 50 years, and the bilateral strategic partnership in the three pillars of politics, national security and defence; economy, trade and investment; and education and training.

They said ample room remains for cooperation in economy, trade and investment. Therefore, Vietnamese and Australian leaders set the targets of raising bilateral trade to US$20 billion and doubling the two-way investment, the researcher said.

He also highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the establishment of a trade dialogue mechanism at the ministerial level between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The two sides also consented to increase high-level meetings and delegation exchanges in all Party, National Assembly and Government channels, and step up people-to-people exchanges, build an action plan for the new period, and continue boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen collaboration in national defence and security, justice, and other spheres like official development assistance (ODA), education-training, science-technology, labour, transport, tourism, climate change and digital transformation.

In that spirit, they agreed to work to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new level in the time ahead, Hai continued.

The researcher added that Vietnam and Australia also shared the view on how to approach the East Sea issue and the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, pushing ahead with dialogues, reinforcing trust, and settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

He held that PM Albanese’s friendliness demonstrates not only his sentiments towards Vietnam and his love for Vietnamese culture, but also the special importance Australia attaches to its relations with the Southeast Asian nation.

Sharing Hai’s views, Tran Ba Phuc, President of the Vietnam Business Association in Australia, said meetings during the PM’s visit reflect the spirit of openness, candidness, sincerity, and trust between the two sides.

It also mirrors the success of Vietnam’s foreign policy, thus facilitating relations between Vietnam and other countries, he went on.

The close ties between Vietnam and Australia have been manifested in diplomacy, trade, education, and climate change response, he said, expressing a hope that the visit will contribute to consolidating the political trust between the two countries and their multi-faceted cooperation.

Vietnam, France wish to elevate ties to greater height

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has affirmed that Vietnam always treasures relationship with France, its important member in the European Union (EU) and strategic partner, with strong historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

Minister Son, who is on France visit from June 5-6, made the statement during his talks with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna on June 5.

It has been the first exchange of delegation at the ministerial level in the past decade, taking place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Expressing their delight at the sound development of bilateral ties over the past years, they wished to work closely together to elevate ties to a new height.

The two ministers agreed to continue facilitating visits and contacts at all levels in the coming time, especially between senior leaders. They also vowed to maintain cooperation mechanisms, including resuming the strategic security and defence dialogue at the deputy ministerial level between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministries, as well as conducting political consultations at the department head level between the two foreign ministries.

They were pleased to note the recovery of two-way trade following the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 5.3 billion USD in 2022, an increase of 10% compared to 2021, with still untapped potential. They promised to continue with the effective implementation of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Son suggested the French government back and push forward the French parliament’s early approval of the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and urge the European Commission (EC) to lift the yellow card warning against Vietnamese aquatic products.

The French minister expressed her appreciation for joint economic projects, especially the Nhon-Hanoi urban railway project, a symbol of Vietnam-France economic cooperation.

The two sides also discussed how to boost cooperation in climate change response, renewable energy, science-technology, education and training, and pledged to jointly hold activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

The Vietnamese guest suggested France continue offering support to the Vietnamese community living here, contributing to upholding their role as a bridge between the two countries.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, they vowed to work closely together and offer mutual support at multilateral organisations and forums, especially the United Nations (UN), and advancing the framework of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they shared views on ensuring peace, stability, security, cooperation and development in the region, and settling disputes via peaceful means in line with international law and the UN Charter, and respecting the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On the occasion, Son invited Minister Colonna to pay an official visit to Vietnam. The latter accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Police detain 200 involved in flight attendants’ drug case

The police have detained 200 individuals involved in a case in which four Vietnamese flight attendants were found in mid-March carrying from Paris to HCMC 11.2 kg of illicit drugs hidden in 327 toothpaste tubes and 17 mouthwash bottles.

Speaking at a Government press conference today, June 3, Lieutenant General To An Xo, spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), said the investigation of the case is still ongoing and that drug smuggling by air remains a complicated issue.

So far this year, the police have filed charges against more than 13,000 drug cases with over 20,000 individuals involved, Xo said, adding more than 14,200 kg of heroin, 4,023 kg of methamphetamine, 928,000 ecstasy pills and 210 kg of cannabis have been seized.

Over 50,000 cases of drink driving detected in HCMC in Jan-May

The HCMC Traffic Police have detected more than 50,000 cases of drink driving in the first five months of the year, accounting for 19.12% of total traffic safety violations.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Manh Ha, Deputy Chief of the Advisory Division of HCMC Police, presented the report on traffic safety violations during a press conference on June 1.

During this period, the city recorded over 263,000 cases of traffic violations, resulting in fines exceeding VND291 billion. Among these, 50,439 cases were related to drink driving, accounting for 19.12% of the total.

Lieutenant Colonel Ha highlighted that drink driving remained one of the main causes of traffic accidents in the city between January and May this year.

Fortunately, there has been improved compliance with traffic regulations among citizens, leading to a reduction in alcohol-related violations among road users.

To ensure traffic safety, the traffic police have conducted multiple patrols throughout the city.

Firefighters rescue men trapped in an elevator during power outage

Firefighters from the Fire Fighting Department in the Central Province of Nghe An rescued two men trapped inside a mall elevator during a power outage.

Specifically, a 28-year-old man was trapped and stuck in the elevator in the hotel Tianjin in Vinh City when he reached the fourth floor as a power outage hit the establishment at around 11:54 am on the same day. Firefighters rushed to the fourth floor of the hotel after learning that a man was trapped inside the elevator.

Moreover, at noon, a 17-year-old boy was also trapped in the elevator on the third floor of the English Center on Nguyen Van Cu Street in Vinh City because of a power outage.

As soon as the news was received, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department mobilized forces and vehicles to the scene and rescued him safely.

Previously, on June 3, the fire-fighting and rescue force also successfully rescued an 11-year-old boy who was trapped in the family's elevator in Trang Son Commune of Do Luong District due to a sudden power failure.

Long Khanh Fruit Festival in 2023 to open on June 15

The People's Committee of Long Khanh City has just planned to host the Long Khanh Fruit Festival in 2023.

The fruit festival is scheduled to take place at Long Khanh Victory Monument Park in Xuan An Ward, Long Khanh City, Dong Nai Province from June 15 to June 23.

Many activities will be organized at the event such as introducing points of interest for tourists, business facilities of tourism service, eco-tourism model at gardens, community tourism model; performing art of processing foods from fruits and local agricultural products.

Additionally, a week introducing and honoring One Commune, One Product (OCOP) products and fruits of Dong Nai Province, a ceremony to export shipment of durian, the trade promotion conference to promote the development of agricultural product consumption markets and so on will take place within the framework of the event.

According to the People’s Committee of Long Khanh City, the festival will aim at introducing and promoting tourism and fruits of the locality to tourists inside and outside the province, creating favorable conditions to connect with eco-tourism sites to visitors and travel agencies to open more tourism products.

Of which, the week introducing and honoring One Commune, One Product (OCOP) products and fruits of Dong Nai Province will be considered as a highlight of the festival.

In addition, the People’s Committee of Long Khanh City is calling for collectives, cooperative groups and garden owners to join connections, introduce fruits and typical agricultural products and receive, serve visitors at the historical and cultural sites and community tourism models in the city.

Over 5 million online forms for vehicle registration done in one day

There were 5 million visits to the official website for the registration extension of non-transport vehicles from June 3 to 15:00 p.m. of June 4.

Only two days after the effective time of Circular No.08/2023/TT-BGTVT about amending and supplementing a number of articles in Circular No.16/2021/TT-BGTVT (stipulating the inspection of technical safety and environment protection on road motor vehicles), the quantity of visits to the formal website to apply for vehicle registration extension saw a surge.

In particular, from June 3 to 15:00 p.m. of June 4, the website served 5 million visits to look for information and apply for registration extension of non-transport vehicles. This figure is 3.6 times as high as the number of vehicles subject to automatic extension of registration cycle (at 1.4 million vehicles).

To avoid overloading which might lead to system congestion, Vietnam Register proposed that vehicle owners look up and print the notice of validity period of their vehicle registration certificate and the corresponding registration stamp at the address of https://giahanxcg.vr.org.vn

Vietnam Register informed that the management software is gradually updating vehicles due for registration within 10 days in order of priority. Therefore, vehicle owners should only look up information when their transport means comes to the end of the registration cycle.

The act of printing out the notice of validity period of a vehicle registration certificate and the corresponding registration stamp is to create more convenience for functional agencies to perform their tasks of patrolling, checking, and handling law violations of vehicle owners when in traffic.

At present, there are nearly 3 million automobiles for personal transport purposes nationwide. Nearly half of them are vehicles of up to 9 seats subject to automatic extension of registration cycle from June 3-30, 2023. The rest is not eligible for this extension.

Localities asked to confirm groundbreaking plans of five key transport projects

Ministry of Transport proposed relevant localities to build the detailed plans to start works on Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot, Bien Hoa -Vung Tau, Chau Doc - Can Tho - Soc Trang expressways, Ring Road 4 in Hanoi and Ring Road 3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Under the direction of the Prime Minister, the projects will be started works in advance of June 30.

Therefore, the People’s Committees of Hanoi, Can Tho, Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, Dong Nai, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Long An, An Giang, Hau Giang and Ho Chi Minh City are assigned to build detailed plans of construction and send them to the Ministry of Transport before June 5.

Of which, the localities need to confirm the expected period, venue and form of the groundbreaking ceremony of each project together with reporting difficulties and obstacles affecting the work schedule.

As for the People’s Committee of Soc Trang Province, the locality has sent an official letter to the Prime Minister to allow it to organize the groundbreaking ceremony of Chau Doc - Soc Trang - Can Tho expressway under the online form on June 17 at four points.

Cu Chi launches travel program to lure visitors on summer

The People’s Committee of Cu Chi District of HCMC on June 3 launched a summer travel program with many exciting activities featuring the characteristics of land, local people, and specific identities of the district.
 
The People’s Committee of Cu Chi District of HCMC on June 3 launched a summer travel program with many exciting activities.
Tourists can visit a fruit village in Trung An Commune by cycling or walking to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits of mangosteen, rambutan, and jackfruits from orchards; local delicious dishes, such as steamed cassava with coconut milk, durian sugarcane juice, bamboo shoot salad with shrimps and pork at countryside markets; and performances of Cai Luong (southern traditional amateur music) as well as participate in folk games.

It is estimated that Trung An Commune receives around 20,000 visitors every year, especially in the peak summer travel season, and earns a total revenue of around VND3 billion per year from ecotourism, contributing to improving the incomes of gardeners in the commune.

According to Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Cu Chi District Nguyen Thi Hang, the summer travel program is expected to promote the land, people, and cuisine of Cu Chi to visitors and develop the locality into a green tourist destination contributing to the district's economic development.

Sleeping in car after power failure, one dies

Following an electrical cut, a father and two children decided to sleep in their car. As a result, one died later and two were hospitalized.

Police officers of An Lao District of the Northern City of Hai Phong said they are investigating to clarify the incident causing the hospitalization of a father and his children while sleeping in the car after the city lost power yesterday evening.

According to police, their house in An Lao District lost power, so the 49-year-old father and his two children including a 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old daughter went to sleep in their car.

At about 3 a.m. on June 2, when the electricity came back to the area, the mother who stayed inside the house opened the car door to call her husband and 2 children, but she found that all 3 people were unconscious. Immediately after, she cried for help from her neighbors who took her husband and children to Kien An Hospital for emergency.

Because the daughter had stopped breathing, doctors immediately provided emergency treatment. But their efforts to save her for nearly 4 hours were unrewarded, the daughter was confirmed dead.

While the man and his son were hospitalized in a state of acute respiratory failure, deep coma, yawning, and low blood pressure. After receiving emergency treatment, the two patients are temporarily stable.

According to doctors, the primary cause of death of the girl is carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ha Noi among must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia

The capital city of Ha Noi was named among must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia by British online newspaper The Independent.

According to The Independent, a similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Viet Nam's various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.

Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi and Da Nang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities, while Hoi An (in the central province of Quang Nam) is sometimes referred to as the 'Venice of Vietname' due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings.

Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh province) is the country's most famous natural area, while the beaches of Phu Quoc (Kien Giang province) and the Cham Islands (Quang Nam province) offer equal beauty in different settings.

Other natural attractions include the caves of Phong Nha and Hang Son Doong (Quang Binh province), the Marble Mountains and the sand dunes at Mui Ne (Binh Thuan province).

With an incredible year-round climate, an abundance of vibrant cities, and stunning coastline, it's no surprise that the number of tourists choosing to visit Viet Nam is growing year upon year. In 2022, the United Kingdom was Viet Nam's top European market, with a total of 93,794 British visitors.

Building on the success of last year, 2023 is projected to be an exciting year, as Viet Nam is likely to see this number boost to approximately 8 million inbound tourists.

The nation welcomed nearly 4.6 million international arrivals in the first five months of 2023, soaring 12.6-fold from the same period last year, according to the latest report from the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Financial support for guest workers in South Korea

An individual who wishes to go to work in South Korea under labor contract shall be entitled to acquire a loan of up to VND 100 million (US$4.258) to make deposit, according to a Government's recent decision.

To get this kind of financial support, an individual shall have to meet the following conditions:

- He/she is entitled to borrow capital from the Viet Nam Bank of Social Policy (VBSP) for the purpose of going to work abroad.

- He/she has signed a contract with the Center of Overseas Labor to work in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

Under the current regulations, Vietnamese guest workers heading to work in South Korea under the EPS program are required to make pre-departure deposit of VND100 million to guarantee their return to Viet Nam after their labor contracts expire.

The workers must pay the deposit at the VBSP within 35 days of signing a contract for employment in South Korea.

The deposit will be refunded to the workers upon the end of the contract.

The workers will lose the deposit if they flee from their workplace or try to illegally stay in South Korea after their contracts end or their duration of stay is expired.

Ninh Binh ranks 5th among best hidden family vacation spots: The Travel

The northern province of Ninh Binh was ranked fourth in the list of the world's 10 best hidden family vacation spots to visit in 2023, according to Canadian publication The Travel.

According to The Travel, Ninh Binh's scenic nature is one of the most attractive things about the place. It also boasts a fascinating history and an amazing culture.

Both kids and adults will enjoy marveling at the stunning caves, hiking through the lush forests, going rock climbing, and enjoying a boat ride along the Tam Coc River, told the magazine.

Previously, Ninh Binh was the only Vietnamese representative to be listed among the top 10 friendliest destinations in the world.

The province is launching the 2023 Ninh Binh tourism week, themed "The Golden Color of Tam Coc-Trang An", which is expected to draw a large number of domestic and foreign visitors to the locality, starting from May 27.

A new feature in the 2023 version is a 9,500 sq.m painting using rice as material on vast fields of Tam Coc stretching along the meandering the Ngo Dong river. 

It symbolizes abundance and the bountiful water element that supports the sustainable development of green tourism in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a land of cultural heritage for thousands of years.

Rice fields in Tam Coc have been voted as one of the most beautiful in Viet Nam. The most impressive and enticing time to visit Tam Coc is around late May and early June. 

During this period, the vibrant yellow of the rice fields extends shimmeringly alongside the Ngo Dong river, flowing under majestic limestone mountain ranges. 

This enhances the beauty and geological significance, as well as the cultural and historical value of the Hoa Lu region, which still bears the traces of ancient humans.

Ninh Binh strives to welcome 5.35 million visitors this year, with a total revenue of over VND5.1 trillion (US$221.7 million).

In the first five months of the year, the locality welcomed 4.1 million arrivals, 2.8 times higher than the same period last year, including 547,000 ones serviced by accommodation establishments.

Hanoi's Loyalty Oath Festival listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Loyalty Oath Festival of Dong Co Temple, Tay Ho District, Hanoi is among 12 items listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Loyalty Oath Festival of Dong Co Temple in Tay Ho District, Hanoi has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for its historical and cultural values.

Dong Co Temple Loyalty Oath Festival has been held in the capital for nearly 1,000 years.

The festival is the only place where mandarins (in ancient times) and party members today take an oath of loyalty to the country. It's also an opportunity for the people to thank their forefathers and offer prayers for national peace and prosperity.

In 1028, Dong Co Temple was built at the coònluence of Thien Phu and To Lich rivers in Dong Xa Village, now 353 Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi.

King Ly Thai Tong ordered the Festival of Loyalty Oath to be held annually at Dong Co Temple, where all court dignitaries, without exception, had to swear allegiance to the king and the country. The festival is held on the fourth day of the fourth lunar month, which falls on May 22 this year.

Although 995 years have passed, the cultural identity of the Dong Co Temple festival has remained intact.

According to Do Dinh Hong, Director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, the Dong Co Temple Festival was the court's festival.

Apart from the Loyalty Oath Festival of Dong Co Temple, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has listed 11 other cultural relics on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, including folk performing arts, traditional festivals and traditional crafts.

Among the newly recognized heritages, there are four in the northwestern province of Tuyen Quang, namely: "Fire Dance Ceremony of Pa Then People"; "Hong Thai Communal House Festival"; "Tay People's Knowledge of Water"; and "Tay People's Knowledge and Practices of Wet Rice Cultivation".

The northwestern province of Dien Bien has four new heritages, including "Dance Art of the Lao People"; "White Hmong Family Lineage Festival"; "Costume Art of the Ha Nhi People"; and "Blacksmithing of the Mong People".

The other three are "Tay Lullaby"; "Tay Brocade Weaving"; and "Mong Khen Art".

Sydney Opera House and Hanoi's One Pillar Pagoda featured in newly unveiled mural

A mural featuring Vietnam-Australia iconic architectural works of both countries has been inaugurated in Hanoi as part of activities to celebrate the 50 years of relations.

Vietnamese-Australian Architectural Imprints mural has been inaugurated at Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism as part of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Food and Culture Festival 2023, one of the activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam.

Artist Nguyen Thu Thuy, author of the Hanoi Ceramic Road, used a modern graphic style to depict the iconic architectural works of Vietnam and Australia on the 2.6m x 7.2m mural.

The Sydney Opera House is at the center of the mural appearing in fresh colors and bold lines.

Next to the Sydney Opera House, the mural depicts the Hanoi Opera House. Modeled after the Opera Garnier in Paris but smaller in size and built with materials more suited to the climate of northern Vietnam, it was begun by the French in 1901 and completed in 1911. Designed by Harlay and Broyer, the Opera House is characterized by a bold French neoclassical style.

In addition to the Hanoi Opera House, artist Thu Thuy also shows the One Pillar Pagoda, The Huc Bridge and St. Joseph's Cathedral, the typical architectural works of Hanoi.

On the background of modern skyscrapers covered with bright colors, the artist presents architectural works in a decorative graphic style with bright colors.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski highly praised the mural for its meaning.

On this occasion, an exhibition by both Vietnamese and Australian artists was held at the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism.

Collection of Vietnamese legends, fairy tales published

The Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House recently published a book entitled “Truyen truyen ky Viet Nam” (Vietnamese Legends), a collection of 50 stories of myths and fairy tales with traditional elements.

According to Associate Professor Vu Ngoc Khanh, a compiler of the book, stories are selected from different sources so that readers can better understand the legends at various stages of development in Vietnam's literature history.

Vietnamese legend is a written literature genre that focuses on mythical motifs. Their characters are Vietnamese heroes in ancient times or those that only appear in imagination such as gods, fairies, Buddhas, and demons.

Art programme honours President Ho Chi Minh

A special art programme entitled “Songs about President Ho Chi Minh resound forever” was held in Ho Chi Minh City on June 5 to mark the late leader’s 133rd birth anniversary (May 19, 1890- 2023) and the 112th years since he left the country to find a way for national salvation (June 5, 1911- 2023).

The performance by famous singers brought to audiences everlasting songs, praising the outstanding politician and great leader of the Vietnamese revolution.

On June 5, 1911, a young man named Nguyen Tat Thanh, who later became known as President Ho Chi Minh, boarded the French ship Amiral Latouche Tréville in the name of Van Ba to depart Nha Rong Wharf in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), starting his 30-year odyssey to seek a path for saving the country from colonialism.

Party General Secretary meets with 15th National Assembly's female deputies

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong had a meeting in Hanoi on June 5 with the group of female deputies of the 15th National Assembly, during which he asked them to continue to adopt reforms to improve the quality and efficiency of their activities.

He encouraged the female deputies to increase friendship exchanges and international cooperation, and participate in international and regional conferences and forums, particularly on gender equality, domestic violence prevention and combat, and climate change, as well as raise the position and prestige of Vietnamese female NA deputies in the international arena.

Appreciating the sense of responsibility of the female deputies, the Party chief said he expects they continue promoting their achievements and making more contributions to activities of the National Assembly and the country.

They should continue to promote the heroic and glorious tradition of Vietnamese women, work wholeheartedly for the benefit of the nation and people, better perform the role of representatives of the people; promote a high sense of responsibility in building and perfecting the legal system including laws and policies on gender equality, he noted.

The Party chief affirmed that the Party and State create favourable conditions for female deputies to promote their roles.

At the meeting, Nguyen Thuy Anh, head of NA’s Committee for Social Affairs and president of the group of female deputies of the 15th NA, informed the Party chief of the operation of the group since its foundation.

According to her, over the past 15 years, the group of female deputies has made positive contributions to the implementation of the functions and tasks of the legislative body, including supervision on important issues of the country and promotion of gender equality.

The 15th legislature of NA has 151 female deputies, accounting for 30.26%. Most of them have university degrees or higher.

During the meeting, the female deputies put forth several proposals, wishing to receive greater attention from the leaders of the Party and the State.

Exhibition on Vietnamese youth with national sea, islands opens in Quang Nam

An exhibition entitled “Youth with the homeland’s sea and islands" was opened in Tam Ky city of the central province of Quang Nam on June 5.

The exhibition introduces 152 documents and photos featuring the history of exercising Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel), activities to protect Vietnam's sovereignty over seas and islands in the current period, and the sentiments of youth in Quang Nam and Da Nang towards the homeland’s sea and islands.

The event aims to enhance the public’s awareness of and responsibility for protecting the country’s sovereignty over sacred seas and islands, while recalling the sacrifice of generations to guard those seas and islands, and confirming the Vietnamese Party, State and people’s determination to firmly safeguard the nation as well as its sea and island sovereignty.

According to Nguyen Hong Quang, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, the exhibition is a practical activity to raise awareness among cadres, Party members, students and people about the tradition, history, sea and island sovereignty of Vietnam while popularising the viewpoints and policies of the Party and State on seas and islands, thereby fostering patriotism and responsibility of the young generation for the Fatherland's sacred seas and islands.

Quang Nam has a coastline of over 125km, stretching over six districts, towns and cities, including Hoi An, Dien Ban, Duy Xuyen, Thang Binh, Tam Ky, and Nui Thanh.

The exhibition runs until June 10.

Vietnamese ministry strengthens cooperation with RoK National Police Agency

Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam hosted a reception in Hanoi on June 5 for a delegation of the National Police Agency (NPA) of the Republic of Korea (RoK) led by Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun.

Lam stressed that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the RoK has made progress, contributing to promoting bilateral relations, meeting aspirations of their people, for peace and prosperity of both nations.

He noted with pleasure outcomes of the second phase of the project on improving criminal science capacity funded by the Korean agency, saying it has helped raise criminal science capacity for the Vietnamese ministry’s officers.

To strengthen relations between the two countries as well as the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the NPA, the minister suggested the two sides continue consolidating their political trust, maintain mutual support at regional and international forums, enhance cooperation across spheres, especially economy and trade, and foster cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides should increase all-level delegation exchanges, step up cooperation in cross-border crime prevention and control, and forge collaboration between their units, he continued.

Lam also called for further coordination from the NPA in materialising the above-said project and the organisation of training courses in the RoK for Vietnamese police officers.

He emphasised the positive, stable development of cooperation in law enforcement and the fight against crime, which has brought about practical benefits to both sides.

For his part, Yoon pledged to work on promoting collaboration between the two agencies, contributing to ensuring national security and social order and safety in each country.

Vietnamese, Bulgarian news agencies team up in professional exchanges

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) have freshly sealed a cooperation pact on professional exchanges during VNA Deputy Director General Doan Thi Tuyet Nhung’s working trip to Bulgaria from June 1-5.

According to the document signed by Nhung and BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, the two agencies will provide each other with information on the two nations via the exchange of photos, stories written in English, and various types of multimedia information. They will expand their scope of bilateral collaboration via mutual visits of their leaders, reporters, and technicians to boost joint work in communications and share professional experiences.  

Nhung affirmed that the professional cooperation agreement lays the foundation for the sides to enhance their exchange of various types of information, introduce potential and strengths of each country, and strengthen the link between the two peoples, contributing to the increasingly development of the Vietnam-Bulgaria relations.

She emphasised that the VNA and BTA, the official news agencies of Vietnam and Bulgaria, see ample room for cooperation in information exchange serving the growing needs for mutual understanding between the countries’ peoples, businesses and investors.

She expressed her belief that with the pact, the agencies will effectively carry out their cooperation activities such as the exchange of information, especially in multimedia information, professional, and experience exchanges.

For his part, Valchev lauded the VNA’s position in Vietnam’s national information system and hoped to learn from its experience in multimedia information development.

According to the Director General, practical cooperation between the VNA and BTA will provide and disseminate official and useful information about each side’s country, people, culture, and business climate, thereby enhancing mutual understanding between their peoples and enterprises.

Valchel said he is confident that the two agencies will continue to be an effective bridge for Vietnamese and Bulgarian businesses and peoples, helping tighten the nations' traditional friendship and collaboration.

Head coach Philippe Troussier to provide ample opportunities to players

Head coach Philippe Troussier said he plans to select 34 players for the national men’s football team and 24 others for the men’s U23 team from a list of 100 players, for training this month.

According to Troussier, the players will be guided to train together with a unified style, towards the ambitious goal of taking Vietnam to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Troussier emphasised his respect for experienced players who have proven their ability in tournaments and have represented the national team on multiple occasions, noting that he will select players on the basis of their potential.

For those that have never or rarely represented the Vietnamese national team, they must meet the criteria set by the coach, he added.

Troussier showed his intention to give opportunities to many players, stressing the need to better their ability through tournaments.

According to this head coach, the quality of players at the club level will determine the success or failure of the national teams.

He mentioned the possibility to seek overseas Vietnamese players who are playing for and residing in various countries such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Czech Republic, Russia and France.

As scheduled, Vietnamese players will play the first matches in the qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in November this year. Before this tournament, they will join a series of three training camps in June, September, and October.

PM calls for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hanoi on June 5, calling on the UAE to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to soon finalise talks on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The host leader hailed the two sides’ efforts to promote negotiations on the CEPA, especially when the two countries are celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2023.

He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, and being a good friend, trustworthy partner, and responsible member of the international community. The country is also working to develop an independent and self-reliant economy that actively, extensively, practically, and effectively integrates into the world.

The UAE is one of the leading economic partners of Vietnam in the Middle East, PM Chinh stated, noting that the two countries’ friendship and cooperation have been flourishing in multiple spheres, including politics - diplomacy, trade, investment, education, tourism, and energy.

However, he held that there remains huge room for their partnership to grow further, especially in trade and investment.

The PM also asked the two sides to work closely together to organise the fifth meeting of the Inter-governmental Committee in 2023.

Vietnam encourages enterprises and investment funds of the UAE to invest in the fields matching both sides’ interest such as energy, renewable energy, climate change response, logistics, real estate, services, infrastructure, and building of innovation centres, he said, calling on the UAE to help Vietnam develop verification centres, train manpower, and manufacture products in the Halal industry.

The Government leader requested the two countries actively coordinate with and support each other at international and regional forums, including in enhancing ties between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He also suggested the UAE view Vietnam as a bridge linking it with ASEAN and act as a gateway for Vietnamese goods to enter Middle Eastern markets.

Vietnam welcomes the UAE’s organisation of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) and is ready to cooperate with the host country and other members of the convention to contribute to the event’s success, PM Chinh added.

At the meeting, the UAE Minister of State held that the two countries share many similarities, particularly in development orientations, the size of their economies, growth rates, and the economies’ openness to many free trade agreements.

He noted that Vietnam accounts for 30% of the UAE’s trade turnover with Southeast Asia.

During his visit, many UAE enterprises and organisations, including two large investment funds, have also come to learn about the local investment climate, and they are interested in such fields as renewable energy, logistics, and health care in Vietnam, according to the official.

Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi affirmed that Vietnam is one of the important partners of the UAE, which hopes to continue promoting cooperation in labour export, digital transformation, culture, and education.

Relevant agencies of the UAE are flexibly and effectively boosting CEPA negotiations in the spirit of win-win cooperation, benefit harmonising and risk sharing as PM Chinh said so as to conclude the talks by the end of this year.

Via the Minister of State, PM Chinh thanked the Vice President and PM of the UAE for inviting him to visit the Middle Eastern country and also conveyed President Vo Van Thuong’s invitation to visit Vietnam to the UAE President. He invited the PM of the UAE to make a trip to the Southeast Asian nation to discuss measures to further strengthen the two countries’ solidarity, friendship, and multifaceted cooperation.

Culinary diplomacy helps promote nation's image

Many foreign leaders are showing their interest in exploring the local cuisine during their visits to Vietnam, providing good opportunities for the country to promote the image of its culture and people to the international community through national cuisine.

In his freshly-ended first official visit to Vietnam, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enjoyed “bia hoi” (brewed beer) and “banh mi” (Vietnamese sandwich) on his first day in Hanoi.

The Australian leader is one of the many foreign guests, including Barack Obama, Justin Trudeau and Bill Clinton, and Prince William have also been drawn to street eateries and cafes in Vietnam.

Along with the hospitality of Vietnamese people, the country’s cuisine has left a good impression of Vietnam in the eye of foreign friends.

Vietnamese cuisine is so diverse, and culinary diplomacy is considered an important factor in the country’s strategy to promote the image of the nation, people and culture, according to experts.

Chef Nguyen Thuong Quan, owner of Old Hanoi Restaurant that hosted a series of Vietnamese cuisine days during leaders’ activities abroad, said that cuisine is a graceful and delicate accompaniment of diplomatic activities during visits.

 Crab spring rolls were choosen by artisan Anh Tuyet to feast foreign leaders at APEC Da Nang 2017. (Photo: nhahanganhtuyet.vn)
Artisan Anh Tuyet, who used to serve 21 foreign guests at the APEC Leaders’ Week in Da Nang in 2017, affirmed that the Vietnamese cuisine is quite able to reach out to the world, adding what Vietnam lacks is a strategy to promote cuisine into a national trademark.

Experts held that Vietnam has a long way to walk to this end, starting with the introduction of a Michelin Guide, a Michelin selection of Vietnamese restaurants.

Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide International Director, said that Michelin Guide had watched Vietnamese cuisine for a long time and was delighted to announce its first selection of Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Guide’s famous anonymous MICHELIN inspectors were excited to explore the treasure of cuisine with delicate cooking methods and unique tastes, he added.

The presence of Michelin Guide in Vietnam is described as not only an important milestone in the recognition of Vietnamese leading restaurants and honouring the Vietnamese cuisine, but also a chance for Vietnam to popularise the country’s culinary quintessence to foreign friends.

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