Trang An Marathon makes debut with 3,000 runners

The first Trang An Marathon -- Footstrike from the Heritage will be held over the weekend, welcoming about 3,000 athletes at Ninh Binh province's ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a special national relic site.

It is a jointly organised event by the provincial Culture and Sport Department and Vu Media (VRace) on November 11-12.

Runners including 160 foreigners and national elite such as Nguyen Thi Oanh, Pham Thi Hong Le and Do Quoc Luat ,will take part in four categories of full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.0975km), 10km and 5km.

All courses are designed within the Trang An natural heritage site, where runners will experience majestic and poetic natural scenery with towering mountains, lush greenery and meandering rivers.

On their way to the finish lines, they will pass through thousand-year-old relics such as Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Am Tien Cave and Trang An Wharf.

"The Trang An Marathon 2023 is one of activities to celebrate the second 2023 Ninh Bình Festival. Focusing on honouring cultural and natural heritage and promoting tourism, the event plays key role in building a sport tournament brand associated with our unique cultural heritage for domestic and foreign tourists," said Nguyen Manh Cuong, director of the Culture and Sport Department and head of the organising committee.

VRace Director Vu Van Phong, who is also the marathon director, added: "The tracks of Trang An Marathon are flat and lined with green trees along with the cool weather of November. These are ideal conditions for athletes to set new personal records.

"The four different routes will certainly bring interesting and long-last experiences to all participants.”

Organisers will present prizes to top five athletes of each category. Runners with most impressive cosplay will also get their attractive bonus because cosplay has become an indispensable 'speciality' of most of national marathons.

The unique makeup display makes an impression and creates memorable memories in each moment of conquering each milestone.

Quang Ninh province’s Tien Yen district preserves traditional culture

Preserving and upholding the values of cultural heritage remains a crucial task for the authorities and people of northern Quang Ninh province’s Tien Yen district during the process of integration.

Tien Yen district, in the heart of Quang Ninh province, is close by Ha Long Bay, the Mong Cai border gate economic zone, and the Van Don economic zone. It is home to 13 ethnic groups, and boasts a rich history and beautiful landscapes, all of which have contributed to its unique culture traits.

The Standing Board of the district Party Committee in 2011 issued Resolution No. 06-NQ/HU on preserving and promoting local heritage culture values for the 2011-2015 period and the years to come.

In implementing the resolution, Tien Yen put forth a project on preserving and promoting local heritage culture values for 2011-2015, with a vision to 2020, along with other sub-projects on landscapes, relic sites, heritage trees and ethnic minority groups.

Such efforts paid off as the district has six relic sites winning provincial recognition, and 15 others inventoried and classified.

It has successfully organised four editions of culture and sport week for northeastern ethnic groups, and set out a project on the preservation of San Diu people’s culture in the 2020-2025 period; one on building a village of the Tay culture in Dong Dinh hamlet, Phong Du commune, for 2020-2025 with a vision towards 2023; and another on organising Ha Lau market fairs.

Some festivals are held annually, including those associated with Tay, San Chi, and Dao ethnic minority groups. At the same time, the district has maintained the operation of its pedestrian street every Saturday night.

Tien Yen has also devised planning schemes and state management plans on festivals and the holding of traditional festivals, and to integrate tourism development into cultural preservation projects.

Therefore, festivals have become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of local residents, and familiar to tourists in and outside the district.

Nguyen Chi Thanh, Secretary of the district Party Secretary, said Tien Yen has paid due attention to preserving and promoting traditional culture and arts of ethnic minorities, especially turning some hamlets into “museums” to serve the work while spurring local tourism.  

By 2025, the district expects to have built at least a model of cultural preservation and promotion in each commune, restored historical and cultural relic sites, and improved the scale and quality of festivals of Dao, Tay, San Chi and San Diu ethnic groups, and other rituals in tandem with tourism development, he said.

Notably, Tien Yen hosted the triennial provincial culture and sport festival of ethnic minority groups in August, which took the theme of “Tien Yen - A link to diverse colours of ethnic groups in the Northeastern region”.

It has also reviewed the list of those with significant contributions to cultural preservation and promotion, and made dossiers seeking the title of folk artisan for them, the official continued.

According to Thanh, the locality will open classes of folk songs of Tay, Dao, San Chi and San Diu ethnic groups, and compile a dossier seeking the recognition as national intangible heritage for the crop-praying festival of  San Chi people.

Vietnam treasures traditional friendship, cooperation with Georgia: FM

Vietnam always treasures and wants to foster its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Georgia, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said at a reception for Georgian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Khvtisiashvili in Hanoi on November 10.

Expressing his delight at the maintenance of the Vietnam-Georgia sound relations, Son said the two nations still have huge potential for cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education, culture, sports, and tourism.

He suggested the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs work together to step up the exchange of delegations at all levels and closely coordinate at international and regional forums.   

In reply, Khvtisiashvili said that Georgia wishes to beef up collaboration with Vietnam across fields, particularly economy-trade, agriculture, education-training, culture, and tourism.

On the same day, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and her Georgian counterpart Alexander Khvtisiashvili co-chaired the second political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

 At the political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on November 10. (Photo: VNA)
Concerning political and diplomatic cooperation, the two sides agreed to promote the exchange of delegations at all levels and via all channels and to enhance collaboration between the two ministries.

Pointing out modest economic cooperation between the two countries, which is yet to be on par with their potential and expectations, Hang proposed the two sides jointly deploy measures to boost trade ties and business connectivity, further improve related legal frameworks, and expand partnership in such potential areas as tourism and agriculture.

Khvtisiashvili noted that Georgian enterprises are ready to team up with their Vietnamese peers to set up joint ventures to produce consumer goods of the two nations’ strength for exports to a third country.

He suggested the two sides capitalise on advantages brought by their favorable strategic geographical locations to enhance cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, transport and logistics.    

The two deputy ministers underscored the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts by peaceful means in line with international law, particularly the UN Charter. They agreed to continue to work closely together at multilateral forums, thus contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

Vietnamese, Chinese officials talk territorial, border issues

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu and Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong conducted a meeting between the heads of the government-level delegations for negotiations on the Vietnam-China territorial and border issues in Hanoi on November 9.

Both sides expressed their delight at the sound development of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, particularly since the historic China visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in October 2022. They agreed to continue realising common perceptions reached by the two countries’ senior leaders in order to advance bilateral substantive cooperation in various fields, and jointly prepare for the 15th meeting of the Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and other important bilateral activities in lead-up to the 15th anniversary of comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

They assessed the positive progress in the Vietnam-China land border management and cooperation according to legal documents, including the effective and smooth operation of the Land Border Joint Committee mechanism, stronger cooperation in building infrastructure and improving transportation connectivity in border areas, and effective pilot operation of the Ban Gioc – Detian waterfalls, demonstrating their determination to create a safe and attractive tourist destination, thus making important contributions to socio-economic development in border areas.

The two sides pledged to continue working closely together in border management and protection in accordance with three legal documents on land border between the two countries and relevant agreements.

They committed to effective collaboration in the opening/upgrading/recognition of border gates, rolling out measures to facilitate customs clearance, cultural and commercial exchanges in border areas, toward building a borderline of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development.

On issues at sea, they frankly discussed recent developments in the East Sea. They underlined the importance of continuing to seriously implementing the common perceptions of senior leaders of the two Parties and countries and the Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of issues at sea between Vietnam and China in 2011; and working together to maintain peace, stability, exercise self-restraint and avoid complicating the situation at sea.

The Vietnamese side proposed that both sides really respect each other's legitimate rights and interests, work together to control differences properly, maintain smooth channels of negotiation on maritime issues, and strive to find a fundamental and long-term solution in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Both sides spoke highly of the progress of projects within the framework of cooperation in less sensitive areas, such as release of fish fries and protection of aquatic resources in the Gulf of Tonkin, and the signing of two cooperation agreements on joint work in geological environment and geological disasters in the Red River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta, and integrated management of the marine and island environment in the Gulf of Tonkin.

They also agreed to continue speeding up negotiations on delimitation of waters beyond the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin, complete procedures and move towards signing an agreement on the establishment of a hotline for contingencies from fishing activities in the waters of Vietnam and China, and another on Vietnam-China search and rescue cooperation, and further advance cooperation at sea, particularly in less sensitive areas. 

On the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Vice Foreign Minister Sun, during which he suggested the two ministries work closely together and make thorough preparations for upcoming exchange activities between the two countries.

The two ministries need to actively take creative measures and foster practical coordination in various areas, especially in economy, trade, infrastructure and connectivity of railways and roads, thus facilitating people-to-people exchanges in border areas, Son said.

There should be an emphasis on strengthening coordination in land border management, well controlling differences at sea, contributing to Vietnam-China friendly and cooperative ties, he said.

UN Special Rapporteur hails HCM City’s right to development activities

Visiting UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development Surya Deva has commended activities implemented by Ho Chi Minh City in the field, particularly the methods and outcomes of its multidimensional poverty reduction programme.

He made his statement at a meeting with Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan in the city on November 10.

Hoan told his guest that Vietnam in general, and the southern metropolis in particular, always respects, protects, and promotes human rights, placing people at the centre and considering them as the subject and driving force of the development process. HCM City aims for sustainable development, cares about gender development issues and the role of women in society, implements multidimensional poverty reduction policies, and respects and creates conditions for the development of religious freedom, ethnic minorities, and vulnerable communities, he affirmed.

Hoan emphasised that the city always links economic development with addressing social issues and protecting the environment, serving Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Deva informed his host on the purpose of his working visit to Vietnam and its various localities, which is to understand the outcomes, challenges, priorities, and cooperation needs of Vietnam in the field of the right to development.

He stated that the city’s effective practices form valuable lessons, contributing to promoting the experience sharing and mutual learning among localities worldwide in implementing related activities.

President joins great national unity festival in Phu Yen

President Vo Van Thuong joined local people in the south central province of Phu Yen’s Xay Dung village to celebrate the great national unity festival on November 11 morning.

Located in Son Hoa district’s Suoi Trai highland commune, which is home to the E De ethnic minority community, the village has 187 households, including 171 ethnic minority families, with a total of 984 people. It faces many difficulties, with over 60% of local households classified as poor or near-poor families.

Speaking to local residents at the event, President Thuong emphasised that the spirit of great national unity is a precious tradition of the Vietnamese people. Thanks to the leadership of the Party, the people successfully accomplished the struggle for national liberation, entered the era of Doi moi (Reform), and overcome challenges, making the country's international position and prestige greater than ever. He expressed his belief that, in the new development phase amid the complex regional and international situation, this spirit is the source of strength for Vietnam to confidently move forwards.

The State leader said that, given the still high poverty rate, the top priority for Suoi Trai residents is to join hands in eradicating hunger and achieving sustainable poverty reduction, and pay more attention and provide favourable conditions for the education of younger generations. He also urged them to collaborate in maintaining public order and security.

On the occasion, the President and leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Phu Yen province presented gifts to outstanding local education managers, teachers, community members, and students.

Prime Minister inspects major projects in Thanh Hoa province

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 11 inspected major projects in Nghi Son Economic Zone during his working trip to the central province of Thanh Hoa.

Located in the south of Thanh Hoa, the Nghi Son Economic Zone covers an area of 106,000 hectares with 55 sub-zones. The area for industrial projects is about 9,057 hectares, with many operating projects.

This year, the Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks of Thanh Hoa aim to achieve 265 trillion VND (10.89 billion USD) in production value, earn 5.7 trillion VND in export turnover, pay 26 trillion VND to the State budget and create jobs for about 10,000 labourers.

Visiting Nghi Son refinery and petrochemical complex run by Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC, a joint venture of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) and Kuwaiti and Japanese partners, PM Chinh asked the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC to restructure itself for more efficient and stable operations.

Having total investment of nearly 9.3 billion USD, the complex is currently one of the biggest FDI projects in Vietnam. It is now providing about 35% of the total petrol volume to the domestic market. So far, it has paid over 85.23 trillion VND to the State budget. However, the firm has reported a loss of over 4.37 billion USD.

The Government leader underlined the need for the company to strengthen decentralisation and delegation of power during production and business activities, while increasing inspection and supervision to give timely response to arising problems, and paying greater attention to human resources and technology transfer so that Vietnamese workers can master all technologies for safe and efficient operations of the complex.

The company should focus on restructuring in the fields of finance and production to cut costs, and re-negotiate with Kuwaiti partners to reduce the import prices of crude oil.

Examining Nghi Son port project, PM Chinh highlighted the important role of the project in forming and developing the Nghi Son Economic Zone and industrial parks of Thanh Hoa thanks to its functions and a goods trading point connecting with the North of Laos, Northwest of Thailand and Thanh Hoa adjacent areas as well as national and international shipping routes.

Under its planning, the Nghi Son port system comprises 51 wharves and wharf areas. The Nghi Son port is capable of receiving ships with a tonnage of up to 70,000 - 100,000 DWT. As of July 2023, 21 wharves had been put into operation. Currently, the Nghi Son port's capacity is about 75 million tonnes per year.

PM Chinh requested Thanh Hoa authorities to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to carefully study resolutions regarding the socio-economic development and defence-security protection of Thanh Hoa as well as strategic planning and development strategies for the locality and the central coastal region to design the planning for the development of the Nghi Son Economic Zone and Nghi Son port in the future.

Regarding the idea of building a defence-economic complex on Hon Me island, which is about 10km from the mainland, the PM hailed this defence-economic combination model, and ordered Thanh Hoa to work with relevant ministries and localities to build this project.

The same day, PM Chinh also visited Nghi Son steel rolling mill, which is invested by DTS Nghi Son Iron and Steel JSC with a capacity of producing 980,000 tonnes of rolling steel each year in its first phase. In the second phase, a factory will be built to produce steel structure products used in construction and industrial production, with an expected capacity of 30,000 tonnes of products per year, along with a factory for cold rolling and production of shaped steel pipes used in construction, with a capacity of 300,000 tonnes of steel pipes, boxes, and galvanised steel products per year.

The project will cover an area of about 51 hectares and have a total investment of 5.5 trillion VND.

Also on November 11, PM Chinh visited Hop Luc International General Hospital project invested by Hop Luc Group in Nguyen Binh commune of Thanh Hoa's Tinh Gia district.

The hospital has total investment of nearly 600 billion VND with 500 beds. In the first phase with a cost of over 300 billion VND, the hospital will have 250 beds. Currently, it has 330 staff members, including 66 doctors.

PM Chinh affirmed that the Party and State always take the people as the centre, subject, resources and motivation of development, and give people's health top priority.

According to the PM, thanks to great attention and investment in caring for the people's health, solid progress has been seen in the field. Besides, the socialisation of the health care sector has been strengthened, contributing to bettering health care services for the people, with the development of many private hospital models like the Hop Luc International General Hospital, he noted.

The Government leader expressed his hope that the model of the hospital will be multiplied to meet the people's increasingly diverse demand in health care services.

Activities held in Turin to promote Vietnam-Italy partnership

The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy has held a series of activities in the City of Turin to promote the bilateral partnership in politics, economy and culture to mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy.

Ambassador Duong Hai Hung on November 9 had a working session with Vice Mayor of the City of Turin Michela Favaro who underlined that Turin and Vietnamese localities boast great cooperation potential and opportunities.

Favaro said that the City of Turin, which is strong in industrial production, manufacturing and automobile production, energy transition, digitalisation, as well as urban management, heritage conservation, education, training and research, tourism, and event organisation, wishes to promote cooperation with Vietnamese localities and partners in these fields.

The official affirmed that Turin will help promote the image of Vietnam and send delegations to the Southeast Asian country to seek collaboration opportunities with Vietnamese localities, especially Ho Chi Minh City which had set up twinned relations with Turin.

Hung held that Turin and HCM City should increase cooperation in the fields of economy, urban management, culture, heritage conservation, as well as during the implementation of the idea to organise the Vietnamese Year in Turin and the Italian Year in HCM City, which was given during the recent visit to Turin by Vice Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan.

The diplomat also expressed his hope that Turin will take Vietnam as a priority country in its internationalisation policy, while promoting partnership with Vietnam in trade, investment, technology transfer, supporting Vietnam in human resource training and designing economic transformation policy towards green, digital, sustainable and circular in the coming time.

At the Vietnam-Turin Economic Forum held on November 9, Hung held that Turin and Piedmonte region have strengths in industrial production, automobile manufacturing, banking and services match the demand of Vietnam during the country's modernisation and industrialisation process, especially in the fields of basic industry, manufacturing, machinery production, high-tech agriculture, research, innovation, banking and financial services.

The diplomat pledged that the Vietnamese Embassy is ready to support and accompany Italian companies in tapping business opportunities with Vietnam. He also introduced Vietnam's new visa policy which is hoped to lure more tourists and businesses to the Southeast Asian nation.

Addressing the forum, Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Turin Chamber of Commerce, held that the presence of local prestigious firms such as Lavazza, Aurora and Pinifarina showed their interest in the Vietnamese market, affirming that this is a good time for the two sides to promote their comprehensive and strong cooperation.

Fulvio Albano, President of the Asia Economic Cultural Council of Italy, described Vietnam as a potential market and a gateway to Southeast Asia, as well as the close relations between Vietnam and Turin which is considered a Vietnamese centre in Italy.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese Trade Counselor Duong Phuong Thao pointed out 10 reasons why investors should choose Vietnam, including a favourable location, a stable government with firm economic vision, a young workforce and a wide network of 18 free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed with partners.

During his stay in Turin, Ambassador Duong Hai Hung also had meetings with leaders of major local businesses to discuss specific measures to promote their collaboration with Vietnamese partners.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Embassy also organised a programme on Vietnamese culture promotion and exchange at the University of Turin, which comprised an art exhibition, and an event to introduce Vietnamese traditional cuisine.

Principal of the University of Turin Stefano Geuna said that the university plans to launch a Vietnamese faculty in 2024, becoming the third university in Italy to teach Vietnamese language.

Within the programme's framework, a talk show on the similarities between the culture of Vietnam and Italy was also held, gathering a large number of Vietnamese and Italian cultural experts.

Vietnam prepares for 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of IFRC

A training course on diplomatic and security activities in preparation for the upcoming 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was held in Hanoi on November 10.

Organised by the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) Central Committee, which is also the host of the conference, the course provided VRC staff members and volunteers with basic knowledge about necessary reception works and skills to handle situations arising.

Themed “Becoming disaster ready in Asia Pacific”, the quadrennial conference is scheduled for late November in the capital city. About 350 domestic and foreign delegates are expected to participate in a forum on young leaders’ innovation in coping with catastrophes, along with other sidelines activities.

The event offers an opportunity to promote the image of Vietnam and its people, and enhance development cooperation between the VRC and international partners and organisations and businesses around the world. It will contribute to affirming the commitments by the Vietnamese government, as well as the responsibility for action of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in the region in climate change and catastrophe response.

The IFRC is the largest humanitarian network in the world, with 192 member societies.

Vietnam learns France's experience in press, external information

A delegation from the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education led by its Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Lam is paying a visit to France to study the press, publishing and foreign information work in the European country.

The delegation had a working session with member of the Politburo of the French Communist Party (PCF) Taylan Coskun and Secretary General of the PCF-run l’Humanité (Humanity) newspaper Anthony Draguet.

Draguet briefed the guests on the communication work of the newspaper as well as challenges that it is facing amid the current strong digital transformation.

The two sides exchanged experience and discussed cooperation opportunities to promote partnership between the l’Humanité newspaper with press agencies of Vietnam as well as those under the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education in particular.

On this occasion, Lam presented Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's book entitled "Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam” which was translated into French to Daguet.

At a working session with leaders of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association (AAFV), the Vietnamese delegation studied the operations of Perspective magazine, the information agency of the association.

The magazine has worked to introduce and promote the image and information about Vietnam as well as the AAFV's activities to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the governments and people of Vietnam and France.

The delegation also worked with the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of Vietnamese press agencies in France, including the Vietnam News Agency, Nhan dan (People) Newspaper and Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang highlighted recent progress in Vietnam-France relations and contributions from media agencies in this regard.

During their stay, the delegation laid flowers at President Ho Chi Minh's statue and visited Ho Chi Minh space in Montreau park in Montreuil city.

They also attended the Vietnamese Culture Day in France held at the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations and the 10th founding anniversary of bilateral strategic partnership.

Festival promotes Vietnam-Laos cooperation in information, communications

The Vietnam-Laos Friendship Festival was held in Hue city in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on November 11.

The event was part of activities to celebrate the 61th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations (1962-2023), and 46 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (1977-2023).

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Thanh Lam said that the festival aims to promote Vietnam-Laos cooperation in the field of information and communications, which forms part of the intergovernmental agreement on digital partnership, digital transformation in press activities, settlement of fake and harmful news, and enhancing digital skills for people, heading to a safe and healthy digital space, turning information to knowledge.

He noted that currently, many large-scale firms of Vietnam such as Viettel, VNPT and FPT have invested in Laos, contributing to turning Laos into one of the countries with the widest 4G coverage in Southeast Asia and supplying Internet services to Lao people.

In the fields of press and communications, the two sides have enjoyed fruitful cooperation. Besides providing Laos with support in facilities, techniques and training, Vietnam has assisted Laos in producing valuable communication and information products, he noted.

Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Keomanyvong Phosy said that information and communications has been a bright spot in the Laos-Vietnam partnership with various collaboration projects.

The official expressed her hope that the festival will become an annual event that helps promote bilateral exchanges in the field and open new chances of cooperation between the two countries.

The festival will take place until November 15 with various activities, including an exhibition of 200 photos featuring the nation, people, culture of Vietnam and Laos and partnership between the two sides in many areas. New technologies in the field of information, communications and journalism will also be introduced within the event's framework.

Vietnam, RoK journalists exchange experience in digital transformation

A delegation of the Vietnam Journalists' Association (VJA), led by its Standing Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Loi, paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) from November 5-10 to exchange experience with Korean partners in adapting to the digital transformation period.

During the visit, the delegation had professional discussions with their counterparts from the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK) and the associations of journalists of Gangwon and Gyeonggi provinces as well as some media agencies of the RoK.

At a working session between the VJA and JAK delegations, the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of information about the situation of the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, culture and society.

The two associations will encourage their member agencies to strengthen cooperation and mutual support with each other, contributing to the promotion of information exchanges between the two countries at all levels, thus enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations' people.

Particularly, during the digital transition period, the VJA delegation visited a number of television broadcasters of the RoK such as MBC and KBS to explore the transformation in their operations and information, as well as the ways they overcome challenges in switching from traditional media to multi-platform media.

Vietnamese and Korean journalists also discussed a number of issues such as the role of the press in the new period, and the social responsibilities of journalists, along with the training of journalists to enable them to adapt to the new professional environment.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency's correspondent in Seoul, Loi said that along with learning from the RoK's application of technologies in press activities, the visit also provided a chance for Vietnamese journalists to explore their Korean counterparts' operations amid the fierce competition with other forms of information.

The RoK currently has about 30,000 people engaging in journalism activities while the JAK has more than 8,000 members.

Dog stealing ring busted
 
A group of men in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa has been detained for stealing nearly 100 dogs within 10 days.

On November 8, police in Thieu Son District caught Dang Van Toi in The Tho Commune red-handed bringing two stolen dogs to Nguyen The Phuc in the neighbouring commune of Dan Ly. 

The police questioned the two men and arrested four more people in the ring including Mai Van Hung, Le Huu Hai, Le Quang Thanh, and Hoang Vang Chung. They are all in Thieu Son District.

During the search of the houses of Phuc and Chung, the police confiscated dozens of dogs, stun guns and snares used for dog theft.

The group is divided into pairs to travel to different areas in Thanh Hoa to steal dogs. The animals were then taken to the houses of Chung and Phuc to await being sold.

Hanoi partners with international organisations to develop craft villages

The capital city of Hanoi signed a co-operation agreement with Lund University (Sweden) and the World Crafts Council International (WCC) on November 10 as part of efforts to develop craft villages in Vietnam.

The event was held as part of activities taking place within the 2023 Festival for Vietnamese Craft Village Preservation and Development.

At the signing ceremony, Ta Van Tuong, deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasised that the signing of the deal is aimed at stepping up co-operation between the city and its foreign partners, contributing to further developing handicraft industries in the capital, as well as preserving traditional values and cultural identity of craft villages.

Dr. Kevin Murray, vice president of the World Crafts Council International, highlighted the development of the Hanoi craft villages and the great efforts made by the capital in its conservation work.

He expressed his hope that both sides will soon concretise the contents of the agreement as a means of furthering ramping up co-operation in preserving and developing Hanoi craft villages.

Promoting cooperation in the field of preserving and developing creative craft village models is widely considered to be a proper orientation in line with Hanoi's policy and the goals of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, of which Hanoi is a member.

National action month on gender equality launched

The National Action Month on Gender Equality and Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response was launched on November 10 by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office in Vietnam and the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines. 

MoLISA Minister Dao Ngoc Dung affirmed Vietnam's commitments to ensuring gender equality in general, and increasing women’s empowerment in particular; and emphasised the important role of communications on gender equality.

To address gender inequality in Vietnam, Dung stressed that in addition to laws, policies and programmes to ensure social welfare, communication is identified as the most important task and solution to raise awareness, change behaviour, contribute to eliminating prejudice, and move towards achieving substantive gender equality.

Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said that the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, natural disasters, wars, and conflicts all increase gender-based violence and worsen economic difficulties of households.

To minimise their impact, investing in prevention work is essential, as it not only helps women, children, and families, but also makes national economies healthier and more sustainable.

The action month has been held annually from November 15 to December 15 since 2016. To date, more than 10 million turns of people have gained access to messages of the programme, contributing to raising their awareness of gender equality and gender-based violence prevention and response.

At the event, Vietnam Airlines and the UN Office in Vietnam signed a commitment to participate in the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs).

Three die of suspected suffocation in HCM City
 
Authorities in HCM City are investigating the death of three family members from suspected CO2 suffocation at their house on Friday.

A couple and their two-year-old daughter were found dead inside their rented room in Binh Thuan Ward, District 7 on Friday morning after a relative was unable to contact them at that time.

She later came to the house to call, but no one answered the door.

Through the door she saw some people lying on the floor. She called some local residents and they decided to break open the door and discovered that three people were dead already.

The victims were identified as Ha Cong Hung, 32, his 41-year-old wife and their two-year-old daughter. Hung worked as a security guard while his wife was a worker at some local firms.

A gas cooker was found operating with a boiling pot of corncob inside the 12-square-metre room which had all doors and windows closed.

They informed local authorities of the incident.

Initial investigations showed that the three victims might have died from asphyxiation due to CO2 inhalation coming from the gas cooker.

Police are further investigating the cause of the incident.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau welcomes 2,700 international cruise tourists

The Malta-flagged Celebrity Solstice carrying 2,700 foreign passengers onboard docked at Phu My Port in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, home to the popular beach city of Vung Tau, on November 10.

The majority of passengers on the vessel are from the United States, Canada, and the UK.

During the course of their one-day stay, the foreign guests were taken to several of the southern city’s most popular tourist attractions, including Ho Phap pagoda, Hoa Long market, Long Dien ancient house, and Cao Dai Temple.

The ship will bring the tourists to visit Nha Trang on November 11, before then departing for Hue on November 12 and Ha Long on November 13.

The cruise will then bring a further 2,700 holidaymakers from the US and UK to Ha Long, Hue, and Vung Tau from November 18 to November 22.

Celebrity Solstice is the lead ship of the Solstice class of cruise ships operated by Celebrity Cruises. 

The vessel is 314.86 metres in length, boasts a capacity of 2,852 passengers, and is rated as one of the most modern ships in the world.

Vietnam supports UN General Assembly's operation reform

The UN General Assembly discussed reforming the operations of the General Assembly on November 10 under the chairmanship of Dennis Francis, president of the 78th General Assembly, with the participation of UN member nations.

Minister Counselor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations 
The meeting saw many countries actively share initiatives and views on how to enhance the overall effectiveness of the UN General Assembly's operations.
  
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Counselor Le Thi Minh Thoa, deputy permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, emphasized that reforming the operations of the UN is extremely important for the organization’s reform.

While noting recent positive results, the Vietnamese representative outlined that the UN and other countries must strive to further intensify measures, thereby helping the General Assembly to respond more effectively to global challenges that are increasingly complex.

​Accordingly, the role of the UN General Assembly in both peace and security issues needs to be strengthened in accordance with the UN Charter, as well as further enhancing the relationship between the General Assembly and other key UN agencies, including the UN Security Council.

Furthermore, it can be viewed as important to ensure the principle of transparency and inclusiveness in activities, including the selection and appointment of the UN Secretary General.

The discussions of the UN General Assembly need to achieve specific and actionable results in both the medium and long term in order to meet the interests and aspirations of member countries.

In particular, upcoming discussions in preparation for the Future Summit and other processes should also focus on not only giving solutions, but also providing ways in which to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

At the 78th session, member countries will continue to discuss this topic in order to continue to seek and implement measures aimed at strengthening the UN General Assembly's activities.

Workshop promotes actions to stop dog and cat meat consumption for healthcare purposes

Halting the consumption of dog and cat meat for medicinal purposes in Việt Nam was the focal point of a workshop in Hà Nam Province on November 10.

The workshop was co-hosted by the Hà Nam Traditional Medicine Association, Soi Dog International Foundation, and Intelligentmedia, a Social and Behaviour Change Science Agency.

The event gathered 30 traditional medicine practitioners from the province, aiming to educate them about the detrimental effects of using dog and cat meat on public health and to encourage shifts in consumer behaviour in Việt Nam.

In Việt Nam, the consumption of dog and cat meat is traditionally linked with notions of "nutrition" and "disease cure," beliefs that have been verbally handed down through generations. Nonetheless, there is increasing concern across Asia about the role of the dog meat trade - encompassing sourcing, transportation, sale, slaughter, butchering, and consumption - in the spread of communicable diseases, including cholera and rabies. Health experts have also dispelled the myth that products like “dog legs” or “cat bone glue” possess any medicinal properties.

The Việt Nam Orientally Traditional Medicine Association (VOTMA) in collaboration with Soi Dog and Intelligentmedia recently led the movement discouraging the consumption of dog and cat meat for traditional medicine (TM) purposes. The initiative sheds light on concrete measures to eliminate the use of dog and cat meat in TM treatment.

“Stopping the demand side for dog and cat meat contributes to disrupting the trade dynamics. The partnership with VOTMA and the Hà Nam Traditional Medicine Association is crucial to shifting Vietnamese consumers to sustainable, healthy, and safe medicinal treatment options. We hope that each TM practitioner will raise their voice and take actions that will create a ripple effect against the practice in society. It ultimately helps stop the dog-cat meat trade issues in the country,” said Rahul Sehgal, Director - International Advocacy, Soi Dog International Foundation.

The training featured in-depth expert coaching and open discussions on feasible actions that TM practitioners will take after the event. Activities include verbal consultation with patients and peers; placement of behaviour change messaging and visually discouraging the use of dog and cat meat in TM clinic’s communication channels and/or integration of the issues into the clinic’s communication materials.

“The association commits to assign and monitor our TM individuals in disseminating the zero-tolerance message against the consumption of dog and cat meat and guiding our patients towards safer natural-based ingredients,” said Phạm Ngọc Thuần, Head of Hà Nam Traditional Medicine Association.

After the training, the Hà Nam Traditional Medicine Association and their TM practitioners will start taking action to erase the belief in using dog and cat meats for disease treatment or promotion of wellness. 

Drama programme highlights Việt Nam, Uncle Hồ

A drama programme offering plays about the country, soldiers, and late President Hồ Chí Minh will begin on November 12 in HCM City. 

The event is organised by the city’s Department of Culture and Information and will run until late December. 

It aims to inspire love for the country and appreciation for the freedom that the President and soldiers fought for.  

It encourages young people to study and follow President Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology, morality and lifestyle. 

A series of ten drama plays featuring the President’s great leadership and remarkable ideas for achieving the country’s freedom will be staged. 

The love for Uncle Hồ by southern people and children is also included. 

Actors of TKC Drama Stage and Trần Quốc Thảo Drama Stage, the city’s leading private troupes, will stage shows highlighting patriotism and honesty, as well as themes about Uncle Hồ and soldiers. 

These shows will feature young talents such as Thanh Tuấn and Kim Đào. 

Highlighted shows are Rặng Trâm Bầu (The Mother), and Cánh Đồng Rực Lửa (Fire Field), staring veteran artists Trịnh Kim Chi and Minh Nhí. 

Rặng Trâm Bầu tells the story of soldier Đoàn Thị Nghiệp of Tiền Giang Province’s Cai Lậy District, who received the State title of "Vietnamese Heroic Mother" for her contributions and sacrifices to the country’s independence and reunification.

The play features the mothers’ family members and villagers during the anti-American war. Their working and thinking, and the challenges they faced to overcome great difficulties, are all highlighted. 

Themes about love and peace are also included. 

"Vietnamese Heroic Mother" for her contributions and sacrifices to the country’s independence and reunification. — Photo courtesy of TKC Drama Stage. 
Cánh Đồng Rực Lửa features female members of Việt Nam’s Youth Volunteer Brigade during the Mậu Thân Offensive in 1968 in the anti-American war.  

The play is based on historical events and true stories. 

“Theatre lovers, particularly youngsters, will gain new experiences and passion for the country and its ideals after watching our plays on Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, soldiers, and Uncle Hồ,” said Meritorious Artist Trịnh Kim Chi, owner and art director of TKC Drama Stage. Chi is also a member of the programme’s organising board. 

The programme’s plays will be staged at cultural houses in the districts of 4, 8, 10, Bình Thạnh, Phú Nhuận, Gò Vấp, Nhà Bè, Bình Chánh and Hóc Môn.

Famous writer’s teen books reprinted

Two books for teenagers by writer Từ Kế Tường, who was famous in the 1970s-90s, have been reprinted by the HCM City Literature Publishing House. 

The books, Như Mưa Ngọt Ngào (Purple Rain) and Huyền Xưa (My Dear, Huyền), were selected from many of the writer’s books. 

The works feature teen loves, hopes and dreams. Urban life and family are also highlighted. 

They were published with 250,000 copies in Sài Gòn (now HCM City) before 1975, and were reprinted in Tuổi Ngọc (Teen Age), a magazine for secondary school students in the 1990s. 

The magazine worked with dozens of famous writers, such as Nguyễn Thị Minh Ngọc, Lê Minh Quốc and Tôn Nữ Thu Dung, to release their books for teen readers. 

Tường’s writing style is a mix of reality and romanticism. He makes his books with imagination, passion and flair. 

His art also introduces the culture and lifestyle of southern people, especially Saigonese.

Tường’s books for teens are popular because the writer knows what his readers are thinking and dreaming.

“Young readers, particularly girls, will see themselves in every single page of Tường’s books,” said Trần Thanh Tú, a student of Ngô Sĩ Liên High School in Tân Bình District. 

In his interview with media in HCM City, Tường said that he was involved in writing books aimed at teenagers because he “wanted to create a dreamlike world for youngsters, who believe in the best things about life and people,” he said.    

Tường began his career in 1969 in Sài Gòn (former name of Hồ Chí Minh City). He has released more than 100 titles of books, mostly novels and short stories for teenagers. 

His latest book is Những Bài Thơ Tình Gửi Em (Love Poems for You), a poetry collection of 80 works, released by HCM City Literature Publishing House in October. 

Tường is working with leading publishers to reprint a series of Tường’s books, some of which were released before 1975 and featured teen characters.

30 years of Vietnamese cinema through the eyes of a prominent film critic

The cinema criticism essay book “Outline of Vietnamese Cinema in the Period of Renovation and Integration” by film critic Ngô Phương Lan, former Director of the Cinema Department, has been released to the public.

The book includes two parts about Vietnamese cinema during the period of renovation and about its integration over the past 30 years.

“I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the academic ambience after many years of being occupied with management duties in the Cinema Department. When the words beckon, I returned to write,” Lan said.

In part one, the author overviews cinematographic works since 1990 and criticizes selected prominent films that represent Việt Nam cinema.

Because there are reviews originally written in the early 1990s in this book, she revised and updated them to reflect today's viewpoint.

The author expertly analyses and critiques the film's script, scene, music, character development, and actors' performances in simple language, making the work easily accessible to anyone interested in the country's cinematic works.

Part two of the book is Lan's commentaries on the development of Vietnamese cinema in the context of international integration and how to advance Việt Nam’s cinema industry.

In this section, Lan also outlined the map of international film festivals, the journey of internationalising Vietnamese cinema, and the challenges and lessons learned in building the Vietnamese film industry.

"I have known Lan since she returned from studying in the former Soviet Union and began working in the Cinema Department. Some of her essays were deemed thoughtful, and I recommended her to write books about Vietnamese cinema,” Director and People's Artist Đặng Nhật Minh said.

Various cultural and arts managers, merited artists, prominent screenwriters and filmmakers of different eras also attended the book launch celebration.

"As Lan's companion since the idea of the book was sparked, I think her writings are full of internationality on Việt Nam’s cinema,” said Lý Phương Dung, Deputy Director of the Cinema Department.

“Lan truly values film directors' unique characteristics and their artistic style in film criticism,” Director and Merited Artist Lê Đức Tiến said.

"Lan has been meticulous and intelligent in her criticism of the most notable films that have marked the era of Vietnamese cinema's creativity and integration," said Nguyễn Thế Kỷ, Chairman of the Central Council of Literature and Art Theory and Criticism.

“She is also a visionary manager with enthusiastic insights on how to effectively boost the Vietnamese film industry and bring Vietnamese cinema to its rightful place on the regional and global film maps."

Ngô Phương Lan was born in 1963 in Hà Nội. She graduated with a degree in Cinematography from the Soviet State University of Cinema in 1988.

She used to work at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, holding the position of Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department and Director of the Cinema Department.

She currently holds the role of President of the Việt Nam Cinema Development Promotion Association and constantly contributes to Vietnamese cinema.

For her tireless dedication to the country's cinema industry, Lan was bestowed the National Award for Literature and Arts in 2017.

At CineAsia in 2022, she won the title of the person with many contributions to copyright in the Asia Pacific region. 

Hải Phòng lose to Sabah, on brink of AFC Cup exit

Coach Chu Đình Nghiêm blamed the shortage of quality players and poor finishing as the reason Hải Phòng FC lost 4-1 to Sabah FC at the AFC Cup on November 9 in Kota, Malaysia.

Hải Phòng were top of Group H with six points after two wins and one defeat. They were confident in the second meet with Sabah after their 3-2 win two weeks ago at Lạch Tray Stadium.

However, the rematch was not easy for Nghiêm and his players although they started better than the hosts.

The first chance fell to Hải Phòng’s Nguyễn Hữu Sơn two minutes into the game, but his effort from a tight angle went narrowly wide of Khairul Fahmi’s goal.

The visitors dominated the early exchanges, with Yuri Mamute looking threatening with a snapshot from the edge of the box. Hải Phòng continued to use Sơn’s pace on the right-hand side to get in behind Sabah’s defence.

Yet it was the hosts who broke the deadlock. Daniel Ting opened the score on 20 minutes. Darren Lok steered home Sabah’s second of the match with a glancing header 14 minutes later.

Gabriel Peres flicked his header into the corner to make it 3-0 30 minutes into the second half.

Hải Phòng were finally able to get on the scoresheet in the final five minutes. An in-swinging corner found Mamute unmarked who was able to head home from close range.

Sabah were not done. The hosts added a stoppage-time fourth through substitute Jafri Firdaus Chew after a quick breakaway found him all alone inside the box.

"We played this match without three key players including goalkeeper Nguyễn Đình Triệu because of injuries," said Nghiêm whose foreign defender Benjamin Van Meurs and midfielder Đàm Tiến Dũng were the other absentees.

"We have the opportunity in the early minutes but we could not score. In the second half, we also wasted many threatening chances. If we had narrowed the score earlier in the second half, it would push my team up.

"Sabah did succeed with their opportunities. They deserve to win this match," he said.

The loss dropped Hải Phòng to the second position behind Sabah. They need to win two remaining matches while waiting for Sabah's mistake to secure the only place in the next round.

"In AFC Cup, only four group leading teams and one strongest second-placed side can qualify for the next phrase knockout stage. A loss to Sabah pushed us into a difficult situation. We will have to do our best in the last games, not easy missions for us," Nghiêm said.

Next up, Sabah heads to Singapore to face Hougang, while Hải Phòng visits Indonesian PSM Makassar on November 30. 

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