Police and border guards in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien handed over two illegal Chinese immigrants to Pu Er border management team in Yunnan, China at A Pa Chai – Long Fu open trail on May 21.

Earlier on April 28, local police inspected two taxis carrying seven people on route from Dien Bien Phu city to Muong Cha district, Dien Bien province. They included two Chinese who failed to submit valid papers.

They admitted that they contacted Ly A Thanh, 33, in Dien Bien and Nguyen Van Truong, 33, in Lao Cai province to organise illegal exit to Laos via Dien Bien’s border area at a total cost of 20 million VND (865 USD) per person.

After testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 and paying administrative fines, the two were handed over to the Chinese authorities./.

HCM City prepares polling sites at quarantine areas

Ho Chi Minh City’s local authorities are cooperating with health centres and agencies to set up polling sites and finish preparations for the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils for the 2021-26 tenure on May 23.

According to the city's Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, as of Friday more than 3,800 people were staying at the city’s quarantine areas and 485 others were isolated at home.

The city authorities said that 3,830 voters are staying in quarantine areas.

Dr Nguyen Trung Hoa, head of the Go Vap district Health Centre, said: “Local election teams including one health official will bring a ballot box to houses where voters are quarantined.”

After voters cast their ballots, the box will be sealed and disinfected and then transported by hospital vehicles to voting sites, Hoa said.

As of May 20, 55 people in the district have finished their quarantine time and will go to voting sites in wards where they live.

At the quarantine area in the district’s ward 15, the centre’s health officials have set aside a separate site for the elections, in cooperation with the ward’s election team.

“Sixteen voters at the quarantine area are expected to take part in the elections on Sunday (May 23). Each of them will be invited to go down to the election site to keep a safe distance to avoid transmission,” Hoa said.

All pens, papers and other items at the election site will be used only once, he said, adding that chairs and the path to the site will be disinfected.

“All information about the elections including biographies of candidates and their action programmes has been provided to voters. The district’s list of candidates was uploaded in the Zalo group for these voters,” he added.

Preparation for the elections has been completed at the Cu Chi COVID-19 treatment hospital in Cu Chi district where 19 COVID-19 patients are being treated and 328 people are quarantined.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Truong Dang Khoa, deputy political commissar of the Military School at the HCM City High Command, said that his unit was collaborating with staff at the field hospital to publish a list of voters and health officials there on Sunday.

The list of candidates and their action programmes have been published for the voters.

“We are cooperating with relevant agencies to organise the election according to legal regulations, ensuring that quarantined voters and patients can take part in the election,” Khoa added.

Authorities in lock-downed areas, including some streets and buildings in District 3 and Thu Duc city, said that district staff members were co-operating with local health officials to organise the elections for voters.

Health officials and staff of election teams will wear protective clothing when they visit areas under lockdown and quarantine areas.

Speaking at a conference held earlier this week in the city, Nguyen Thi Le, Vice Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People’s Council, said that Thu Duc city and 21 districts had finished preparations for the elections.

Le told people’s committee in wards, communes, and towns to create schedules for voting to avoid a large number of voters at the same time at voting sites.

The city has nearly 5.5 million voters and 3,092 election teams.

The Election Committee has issued plans on preventive measures against COVID-19. Plans were made for voting sites; voters quarantined at home; voters in quarantine areas and under lockdown; and health establishments where COVID-19 patients and people suspected of having COVID-19 are being treated.

If voting sites are under lockdown due to a COVID-19 outbreak, election teams must strengthen disinfection. Attendees must keep a distance of at least 2m between them. The election procedures and times for voting must be arranged at each voting site and residential area.

Voting will take place from 7am to 7pm on May 23. Based on the local situation, election teams can start earlier but not before 5am. They can also end later, but not after 9pm.

The city Department of Health requires that masks and hand sanitizers should be available at voting sites for voters.

The city has 37 candidates for the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and 158 for the elections of People's Council deputies at all levels./.

Vietnam logs 52 more COVID-19 cases at May 22 noon

Fifty-two new cases of COVID-19, including two imported ones, were posted over the last six hours to noon on May 22, according to the Ministry of Health.

The 50 new domestic infections comprise 34 in Bac Giang, 10 in Hanoi, four in Hung Yen and two in Hai Duong. The two imported cases, both Indian nationals were immediately quarantined upon arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.

The latest infections raised the national tally to 5,013, with 1,962 cases detected since the fourth coronavirus wave began on April 27.

The number of recoveries stood at 2,689, while the death toll reached 41, all suffering from underlying health conditions.

Among patients under treatment at medical facilities, 63 tested negative once, 34 twice, and 23 thrice.

Up to 179,006 people who had close contact with patients or entered from pandemic-hit areas are under quarantine, including 4,490 in hospitals, 36,815 in concentrated quarantine facilities and 137,801 at homes./.

Vietnam calls for promoting political process in Libya

Vietnam affirmed support for a comprehensive political solution led and owned by Libyans and called for promoting the political process in the North African country during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the situation in Libya and the operations of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on May 21.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, spoke highly of important progresses in Libya over the past time, and highlighted Vietnam’s support for UNSMIL in assisting the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and ending the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and the UNSC’s relevant Resolutions.

He hailed efforts of the UNSMIL, neighbouring countries, regional organisations and concerned partners in the process of promoting peace in Libya over the past years, as well as actions that minimise risks and protect civilians from risks caused by bombs, mines and explosives left over by the war. He also called for increasing such efforts.

UNSC member states welcomed recent positive developments in Libya, lauded the UNSMIL’s efforts and urged parties concerned to fully follow the ceasefire agreement and prepare for the election.

Countries highlighted the importance of fully implementing the UNSC’s arms embago on Libya, ending the presence of foreign mercenaries and increasing security sector reform efforts in the country.

The UNSMIL was established in line with the UNSC’s Resolution 2009 in 2011 with the main task of facilitating political transition and election process in Libya. On April 16, 2021, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2570 allowing the UNSMIL to support the ceasefire monitoring mechanism dated October 23, 2020 in Libya as suggested by parties in the country, as well as set up a ceasefire monitoring group with a maximum of 60 civil observers as recommended by the UN Secretary-General./.

Vietnam calls for promoting political process in Libya

Vietnam affirmed support for a comprehensive political solution led and owned by Libyans and called for promoting the political process in the North African country during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the situation in Libya and the operations of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on May 21.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, spoke highly of important progresses in Libya over the past time, and highlighted Vietnam’s support for UNSMIL in assisting the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and ending the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and the UNSC’s relevant Resolutions.

He hailed efforts of the UNSMIL, neighbouring countries, regional organisations and concerned partners in the process of promoting peace in Libya over the past years, as well as actions that minimise risks and protect civilians from risks caused by bombs, mines and explosives left over by the war. He also called for increasing such efforts.

UNSC member states welcomed recent positive developments in Libya, lauded the UNSMIL’s efforts and urged parties concerned to fully follow the ceasefire agreement and prepare for the election.

Countries highlighted the importance of fully implementing the UNSC’s arms embago on Libya, ending the presence of foreign mercenaries and increasing security sector reform efforts in the country.

The UNSMIL was established in line with the UNSC’s Resolution 2009 in 2011 with the main task of facilitating political transition and election process in Libya. On April 16, 2021, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2570 allowing the UNSMIL to support the ceasefire monitoring mechanism dated October 23, 2020 in Libya as suggested by parties in the country, as well as set up a ceasefire monitoring group with a maximum of 60 civil observers as recommended by the UN Secretary-General./. 

Around $523.28 million from State budget earmarked for COVID-19 vaccine purchase

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee has decided to allocate 12.1 trillion VND (around 523.28 million USD) from the remainder of last year’s State budget to buy COVID-19 vaccines.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has recently signed a resolution of the NA Standing Committee on the use of the remainder of the State budget in 2020 for COVID-19 vaccine procurement.

Under the resolution, the NA Standing Committee assigns the Government to instruct ministries, agencies and localities to promptly roll out the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines in an effective and safe manner.

Amid the spread of COVID-19 nationwide, the sum is an important resource for Vietnam’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy in line with policies of the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat./.

Deputy PM: Firms satisfying epidemiological safety requirements would resume operation

The northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang need to quickly resume the operation of businesses that satisfy epidemiological safety requirements, especially those with big supply chains, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said at a meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on May 21.

Dam, who is also head of the committee, ordered continuing to keep a close watch on pandemic clusters in the two provinces, saying Bac Giang needs to closely control workers at industrial parks to prevent the pandemic from spreading to other localities.

Testing methods should be renewed, not only in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, but also other provinces, using information-technology in sample collection, testing and result release, he said.

The Deputy PM asked the Ministry of Health to soon issue guidelines to help enterprises purchase quick test kits and conduct screen testing for their employees when necessary.

It was reported at the meeting that as of 12:00 on May 21, Vietnam counted 4,833 COVID-19 cases, including 1,785 infections recorded in 30 cities and province since April 27 when the new wave of the pandemic started in the country.

Bac Giang province alone detected 668 cases, mostly in Van Trung and Quang Chau industrial parks. Meanwhile, its neighbouring province of Bac Ninh reported 317 cases, manly in Thuan Thanh district.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An said a number of associations, enterprises and localities have proposed his ministry remove obstacles to production, business and goods circulation.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Public Security asked foreign-invested firms to set forth plans to closely manage foreign experts, saying they should stay in dormitories in factories, not commute between factories and residences.

The committee also suggested Bac Ninh and Bac Giang pilot home quarantine, and urged the health ministry to coordinate with localities to review COVID-19 treatment in the new situation./.

Vietnam calls for early resumption of peace process in Middle East

Vietnam calls on concerned parties to soon resume the peace process in the Middle East based on the two-state solution, and in line with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations in a bid to gain sustainable and long-term peace in the region, spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said on May 21.

Responding to reporters’ query regarding a cease-fire agreement reached by Israel and Hamas, Hang said Vietnam welcomes and appeals to relevant sides to respect and seriously observe the agreement, and not to take actions that would complicate the situation.

“We highly evaluate reconciliation efforts of the international community, especially the United Nations and several related countries. We call on the international community to increase humanitarian aid, including support for activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in order to help Palestinians soon overcome difficulties and stabilise their lives,” she said./.

Vietnamese, Chinese border guards meet in Dien Bien

Border guards at A Pa Chai station in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien met their counterparts from Meng Kang station of China on May 21 to discuss enhancing anti-pandemic measures and preventing illegal entries across the border.

Since April 25, A Pa Chai station has handed over 33 illegal immigrants to the Chinese side, received 13 Vietnamese citizens and discovered nine Vietnamese who illegally exited and entered the country via border areas under their management.

Both sides discussed the pandemic situation and outlined several measures to better improve legal enforcement and prevent illegal acts in border areas, and offer mutual support to ensure security and order on important occasions.

The same day, border guards at Sen Thuong station in Dien Bien joined a patrol with counterparts at Qu Shui border department under China’s Jiang Cheng border management company.

They agreed to set up a patrol team in each side along the border and informed each other about the results of border management, political security as well as social safety and order.

The two sides also agreed on time for the next joint patrol./.

20 new COVID-19 cases confirmed on May 22 morning

Additional 20 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 12 hours till 6am on May 22, including 11 in Bac Giang, three in Bac Ninh, one in Dien Bien, four in Hai Duong and one in Thai Binh, reported the Health Ministry.

As of 6am on May 22, Vietnam logged a total of 3,482 local and 1,479 imported cases. The total number of new cases from April 27 was 1,912.

Up to 179,006 people who had close contact with patients or entered from pandemic-hit areas are under quarantine, including 4,490 in hospitals, 36,815 in concentrated quarantine facilities and 137,801 at homes.

Among patients under treatment at medical facilies, 63 tested negative once, 34 twice and 23 thrice. There were 41 deaths related to the disease and 2,689 were given the all-clear from the virus.

Since April 29, 1.44 million people have tested for the virus.

On May 21, 5,587 more people were vaccinated.

As of 4pm on May 21, over 1 million vaccine doses were injected into medical workers in cities and provinces, 28,961 of them were given two shots.

The National Assembly Standing Committee also proposed earmarking 12.1 trillion VND to buy vaccines.

The Health Ministry called on citizens to follow the 5K message, including khau trang (facemask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering), and khai bao y te (health declaration).

It advised calling the hotline 19009095 or other hotlines of local medical units to receive instructions in case anyone shows the symptoms of fever, coughing and breath troubles./.

Health Ministry continues allocating COVID-19 vaccines

The Ministry of Health announced on May 21 that it had allocated COVID-19 vaccines to centres for disease control in cities and provinces, armed and public security forces, hospitals, universities, and ministry units.

In this third phase of allocation, 1,682,000 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX Facility will be provided to target localities and units. 

The northern region will receive 688,000 doses, the central region 203,000, the Central Highlands’ 81,000, the southern region 460,000, the police force 50,000, the army 89,000, and the National Institute for Control of Vaccine and Biologicals 600.

In terms of localities, Hanoi is allocated the most, with 71,000 doses, followed by Ho Chi Minh City with 70,000, Hai Duong 58,000, and Bac Giang 30,000.

The Health Ministry has asked that localities and units receiving allocations promptly conduct vaccinations and complete the task by August 15.

The COVID-19 vaccination scheme has been carried out since March, with priority being given to frontline medical workers and people involved in prevention and control activities.

As of 4pm on March 20, a total of 1,021,085 doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered to target groups in an effective and safe manner./.

Vietnam bright spot in NA deputy composition diversity: expert

Vietnam is a bright spot in terms of diversity and balance in gender and ethnicity in its law-making body, said Supalak Ganjanakhundee, an expert from Thailand’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok.

This policy will be a driving force to gather strength from various fields to serve the management of the country, he said, explaining that the consultation and introduction of candidates in three rounds and five steps that Vietnam applies is an effective method to select suitable candidates for the country's general development guidelines and policies.

The expert said the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 tenure are an occasion for Vietnamese to choose their best representatives to lead the nation in its selected path.

He said Vietnam has made thorough preparations for the elections despite COVID-19 challenges, reflecting its Party and State’s strong political determination to steer the country toward development amid ever-changing global and regional geopolitical situations.

Supalak Ganjanakhundee said the organisation of the elections in a pandemic context is normal, citing Singapore as an example with its holding of safe and successful general elections in 2020 in spite of COVID-19 outbreaks.

The point is the adoption of effective pandemic prevention and control measures at polling stations, he noted.

Echoing the view, Dr Balaz Szantos from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University said it is a tough year to held a national election, but the work is hard to be delayed and can be done successfully with careful implementation of safety measures./.

Vietnam presents medical supplies to South Sudan

 
The supplies include 1,000 protective suits and 100,000 anti-bacteria masks produced by Vietnamese defence companies, which were carried by the Royal Australian Air Force.

According to the Worldometers data, the number of COVID-19 infections reached 10,652 and deaths amounted to 115 as of May 19.

Vietnam has deployed peacekeeping forces in the UN Mission in South Sudan since 2014. Later from 2018, the country launched the level-2 field hospital with 63 medical and technical staff there who are rotated annually. There are about 18,500 in the mission now./.

Goethe Institute to livestream 20th century music concert series

The German Cultural Institute (Goethe Institute) in Hanoi is set to host concert No. 3 as part of a series of 20th century music shows held through an online format on May 24.

The virtual concert is due to be broadcast live through both Zoom and the Facebook page of the Goethe Institute Hanoi.

The musical programme will showcase a range of works from authors who are yet to be introduced to music lovers in Vietnam, with a specific focus on musicians from the 20th century.

During the third concert, viewers will have the chance to listen to compositions by two big names from the 20th century, including Paul Hindemith of Germany and Igor Stravinsky of Russia.

Furthermore, the event will see a range of wonderful pieces of global music played by artists from the Inspirito School of Music.

Young, healthy people should not be complacent

Fit and healthy young people must not become complacent over COVID-19, according to the deputy director of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Nguyễn Trung Cấp has warned the virus can still have fatal consequences, and does not discriminate against age or health.

He said: “When infected with SARS-CoV-2, anyone at any age can have severe complications and possibly die."

Globally, many young people considered in good health have succumbed to the virus. These include Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old doctor who reportedly died in Wuhan City; Elham Sheikhi, a 23-year-old Iranian futsal player; Brazilian bodybuilder Victor Luna, 37 and a 33-year-old Ukrainian fitness influencer, Dmitriy Stuzhuk.

Cấp also said statisticians often used the concept of Odds Ratio (OR) to measure the impact of factors of getting the disease or dying compared to the mortality risk of different patient groups.

Statistics on 64,781 severely ill COVID-19 patients at 592 hospitals in the US in 2020 showed that the overall mortality rate was about 20.3 per cent.

From 100 COVID-19 patients who are young and healthy, there would be an estimated 20 deaths while among the same amount of patients, who were over 80 years old, there will about 66 deaths.

Patients with diabetes had a higher risk of death with an odds ratio of 1.9.

It meant that, at the same age, from those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2, there would be about 20 deaths among healthy groups while the number of deaths would be 32 for diabetes patients, he said.

The deputy director stressed that people must seriously follow recommended measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Currently, Việt Nam is facing the fourth wave of the pandemic, mainly caused by the Indian strain, he added.

The current outbreak is on a larger scale and higher complexity than previous outbreaks because it occurred in many hospitals, where there were many seriously ill patients with underlying diseases plus large industrial zones, he said.

Four  COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded since the resurgence in late April.

Cấp said the country had previously experienced three waves of COVID-19 pandemic.

The first wave, caused by the original virus strain from China, resulted in some seriously ill patients but no deaths, he said.

The second wave reportedly hit in Đà Nẵng in several hospitals causing 35 deaths for seriously ill patients with underlying health conditions, he said.

The third wave occurred in Hải Dương Province mainly with the British variant, he said.

During the third wave, although the number of infected people was quite large, the number of severe cases was low and no deaths were reported.

Cấp said a patient could die of COVID-19 because of many factors, including age, underlying diseases, the body’s immune system, the virulence of the virus strain and treatment capabilities of doctors and the health system.

In India currently, where the healthcare system has been overwhelmed, it was not possible to guarantee the efficiency of treatment, he said.

According to Cấp, the developments of the COVID-19 caused by the new strain of virus still needed to be studied further.

However, to minimise the mortality rate, doctors should not only pay attention to elderly patients with underlying diseases but also healthy young people, he said. 

Phan Văn Đức signs record deal with Nghệ An after turning HCM City FC down

Việt Nam national team forward Phan Văn Đức signed a record-breaking contract at Sông Lam Nghệ An (SLNA) on Wednesday, committing him to the club for the next three years.

Despite reports that HCM City FC had made Đức, whose previous contract was set to expire after this season, an offer worth VNĐ12 billion (US$520,000) over three years, he signed a deal for SLNA reportedly worth more than VNĐ10 billion.

The deal makes him the highest-paid player in the history of the club.

"I feel extremely happy and amazing to receive the trust from the board, sponsors, coaching staff and everyone else," Đức wrote on his Facebook account after signing the new contract.

“I also want to tell the truth to everyone that before signing the contract, many teams offered me benefits that are considered the dream for a player.

“At times I said yes to them but in my heart, I still wished to stay and play for SLNA. Wherever you go, it will never be as good as your hometown where you have family, friends, colleagues, a wife, and children. This is also a place that raised me from I was a child until I became a professional footballer."

Đức added: “Now that everything is in order, this is a new page in my life. I believe SLNA will change and return to being a team loved by fans everywhere.”

SLNA have also made an offer to star midfielder Phạm Xuân Mạnh, but the 25-year-old thought to be mulling another offer from HCM City worth up to VNĐ12 billion.

SLNA is one of the most successful football clubs in Vietnamese history, but financial difficulties and the absence of many key players due to injuries and suspensions have left them bottom of the V.League 1 rankings after 12 matches.

But with the arrival of the new sponsor Tân Long Group and the signing of Đức, the future looks a bit brighter.

Đức, 35, entered the SLNA youth academy at the age of 12. He first played for the first team in 2016 and has played 83 matches and scored 38 goals and won the National Super Cup with SLNA. He is considered the most important player on the team.

After failing to sign Văn Đức, HCM City successfully signed defender Brendon Lucas from Leixoes SC -- ranked 10th in the Liga Portugal 2.

The 25-year-old Brazilian defender signed a 1.5-year contract with HCM City. Lucas is a Portimonense player of the Primeira Liga in Portugal and has been on loan at Leixoes SC on loan since the beginning of 2020.

Leixoes SC is also where Vietnamese football legend Lê Công Vinh played for a short period of time in 2009.

Da Lat to build freshwater reservoir

Authorities of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong have agreed on building a reservoir for domestic use.
The move was made as Dankia Lake in Lac Duong District which supplies around 50,000 cubic metres of water per day for domestic use and irrigation for the district and Da Lat City has dried up. 

The bottom of the lake has hardened up and exposed cracks have dried up after being used for 74 years. In the dry season, cars can travel along the lake bed.

The current water level has decreased by almost 2 metres compared to previous years. The original designed water storage capacity was 20 million cubic metres of water but it has been reduced to only about 12 million cubic metres of water.

Agricultural land has encroached upon the lake and agricultural rubbish has polluted the lake. Some parts of the lake have become the place for cows and horses.

Under the provincial people’s committee instruction, the Dankia 2 Reservoir will be built on 140 hectares in the upper part of Dankia Lake for domestic use. Lac Duong District needs to publish site clearance guidance for the project to the committee before June 15.

Elections offer opportunity for Vietnamese to raise voices over key matters: Australian expert

The elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and the People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure on May 23 is an opportunity for the Vietnamese people to express their voices over such important issues as the nation’s leadership and the strengthening of local governments’ apparatus, said Professor Carl Thayer, an expert from Australia’s New South Wales University.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Thayer said the Vietnamese legislature’s activities have undergone important changes during the country's process to build and strengthen its socialist rule-of-law state, especially since the adoption of the Constitution in 1992 (amended in 2001), the 2013 Constitution and the 2015 Law on Election.

According to the expert, this year's elections saw more than 69 million constituents eligible to vote, and all of the candidates were thoroughly evaluated to ensure qualification. The list of qualified candidates also exhibits diversity in composition with a high proportion of women and ethnic minorities, at 45 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

Evaluating the preparation for this important event, Thayer said that Vietnam has made extraordinary efforts in the context of COVID-19 outbreaks.

The National Election Council has adopted an official list of 866 qualified candidates, he noted, citing information from local press as saying that 84,767 election groups have been set up to run polling stations on the election day./.

General Vo Nguyen Giap statue a pride of Truong Sa people and soldiers

The august and majestic statue of the late legendary general Vo Nguyen Giap in a park on Son Ca Island of the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago brings all who visit the island a range of emotions beyond words.

The General Vo Nguyen Giap Park covers an area of 400 square metres, with the general’s statue at its centre. The monolithic sandstone bust, 1.76 metres high, was carved by sculptor Le Dinh Ban in December 2015.

Behind the statue is a semi-circular ceramic wall displaying 300 images of the life and career of General Giap, his close relationship with the Vietnam People’s Army, and famous battles and victories in the resistance wars against French colonialists and US imperialists.

Construction of the park began in 2015 and was completed in May 2016.

The park expresses the deep sentiments of soldiers on Truong Sa and the Vietnam People’s Navy in general towards General Giap, the Commander-in-Chief of Vietnam’s armed forces, who devoted his life to the nation and people of Vietnam.

With his talent and dedication, General Giap has become a spiritual fulcrum of the people and soldiers of the Truong Sa archipelago. His statue strengthens their belief and encourages them to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

General Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013) directly led major campaigns during Vietnam’s wars against the French and the US. His name is closely linked to the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which put an end to French colonialism in the country. He was also instrumental in fighting the American imperialists, who replaced the French colonialists.

As an eminent student close to President Ho Chi Minh, General Giap was loved and respected by the people and international friends and has been a source of pride for generations of officers and soldiers nationwide./.

Ho Chi Minh’s birthday anniversary celebrated in Ukraine, Mongolia

The Vietnamese Embassies in Ukraine and Mongolia have held activities to mark the 131st birthday anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – 2021).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Hong Thach visited and presented gifts to a language school in Kyiv, named after the late President.

During the visit, the diplomat thanked the school for its preservation of items related to Ho Chi Minh over the past three decades and organisation of annual activities to honour the Vietnamese leader, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam – Ukraine traditional friendship.

He pledged the embassy’s close coordination with the school to preserve the works and asked the school to launch a writing contest on Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam in upcoming months.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassy in Mongolia organised a flower offering ceremony at a local monument of Ho Chi Minh based at a school named after the late leader, with the participation of representatives from the Mongolia-Vietnam friendship association, Vietnamese citizens and alumni in the country./.

Mongolian Deputy PM thanks Vietnamese community for support in COVID-19 fight

Deputy Prime Minister and head of the State Emergency Commission of Mongolia S. Amarsaikhan has thanked the Vietnamese community in the country for their support to Mongolians in the COVID-19 fight.

In the thank-you letter, the Deputy PM affirmed that the gifts from the Vietnamese community have served as a great source of encouragement for forces who are working on the frontline of the pandemic combat in Mongolia, according to the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

Earlier, the Vietnamese community raised a fund of over 10 million MNT (about 3,500 USD) to help Mongolia fight the pandemic that is developing complicatedly in the country.

The aid has made local headlines and applauded by Mongolian people./.

 

Top leader’s article contributes to development of Ho Chi Minh’s thought: Russian scholar

A recent article written by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam greatly contributes to the development of Ho Chi Minh’s thought, said Prof. Dr Vladimir Kolotov of Russia’s Saint Petersburg State University.

The paper, titled “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam", has attracted attention from public opinions both at home and abroad.

It mentioned specific characteristics of socialism building in Vietnam, which is a matter of interest from public opinion in Russia, Kolotov said, noting that Vietnam has constantly combined theoretical and practical approaches, which leads the country to success.

He remarked that Vietnamese economy comprises different economic structures, with the State holding a key control role, adding that it is a suitable model for the country.

According to the scholar, in the article, the Vietnamese leader also touched on unsuccessful reforms in the former Soviet Union which resulted in its collapse, as well as weaknesses of the democratic institution, in which the power system is in the hands of a minority of the rich and serves the interests of capitalist groups.

In addition, the top leader also pointed out issues a modern Vietnam is currently facing and solutions to them, Kolotov emphasised.

He shared the General Party Secretary’s views that Party building and rectification are a key task that is vital to the CPV and the socialist regime; and the CPV's determination to fight against corruption, bureaucracy and degradation.

Kolotov noted that the CPV has taken action for the interests of the people, thereby always earning the people’s support, citing the Vietnamese top leader’s article as saying that the CPV’s leadership “is a decisive factor in the cause of the Doi Moi (Renewal) and would ensure the country's development in accordance with the socialist orientation”./.

Vietnam’s Defence Ministry offers medical supplies to Cambodian counterpart to fight COVID-19

The Vietnamese Ministry of Defence has presented medical supplies to support its Cambodian counterpart in the fight against COVID-19.

The aid included disinfectant sprayers, protective clothing sets, N95 masks and gloves, among others.

At the handover ceremony, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth thanked Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence for the timely support, underlining that it will help Cambodia overcome this time of hardship.

He also spoke highly of Vietnam’s COVID-19 prevention and control, hoping that with the direction of the Government and engagement of the whole political system, Vietnam will soon contain the current wave of the pandemic.

The assistance will be handed over to representatives of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence at the Moc Bai border gate of Tay Ninh province next week./.

Indonesian parliamentarian highlights importance of Vietnam’s elections

Endar T.D. Retnoastuti, a member of the Indonesia-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, has emphasised the significance of the upcoming general elections to the Vietnamese National Assembly, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondent in Jakarta on May 21, Endar, who is also Head of Bureau of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the Indonesian House of Representatives, said COVID-19 has posed a grave challenge to governance systems everywhere, as it has also profoundly challenged the interactions between the legislative and executive agencies.

Either through digital solutions or by implementing strict health protocols, the parliament's legislative, representative, budgeting and scrutiny duties should endure to keep the balance between executive law-making and parliamentary law-making in times of crisis.

Further, keeping the role of the legislature endures during times of pandemic should also means that it is also crucial to make sure that political transition through the election occurred.

“We congratulate the Vietnamese National Assembly for the renovation in the organisation and wishes many successes in the process of policy-making and development of Vietnam in the future,” he said.

Endar expressed his hope that the Indonesia-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group will become a platform to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, and also a channel to discuss regional issues of mutual concern and address the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic./.

Aviation security to be strengthened during elections

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has decided to raise the level of aviation security during the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 tenure.

Under a decision signed by CAAV Director Dinh Viet Thang, carriers, airports, and air services providers will apply Level 1 aviation security measures from May 22 to 24.

Airports are also asked to inform air services providers and foreign airlines operating in Vietnam about the measures.

All relevant agencies must regularly report to the CAAV during the period.

Nearly 69.2 million voters nationwide will select 500 deputies to the 15th NA from 866 candidates, and 3,727 out of 6,201 candidates will be voted on to provincial-level People’s Councils. The elections for People’s Councils at the district and commune levels will also be held./.

National Election Council: Withdrawal of candidates done objectively

The withdrawal of candidates running for seats in the 15th National Assembly has been carried out in an objective, fair, and responsible manner and in line with regulations, Nguyen Thi Thanh, head of the NA Standing Committee’s Board for Deputy Affairs and member of the National Election Council (NEC), told a press conference on May 21.

The NEC earlier announced the withdrawal of two candidates: Nguyen The Anh, Commander of Kien Giang province’s Border Guard Command, and Nguyen Quang Tuan, Director of Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital.

The council issued a resolution on the withdrawals, which were due to health and personal reasons, said Thanh, who is also deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission and deputy head of the NEC’s Personnel Sub-committee.

The official number of candidates now stands at 866, running for 500 seats in the 15th NA. Of these, 393 are women, 185 belong to ethnic minority groups, and 74 are non-Party members. Nine are self-nominated.

To prevent “proxy voting”, Thanh urged media agencies to continue with communications work on the rights and obligations of citizens in voting, especially in remote areas.

The Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organisations should also play a role in this regard, she added./.

State President meets voters in HCM City’s Cu Chi and Hoc Mon districts

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and candidates running for seats in the 15th National Assembly (NA) met with voters in Cu Chi and Hoc Mon districts of Ho Chi Minh City on May 20 and 21.

In his capacity as head of the Council for National Defence and Security, the President pledged to make every effort to safeguard the country in all circumstances.

As head of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, he also committed to further a judicial system in service of the people, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the people, human rights, and other rights of the people.

President Phuc said he will work harder to remove difficulties and obstacles in institutions and pay attention to utilising resources for development.
He called for national unity in the new era in order to realise the goal of building a powerful and high-income Vietnam by 2045.

The President also highlighted support for farmers, job creation, wage policy reform, and social insurance, and the need to improve the business environment and remove difficulties facing investors, especially in capital, land, and taxes.

He vowed to work with municipal leaders to promote initiatives and agendas in order to turn HCM City into a model for the country in economic development and in social welfare.

Pointing out the development potential of Cu Chi and Hoc Mon, he urged the two districts to seek ways to grow stronger, contributing to the achievements of HCM City and the country at large.

They said they hope that candidates will carry forward their supervisory role in anti-corruption, and pay more heed to policies towards disadvantaged groups, the elderly, and women and children, along with urban transport infrastructure and investment promotion.

On this occasion, the President also met with representatives from households which are resettled to provide land for the Sai Gon Safari Park in Phu My Hung and An Nhon Tay communes in Cu Chi district.

He asked the chairman of the city’s People’s Committee to consider and approve the compensation plan in order to handle the task within two months on the basis of consensus and in line with law.

Later on the same day, President Phuc visited local medical workers and patients and inspected COVID-19 prevention and control efforts at a COVID-19 treatment hospital in Cu Chi district.

He emphasised the significance of timely and drastic contact tracing and mass testing in the pandemic fight./.

Vietnam hands over medical supplies to India for COVID-19 fight

The Vietnamese Embassy in India has announced that it presented 109 ventilators and 50 oxygen generators to India to help the country fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The delivery, the first batch of medical supplies donated by the Vietnamese government and people, arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on the morning of May 21. 

The second batch, which includes 100 ventilators, 275 oxygen generators, 1,300 oxygen containers, and 50,000 masks, will be shipped by an Indian Navy vessel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chennai in Tamil Nadu state over the next few days. 

The total cost amounts to 1.5 million USD. Donations in cash and kind were also sent to the Indian Red Cross Society via the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Vietnam - India Friendship Association./.

Early voting held in island, mountainous areas of Ca Mau, Quang Binh

Early voting took place on Hon Chuoi island, off the coast of southernmost Ca Mau province, and certain remote constituencies in central Quang Binh province on May 21, two days ahead of the election day.

About 17 nautical miles from the mainland, Hon Chuoi island is an outpost in Vietnam’s southwestern seas and one of two places in Ca Mau to hold voting two days ahead of schedule.

Braving heavy rains in the morning, 177 voters, including residents and military officers and soldiers on the island, went to the polling station to exercise their rights and obligations as citizens.

Measures were also applied to protect voters from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Song Doc Town Nguyen Phuong Dong said the local election committee will complete procedures to transport ballot boxes to the mainland within the day.

Voters in 17 constituencies located in mountainous, rural, and border areas of Quang Ninh and Bo Trach districts in Quang Binh province also cast ballots on May 21.

Nguyen Van Nhi, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Truong Son commune, which has five constituencies holding early voting, said local voters were excited to take part in the elections.

As of mid-morning on May 21, two of the five constituencies had seen 100 percent voter turnout, he noted, adding that the commune’s election committee worked closely with the Lang Mo border guard post to guarantee political security, social order and safety, and pandemic prevention at polling stations.

The elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 tenure are slated for May 23.

Nearly 69.2 million voters nationwide will select 500 deputies to the 15th NA from 866 candidates, and 3,727 out of 6,201 candidates will be voted on to provincial-level People’s Councils. The elections for People’s Councils at the district and commune levels will also be held./.

Vietnam attends conference on Initiative for ASEAN Integration

Vietnam joined nine other ASEAN member states at a regional conference held on May 21 to carry out the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) work plan IV during 2021-2025, which was adopted at the 37th ASEAN Summit last year.

Addressing the conference, Ambassador Nguyen Hai Bang, head of the Vietnamese permanent mission to ASEAN and Chairman of the IAI task force in 2021, emphasised the role of the initiative in narrowing development gaps among ASEAN member states and promoting efforts to build the ASEAN Community, especially in the context of COVID-19.

The work plan IV makes significant contributions to the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) while supporting the bloc, and particularly CLMV nations - Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam - during their socio-economic transition process, to enhance capacity to recover from the pandemic, he said.

Participants discussed ten proposals for model projects in the five strategic fields of the IAI work plan, and suggested ways to carry out IAI projects in a more effective fashion given that the pandemic has become more complex in the region.

The IAI was launched in 2000 with a view to narrowing the development divide and helping CLMV countries, which were new members, fully integrate into the regional economy./.

Top legislator asks for EU's support in accessing COVID-19 vaccines

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue asked for the European Union (EU) assistance to Vietnam’s efforts to access European COVID-19 vaccine sources while receiving Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on May 21.

Hue also sought the bloc’s cooperation with Vietnam as regards sharing the copyright for vaccine production technologies.

For his part, Aliberti emphasised the importance of increasing vaccinations against COVID-19 to create broad coverage as soon as possible, affirming that the EU strongly supports the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism.The mechanism has so far provided 2.4 million doses for Vietnam and will continue to increase the number by the end of the year, he added.

Both host and guest expressed their delight at progress made in ties between Vietnam and the EU, especially the positive economic and trade growth recorded despite the pandemic.

They agreed with an initiative from the European Parliament (EP)'s Committee on International Trade on establishing a joint cooperation mechanism to monitor and continue promoting the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The two sides affirmed that they attach importance to and promote the comprehensive partnership and cooperation, including strengthening relations between Vietnam’s National Assembly and the EP as well as with the parliaments of EU member countries, particularly in legislation. The promotion of cooperation between the EP and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), of which Vietnam is an important bridge, is also necessary, they noted.

Considering the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an important partner of the EU and underscoring the bloc’s support for ASEAN's centrality, the ambassador said he hopes Vietnam will continue playing an active role in the reconciliation of regional issues. 

Hue said that Vietnam backs the EU’s role in sustaining peace, stability, and development in Asia-Pacific and the world.

Vietnam will make every effort to cooperate with ASEAN leaders regarding the reconciliation of regional issues, the top legislator affirmed./.

Vietnam’s national elections highlighted in German newspaper

Germany’s Junge Welt (Young People) newspaper ran an article on May 21 spotlighting the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure and the important contributions by the legislature to the country’s economic development over recent years.

Almost 70 million Vietnamese will go to the polls on May 23 to elect a new legislative body for the next five years.

It quoted General Secretary of the NA, head of the NA Office and head of the National Election Council (NEC) Office Bui Van Cuong as saying that as of May 15, 866 candidates are eligible to run for 500 seats in the 15th NA.

Voters will also elect deputies to People’s Councils at all levels, the paper wrote, and cited the National Election Council as saying that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, voters in many areas in 16 cities and provinces have been allowed to vote early.

It also provided some basic information on the NA - the highest organ of State power in Vietnam and responsible for electing the State President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, and Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and with the power to amend the constitution and pass laws.

The crucial role played by the NA and its contributions to the country’s economic development were also highlighted.

From a country with a backwards economy, it wrote, Vietnam has become one of the most dynamic economies in the world.

Figures from the Statista Research Department in Germany show that Vietnam’s GDP per capita hit over 3,400 USD in 2019 from only 550 USD in 2002, mainly because of rising average and minimum wages, while the inflation rate has remained low.

Vietnam has also seen major success in its fight against COVID-19, recording less than 5,000 infections to date, the article noted.

It quoted a conclusion from the 13th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) held earlier this year, emphasising that Vietnam will continue on the path it has chosen, focusing on speeding up industrialisation and scientific and technological development./.

Banking sector, businesses hand over donations to COVID-19 vaccine fund

The Ministry of Health received financial assistance of 160 billion VND (over 6.9 million USD) from the banking sector and 4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Vingroup at a ceremony on May 21.

Addressing the ceremony, Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that under the direction of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, the Government, the Prime Minister, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and the Ministry of Health, and with the involvement of the entire political system, Vietnam has brought three outbreaks under control and is gradually controlling a fourth.

As part of efforts to access COVID-19 vaccines, the Ministry of Health has promoted negotiations for purchases from foreign producers and suppliers.

Commitments have been made so far to provide some 110 million doses to Vietnam this year, including 38.9 million from the COVAX Facility programme, 30 million from AstraZeneca, and 31 million from Pfizer/BioNTech. The ministry has also registered to purchase an additional 10 million doses under a cost-sharing mechanism through the COVAX Facility programme.

The ministry is continuing its efforts to secure 150 million doses to inoculate 75 percent of the population, he noted.

The minister expressed a hope that the banking sector will continue to accompany the health sector in combating the pandemic.

The financial assistance and vaccines presented at the ceremony will be donated to the COVID-19 vaccine fund, which will manage and coordinate finances for the sponsorship, purchase, and use of vaccines.

The fund’s operations fall under the supervision of State financial management institutions and the State Audit Office of Vietnam.

It is obliged to report collections and spending to the Government and the National Assembly, and to publicise mobilised sources, lists of donors, and volume of vaccines on hand./.

Vice President extends congratulations on Buddha’s birthday in Dong Nai

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited Thuong Chieu monastery in Long Thanh district, the southern province of Dong Nai on May 21 to extend congratulations to Buddhist dignitaries and followers on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2565th birthday (Vesak day).

Meeting with Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Deputy Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Patronage Council, the Vice President wished Buddhist followers in the province a happy and peaceful Vesak day on behalf of the Party, State, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Central Committee.

She spoke highly of the Most Venerable’s contribution to the country’s Buddhism, particularly the revival of Truc Lam Zen sect, and expressed her hope that the Most Venerable, dignitaries and followers will enhance their efforts to strengthen the national solidarity bloc, helping further develop the country.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has become more complicated, monks and nuns in Dong Nai in general and at Thuong Chieu monastery in particular need to raise Buddhist followers’ awareness of COVID-19 prevention work, she said.

The Vice President also asked the VBS’s Dong Nai province chapter to join hands with competent authorities to popularise information about the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils of all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure.

Representatives from Thuong Chieu monastery thanked the Party, State, and relevant agencies for creating favourable conditions for the monastery’s activities.

The same day, she also visited Most Venerable Thach Sok Xane, Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and head of the Ang pagoda, in Tra Vinh city, the Tra Vinh province, and dignitaries of Khmer Theravada Buddhism on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2565th birthday./.

Chinese Ambassador hails Vietnam’s election preparations

Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo has affirmed the political significance of the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure, scheduled for May 23, in an interview granted recently to the Vietnam News Agency.

The ambassador noted that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong had personally chaired a conference on election work and closely directed preparations, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had travelled to many localities such as Hai Phong city and Tuyen Quang and Quang Ninh provinces to inspect preparations.

He added that in ministries, agencies, and localities, officials and people have actively engaged in the political consultation process.

The ambassador stressed that as socialist countries under the leadership of their Communist Parties, China and Vietnam always pursue a people-centred development path, consistently develop socialist democracy with their own characteristics and ensure citizens’ right to mastery.

He noted that candidates for the 15th NA election in Vietnam come from all walks of life and professions, which shows a high degree of representativeness, citing that ethnic minorities account for one-fifth and women 45 percent; higher than in previous elections.

The sound preparations reflect the CPV’s consistent leadership, citizens’ right to mastery, and national governance in line with the law, he said.

With Vietnam making an all-out effort to fight COVID-19, Ambassador Xiong Bo hailed the country for using information technology in the election to ensure that it will take place in a safe and orderly manner.

He expressed a belief that the elections will be a success, and Vietnamese voters will choose deputies with moral virtue, talent, and professional expertise to ensure the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and fulfill the targets set by the Congress.

The ambassador also spoke highly of the friendship and cooperation between the legislatures of China and Vietnam.

He recalled the visit to China by NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in July 2019, during which she was received by and held talks with Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu, and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Yang.

The ambassador said during the meetings, both sides reached important common perception on the exchange of experience on national governance and enhancing cooperation between law-making bodies.

He vowed to continue working to promote exchanges between the two legislatures, contributing to the development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership./.

General elections manifest democracy of socialist regime in Vietnam: Lao diplomat

The elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels in 2021-2026 tenure in Vietnam demonstrate the democracy of the socialist regime in Vietnam and of a State of the people, by the people and for the people, Lao Ambassador in Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang has said.

The elections are a great festival of extensive democracy in Vietnam, during which people directly choose their representatives in bodies of power at both the local level and the highest level of the country, the diplomat said in an interview granted to the press ahead of the general elections slated for May 23. 

He stressed that the active engagement of all officials, Party members and people from all walks of life in preparing for and taking part in the elections to exercise their citizen right has ensured that the elections will take place in a democratic and fair manner in accordance with the law, becoming a real festival of all people.

Commenting on the election organisation method of Vietnam, the Ambassador said that each election in Vietnam is a historical event and a chance for the people to fully exercise their democracy rights in line with the Constitution of Vietnam in each period.

He remarked that elections in Vietnam share many similarities with those in Laos, such as the main foundation of elections being the system of laws and institutions on election, and the comprehensive preparation process.

Both Vietnam and Laos have many different ethnic groups, so there are specific regulations on the ratios of candidates based on ethnic groups, gender and age, which ensures balance and fairness for all citizens, Ambassador Sengphet Houngboungnuang said, noting that both countries stipulate a 35 percent ratio of women among candidates and aim for a 30-percent proportion of women among those winning the election.

Noting that the elections in Vietnam are taking place amid the complicated developments of COVID-19 pandemic, the ambassador said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Government, NA and People’s Councils at all levels have shown flexibility in preparations.

He expressed a hope that deputies of the 15th NA of Vietnam will be those who have good capacity, knowledge and experience in supervision, inspection of law enforcement, and law making, thus contributing to national construction towards the goal of rich people, strong nation, equal, democratic and civilized society, completing strategic targets for 2030, turning Vietnam into a upper middle-income country in 2045 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the CPV, and a developed country with high income by the 100th founding anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. 

The ambassador wished the elections on May 23 a great success./.

Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary journey spotlighted by Brazilian writer

President Ho Chi Minh’s journey to find a way to liberate his country and his influence on revolutionary movements of colonial countries around the world have been highlighted in a story published on the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB)’s official website earlier this week.

It was written by Rosé Renato Rabelo, President of the PCdoB’s Maurício Grabois Foundation, on the occasion of the late Vietnamese leader’s 131st birth anniversary (May 19, 1890 – 2021).

The story recalled milestones of his nation-saving journey, saying “Ho, the founder of communism in Vietnam, was the real soul of the revolution. His personal qualities and his exemplary simplicity, integrity and revolutionary determination still influence generations of progressive movements worldwide today.”

According to Rabelo, the fundamental perception of Ho Chi Minh’s military thinking was to conceive the struggle against colonialism and neocolonialism as the peoples’ struggle for independence. Vietnam’s victory in the battle of Dien Bien Phu, for example, had a profound impact on the fight against colonialism. From 1954 to the late 1960s, more than 40 nations became independent and the resistances against colonialism freed more than a billion people in over 100 countries.

Another great idea developed by Ho Chi Minh was that the national revolution must go with social liberation. In this regard, the late leader highlighted the need for creative application of revolutionary theories in each country, based on its historical and cultural particularities.

Ho Chi Minh underscored the importance of building a united Communist Party from the grassroots to the central level, Rabelo said, adding that the late president also sought to develop solidarity with neighbouring countries, socialist nations and international community, including the progressive and democratic movements globally.

Under Ho Chi Minh’s leadership, the Vietnamese people defeated the French, the Japanese and the American to achieve independence and construct a modern, industrial and democratic socialist nation.

Against the backdrop of the peoples’ daily struggle around the world, the exemplary revolution of the Vietnamese people and the robust development of the Asian country is the legacies left by late President Ho Chi Minh, he said./.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes