Vietnam and Mongolia have issued a joint communiqué on the occasion of the State visit to Vietnam by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and his spouse from November 1-5 at the invitation of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong.

During the visit, President Khurelsuk held talks with President Vo Van Thuong, met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

He also paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, attended the Vietnam-Mongolia Business Forum, visited the mobile calvary police force of the Mobile Police Force High Command under the Ministry of Public Security and toured several economic and cultural establishments in Hoa Binh province.

During the visit, the two sides engaged in practical discussions on measures to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including politics, national defence, security, economy, education, sci-tech, transportation, logistics, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchange, as well as global and regional issues of shared interest, toward creating a more comprehensive and substantive framework for the bilateral relationship as the two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. 

President Khurelsukh and his spouse expressed their sincere thanks to President Thuong, his spouse, leaders and people of Vietnam for their warm and considerate reception of the Mongolian delegation.

The Mongolian President invited President Thuong and his spouse to pay a State visit to Mongolia on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year. President Thuong thanked and accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Dutch Prime Minister concludes Vietnam visit

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his entourage left Hanoi on November 2 evening, concluding their official visit to Vietnam from November 1-2 at the invitation of PM Pham Minh Chinh.

While in Vietnam, PM Rutte attended an official welcome ceremony, and engaged in talks and a banquet with PM Chinh.

At talks, PM Chinh stressed that the visit holds significance as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, contributing to further deepening the Vietnam-Netherlands comprehensive partnership.

He affirmed the two countries’ determination to collaborate and develop self-reliance and sustainability, thus making positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

The Dutch PM described Vietnam as a priority and important partner of the Netherlands in the Indo-Pacific, and expressed his delight at paying his third official visit to Vietnam and meeting with PM Chinh after almost a year since Chinh's official visit to the Netherlands in December 2022.

Both leaders pledged to further push for the framework of the Strategic Partnership on Climate Adaptation, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture, and collectively contribute to addressing global challenges, particularly through cooperation in offshore sand mining, green economy, circular economy, climate-resilient urban development, and high-quality human resources training in climate change and water resource management, irrigation and disaster prevention.

Following their talks, the two PMs witnessed the exchange of four cooperation agreements between ministries, departments and associations of both countries in the fields of sustainable exploration and exploitation of key minerals, customs, investment and trade.

As part of the visit, they also rode bicycles together along streets in Hanoi.

They attended the Green Economy Forum 2023 with the theme "European-Vietnamese Collaboration Fuels Green Initiatives” organised by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

The Dutch leader also visited the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, delivered a speech at a roundtable conference themed "International Law and Order at Sea", visited and talked with teachers and students of the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, a significant and iconic symbol of ties between the two countries.

On the sidelines of the visit, Rutte, along with his Vietnamese friends, enjoyed a tea tasting session at a renowned teahouse on Dien Bien Phu street on November 2 morning.

Ample room remains for EU-Vietnam cooperation: EC official

There remains an ample room for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food stuff and automobile industry, European Commission (EC) Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, who is also the EU's Trade Commissioner, has said.

Received by Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man in Hanoi on November 2, the official affirmed Vietnam is an important trade partner of the EU as well as its member countries. Therefore, his visit this time aims to continue promoting bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade.

According to him, the signing of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) by Vietnam, the EU and partners is an important milestone in international collaboration in climate change response. The EC is drafting and developing a capital mobilisation plan to implement JETP expected to be announced at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in mid-December in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Regarding the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the official stated the EC recognises Vietnam’s huge efforts in perfecting the legal framework in this issue, adding that it will soon send another delegation to Vietnam to address related problems.

For his part, Man said that Vietnam welcomes positive results in the implementation of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which makes an important contribution to promoting bilateral trade ties, especially in the context that the global economy, and supply chain are facing a lot of difficulties and uncertainties.

Over recent times, Vietnam has made efforts to handle issues of concern to the EU, especially that of market opening for pharmaceuticals, he stated.

He proposed the guest help push the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by parliaments of several EU members.

The official also suggested the EC and the EU Trade Commission encourage EU businesses to invest in Vietnam, especially in high-quality projects in processing, renewable energy and logistics; and support Vietnam in terms of capital, technology, legal affairs, human resources, green economic development, digital transformation, just energy transition, and climate change response.

Man expressed his hope that the EC will soon remove its "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports, stressing that Vietnam is committed to maintaining close coordination with the EU to solve existing problems towards sustainable fisheries cooperation between the two sides. He suggested the EU continue to support the in sustainable fisheries exploitation projects and livelihood transformation for Vietnamese fishermen.

Party official pays working visit to Nicaragua to seek closer ties

A high-ranking delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Phan Dinh Trac, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs paid a working visit to Nicaragua from October 30- November 2. 

While in Nicaragua, Trac held talks with a high-ranking delegation of the Sandinista National Liberation Front Party (FSLN) of Nicaragua; met with President of the Nicaraguan National Assembly Dr. Gustavo Porras Cortés and Foreign Minister Denis Moncada, and had working sessions with leaders of several ministries and sectors. 

During the talks and meetings, the CPV official affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State always value and aspire to further deepen the friendship and collaboration between Vietnam and Nicaragua as well as between the CPV and the FSLN on the basis of the traditional solidarity and friendship, closeness in views on international matters and common interests in the process of building and developing the country. 

The Nicaraguan National Assembly leader, Dr. Gustavo Porras reiterated the special solidarity with Vietnam and its people and praised the enormous achievements of the Southeast Asian country in its renewal cause under the leadership of the CPV over the past nearly four decades, saying that they are valuable experiences for Nicaragua and other Latin American countries to learn from and expand cooperation.

The two sides concurred to strengthen coordination and effectively implement the signed cooperation agreement in 2020 and raise the role of the two ruling parties in promoting high-level visits of their governments, ministries, sectors and localities; maintain the regular and flexible operation of the political consultation between the two foreign ministries, build and perfect legal frameworks in order to create favourable conditions for bilateral collaboration, and enhance exchanges between mass organisations and people of the two countries.

During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation engaged in a working session with the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity of Nicaragua with the participation of the ministers of Health, Agriculture, Finance and Credit, and General Director of Post and Telecommunications Academy to discuss specific proposals on bilateral cooperation in fields of the two countries' strength. They agreed to push ahead with cooperation agreements and proposals in health care, including traditional medicine, and seek effective models for partnership in agriculture and farm produce processing as well as possibilities for joint work in telecom, digital transformation and hi-tech industry.

Vietnam attaches importance to ties with Croatia

Vietnam always attaches importance to maintaining and strengthening its traditional friendship with countries in Eastern Europe, including Croatia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang told Croatian Ambassador to Malaysia and Vietnam Ivan Velimir Starcevic during a reception on November 2.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister and the Ambassador discussed ties between Vietnam and Croatia, as well as measures to step up bilateral ties in various fields in the coming time.

They welcomed the positive developments in political and diplomatic relations over the past years, particularly the Croatia visit by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan in October 2022 and the political consultations between the two foreign ministries in March 2023, contributing to deepening substantive cooperation between the two nations.

The two sides agreed to jointly hold activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Vietnam – Croatia diplomatic ties next year.

Hang thanked Croatia for approving the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and supporting the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by the remaining EU member states as well as the lifting of the yellow card warning against Vietnamese aquatic products.

Starcevic briefed the host about Croatia's new policies after the country joined the Schengen area and Eurozone in January 2023, which he said, have opened up new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of Vietnam’s demand and Croatia’s strength, such as labour, education-training, culture-sports-tourism.

He affirmed that the Croatian leaders and authorities always create favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to live, do business stably and legally in the country, thereby strengthening the friendly relations between the two nations.

Vietnam hopes for stronger cooperation with Mongolia: Party chief

The Party, State and people of Vietnam always want to practically promote bilateral comprehensive cooperation with Mongolia, a traditional friend, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong told visiting Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Hanoi on November 1.

The host leader affirmed that Vietnam always remembers the sentiments and valuable support of the Mongolian Government and people during its past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as the present cause of national construction and development.

Trong expressed his belief that Khurelsukh's Vietnam visit will contribute to strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries, especially when they are working towards the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024.
 
The Party chief briefed his guest on marked achievements Vietnam has recorded after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Reform), national development goals set out at the 13th National Party Congress, and the country’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, and multilateralisation and diversification of relations.

He also spoke of major directions and measures to bring the bilateral relations to a new height in the new period, including exchanges and cooperation between the CPV and the Mongolian People's Party, and strengthening comprehensive cooperation for the sake of the two countries' people as well as for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large.

For his part, Khurelsukh congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in reform and socialism building, and expressed his belief that under the leadership of the CPV headed by Trong, the country will successfully materialise the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, and achieve targets set for 2030 and 2045.

Mongolia always cherishes the good traditional friendship between the two countries, and considers Vietnam a leading partner in Southeast Asia, he said, noting his hope for stronger relations between the two Parties, contributing to consolidating the political foundation of the bilateral relations.

Agreeing with Trong's views on major measures to foster the relationship, Khurelsukh emphasised his desire to work together Vietnam to elevate it to a new height.

Vietnam treasures traditional friendship with Mongolia: President

The Vietnamese Party and State treasure and wish to deepen the traditional friendship with Mongolia so as to elevate the bilateral ties to a new high in a substantive, effective, comprehensive fashion, President Vo Van Thuong said during his talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Hanoi on November 1.

Welcoming the Mongolian guest, President Thuong highly valued President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh’s decision to choose Vietnam as the first country in Southeast Asia to make his bilateral visit, and congratulated Mongolia on its national construction and development achievements, especially initial success in the implementation of the New Revival Policy and the long-term development policy “Vision-2050”.

 The overview of the talks between President Vo Van Thuong and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (Photo: VNA)
At the talks, both leaders reached consensus on continuing to promote the bilateral relations across various fields and in accordance with the potential of each nation, join hands to carry out activities marking the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations in 2024, and accelerate the implementation of bilateral cooperation deals, thus contributing to consolidating political trust between the two nations, and setting up a new framework for the bilateral ties in the coming time.

Expressing their delight at the new progress in cooperation between the two countries, the two Presidents agreed to bolster collaboration in defence and security, and effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms.

They described the establishment of the cavalry mobile police force under the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s Mobile Police Command a vivid illustration for the close and effective cooperation between the two sides.

As both economies have complementary strengths, the two leaders agreed to exert efforts to double the trade revenue in the future.

They spoke highly the role of the intergovernmental committee on economic, trade, science and technology cooperation, and concurred to enhance trade promotion and connection activities as well as step up collaboration in essential mining.

They also agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation which was signed in 2022, while hailing competent authorities of both sides’ agreement on animal quarantine registration form, which, they said, will facilitate exports to each other.

They spoke highly of the efforts by both sides to open a direct flight between Vietnam and Mongolia on the outset of 2023, and voiced support for additional ones to meet travel demand of the two countries' people.

They said it is necessary to seek measures to remove bottlenecks in logistics as well as rail, sea and air transport between the two nations.

Besides, the two leaders agreed to boost collaboration across labour, education, healthcare, culture, tourism and citizen protection.

They also discussed global and regional situations, and concurred to step up close cooperation and support each other at international and regional forums of mutual interest, such as the UN, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ASEM, ARF, ASEAN and UNESCO.

They also affirmed the significance of guaranteeing peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, maintaining an environment of peace, stability and legal order, and settling disputes at sea via peaceful means to ensure legitimate rights of nations in line with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982.

Following the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of several cooperation deals in various fields, including security, economy-trade, immigration management and visa exemption for ordinary passport holders.

They also held a press conference after the talks, during which they laid stress on the sound friendship and traditional cooperation between the two countries.  

President Thuong expressed his belief that with the resolve from leaders and people of both sides, the Vietnam – Mongolia relations will be further consolidated, making contributions to the regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

President Khurelsukh, meanwhile, expressed his delight at the time-tested relationship which has been intensified day by day, and hoped that his state visit to Vietnam will create an impetus to promote the traditional friendship in the future.

Vietnamese National Assembly treasures ties with Mongolia: Chairman

The Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) always values and wants to further develop the friendly and cooperative relations with Mongolia to a higher level through the Party, NA, Government, and people-to-people exchange channels, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue told President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh at their meeting in Hanoi on November 2.

Chairman Hue said the Mongolian President’s selection of Vietnam as the first country in Southeast Asia to pay a State visit since he took office has demonstrated the importance that Mongolian leaders and the President personally place on the relationship with Vietnam.

He congratulated President Khurelsukh on his successful talks with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong with the signing of various cooperation agreements.

The host suggested that the Mongolian President direct the further facilitation of high-level delegation exchanges and bilateral meetings across various channels and holding joint celebrations for the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The NA Chairman proposed the two countries step up practical, effective, and comprehensive cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, education and training, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchange, labour, national defence and security.

Chairman Hue also hoped that the guest will support increased bilateral cooperation and exchange of delegations between NA organs and deputies, close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP), and mutual support on issues of shared interest.

On this occasion, he thanked and expected that the Mongolian President and Government would continue creating conditions and protecting the legitimate rights of the Vietnamese community living, working and studying in the country.

The Vietnamese NA and State will make every effort to provide favourable conditions for the Mongolian community in Vietnam, he said.

President Khurelsukh, for his part, informed the host that during his visit, the two countries’ leaders had agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a "comprehensive partnership" on the occasion of the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The two sides also signed an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports. On this occasion, a ceremony was held to announce the opening of a direct flight route between Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) and Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

He expressed his wish to further promote the relationship with Vietnam in the next generations and in the next seven decades, adding that Vietnam is a very important partner of Mongolia.

The Mongolian leader affirmed that, in his capacity, he will reinforce cooperation between the two legislative bodies and between the two friendship parliamentarians’ groups, saying that it is an important cooperation mechanism that contributes to strengthening political trust between the two countries.

The two leaders agreed to continue close cooperation and mutual support at global and regional forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

They underscored the importance of ensuring peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, as well as complying with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

At the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of the Mongolian Parliament Tsevegdorj Tuvaan expressed her wish to acquire Vietnam’s experience in building policies and laws related to poverty reduction, tax policies, and other relevant areas, so as to revitalise the Mongolian textile and garment industry, attract investment, and generate jobs for women.

Prime Minister meets Mongolian President

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 2 met with President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh who is paying a State visit to Vietnam from November 1 - 5 at the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong.

At the meeting, PM Chinh hailed the significance of the visit of the Mongolian President to Vietnam when the two countries are to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2024, stressing that it will take the bilateral traditional friendship to a new, practical and effective stage of development.

For his part, President Khurelsukh emphasised that the Mongolian Government always values the traditional friendship between Mongolia and Vietnam, considering Vietnam its most important cooperation partner in Southeast Asia.

Host and guest expressed their pleasure about the substantial developments in cooperative relations between the two countries in recent years, especially in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, defence, security, and agriculture. 

Discussing specific measures to enhance cooperation across the fields, PM Chinh suggested further promoting the role of the Vietnam - Mongolia Intergovernmental Committee mechanism; and result-oriented cooperation between businesses, localities, and people of the two countries.

He said the two countries should continue to boost two-way trade by opening the market to each other's goods. He asked Mongolia to create favourable conditions for Vietnam's key agricultural and aquatic products to enter the Mongolian market, towards the goal of doubling bilateral trade turnover to 200 million USD in the coming years.

The PM also urged the two sides to increase trade and investment promotion activities, expand cooperation in the field of strategic minerals and organise business connection activities. 

Chinh welcomed the opening of direct flights between the two countries and the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for ordinary passport holders between the two countries, which create favourable conditions to promote their tourism and trade cooperation and increase people-to-people exchanges.

Agreeing with Chinh, President Khurelsukh affirmed that strengthening comprehensive and extensive cooperation with Vietnam is a top priority in Mongolia's foreign policy in the region.

He said Mongolia wishes to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of politics, defence, security, economy - trade, education, science and technology, transportation, logistics, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as at multilateral forums and mechanisms.

Mongolia hopes the two countries will establish a new relationship framework commensurate with the good relationship between the two countries on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations in 2024, he said.

In the context of the rapid, complex and unpredictable developments in the world and the region, the two sides agreed to continue to cooperate closely and support each other at international and regional forums of mutual interest. They shared a common perspective on ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea; maintaining a peaceful, stable environment and legal order; and resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means in compliance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

President receives Hungarian Prosecutor General

President Vo Van Thuong on November 2 received a delegation from the Prosecution Service of Hungary led by Prosecutor General Péter Polt who is on a working visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming the guests, President Thuong said that their visit was taking place at a very meaningful time when Vietnam and Hungary are celebrating the 5th founding anniversary of comprehensive partnership.

The President he believed the visit will help deepen the cooperative relationship between the Supreme People's Procuracy of Vietnam and the Prosecution Service of Hungary and nurture the friendship and traditional relationship between the two nations' people.

For his part, Polt expressed his pleasure to visit Vietnam and work with the Supreme People's Procuracy of Vietnam. He informed the host about the good results of cooperation between the two countries' procuracy agencies.

He said that Hungarian President Katalin Novak wants to visit Vietnam soon and that the Government and people of Hungary are also looking forward to welcoming President Thuong to visit Hungary soon.

Polt emphasised that the two countries’ procuracy agencies still have a lot of potential for cooperation and will deploy measures to further improve the effectiveness of their cooperation.

Noting that Hungary is promoting its "Eastern opening" policy in politics, economy, and law, the Hungarian official stated that the Prosecution Service of Hungary will continue to promote cooperation with the Supreme People's Procuracy of Vietnam, particularly in protecting the business investment environment, supporting socio-economic development in each country as crimes such as money laundering, cyber security and corruption are getting more and more complicated. In addition, the two agencies will actively coordinate internationally and multilaterally.

President Thuong said that Vietnam appreciates Hungary's prioritisation of Vietnam in its "Eastern opening" policy. He added that in the two countries’ cooperation, the cooperative relationship between the two procuracy agencies has produced positive results.

He urged relevant agencies of Vietnam and Hungary to further promote cooperation, especially in economy, trade, and investment because the two countries still have a lot of potential and room for it.

The President said that Vietnam looks forward to soon welcoming Hungarian President Katalin Novak to visit Vietnam. The President said he is ready to visit Hungary at an appropriate time to promote comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Businesses an important force to boost Vietnam – Mongolia ties: Deputy PM

The business communities of Vietnam and Mongolia have an important role to play in strengthening the ties between the two nations in the coming time, especially in the fields of economy, investment and tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang said on November 2.

Attending the Mongolia – Vietnam Business Forum in Hanoi, Quang laid a stress on the sound traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two nations in past years.

As Vietnam is stepping up economic restructuring and accelerating its industrialisation and modernisation based on science, technology, and innovation, the country welcomes the engagement of foreign firm in the process, including those from Mongolia, he said.

Quang recommended both sides to coordinate and support each other to improve the efficiency of regional and global economic integration, capitalise on existing cooperation mechanisms including the Vietnam – Mongolia intergovernmental committee, and facilitate import-export activities so as to raise the two-way trade revenue to 200 million USD in the coming time.

Expressing his delight at attending the forum, visiting Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh described it as important to diversify cooperative fields, and expand economic collaboration between the two countries in the future.

He stressed that the elevation of the bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations in 2024 and the signing of an agreement on visa exemption during his State visit to Vietnam will help promote people-to-people exchanges, and facilitate cooperation between enterprises of both sides.

Mongolia has signed agreements on double taxation avoidance with 26 countries, and bilateral agreements on encouragement and protection of investment with 43 nations, he said. Goods produced in Mongolia are subject to tax incentives in many countries, with 7,200 products eligible for duty-free preferential access under the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

He said with Mongolian Ministry of Economic Development was recently established with a view to strengthening foreign investment and the operation of foreign trade agencies. Mongolia will continue to create a stable working environment and sound legal climate for foreign firms, including those from Vietnam.

At the forum, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang witnessed the announcement ceremony of a new direct flight service between Nha Trang city and Ulaanbaatar.

Vietnam, RoK promote strategic dialogue mechanism

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on November 1 hosted First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chang Ho-jin on the occasion of his visit to Vietnam to co-chair the 5th deputy foreign ministerial level strategic dialogue on diplomacy, security and defence between the two countries.

Son highlighted the fruitful development of bilateral relations, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, and investment since the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022.

He emphasised the need to foster the role of this dialogue mechanism, suggesting orientations to effectively implement agreements between high-ranking leaders in general, and the two ministries in particular.

Regarding future cooperation orientations, Son suggested the two ministries promote delegation exchanges and work together to realise an action plan on the implementation of the Vietnam-RoK comprehensive strategic partnership.

He called on the RoK to support Vietnam in improving its maritime law enforcement capability, contribute to programmes to overcome post-war consequences, promote balanced and stable trade cooperation between the two nations, and enhance people-to-people and youth exchange and education cooperation.

Son urged the RoK side to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in priority areas such as infrastructure development, high-tech electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, and biotechnology.

For his part, the RoK official affirmed commitments to effectively implementing the agreements reached between high-ranking leaders of the two countries, as well as cooperation in important areas such as politics, defence - security, trade, and investment. He stated that Vietnam plays a vital role in his country’s foreign policy and the ASEAN-RoK relations.

The two sides should further expand substantive cooperation in areas of economic security, high technology, and other potential areas of cooperation, he said.

The same day, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu and Chang Ho-jin co-chaired the 5th deputy-ministerial level strategic dialogue on diplomacy, security and defence between Vietnam and the RoK, during which the two sides discussed strategic issues in the bilateral relationship as well as international and regional matters of common concern.

They acknowledged with pleasure that the bilateral relationship has recorded breakthrough developments over the last 30 years, the political trust been strengthened, cooperation in various areas become more substantial, and the friendship and understanding between the two countries’ people been growing deeper.

The two sides agreed to further boost delegation exchanges and high-level meetings, and cooperation in the Party, Government, and parliament channels; intensify defence-security cooperation in line with the potential and framework of the upgraded relationship between the two countries; and launch a maritime dialogue mechanism at the general director level between the two foreign ministries.

The RoK side pledged to further open its market to Vietnam's key export products and their entry into the supply chains of the Asian nation, towards achieving the goal of lifting two-way trade to 100 billion USD, even 150 billion USD in 2030.
The two sides agreed to continue their effective cooperation in implementing the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Economic Development Promotion Facility (EDPF) to perform large-scale investment projects in Vietnam's transportation and urban infrastructure sectors.

Regarding global and regional issues, both officials affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to realise a vision of building an international system based on the rule of the law with the UN Charter at its centre. The two side also agreed to boost collaboration at international and regional forums, especially at the UN and within the ASEAN – RoK relations.

Chang Ho-jin affirmed that the RoK Foreign Ministry will closely collaborate with its Vietnamese counterpart to seek breakthrough and strategic solutions to promote the development of each country, and strongly and substantively intensify the RoK – Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership in the future, thus contributing to peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean.

President receives delegates to 27th ASEAN Federation of Cardiology Congress

President Vo Van Thuong hosted a reception in Hanoi on November 2 for a delegation of 50 leading cardiac experts and scientists from nations worldwide and ASEAN who will attend the 27th ASEAN Federation of Cardiology Congress (AFCC 2023) in the capital city.

AFFCC 2023 will be hosted by the Vietnam National Heart Association (VNHA), with over 2,000 domestic and foreign delegates expected to attend the event.

President Thuong praised the contributions and dedication of cardiac professors, doctors and specialists who in their silent efforts, have propelled significant and impressive advancements in the field of cardiology in Vietnam over the past years.

He noted that Vietnam, like other countries, is facing changing disease patterns, with non-communicable diseases, including heart diseases, on the rise. Therefore, the Vietnamese cardiology sector needs to make greater efforts in early screening and timely detection of diseases for intervention. Doctors and specialists should serve as role models in health education, increasing public awareness of self-care, disease prevention, lifestyle change, physical exercise and healthy eating.

He suggested that the VNHA should continue to be a gathering place for leading experts and intellectuals in the field and play its role as a professional social organisation in public health care. It should also continue providing effective policy counselling, strengthening the grassroots health care system and building an extensive and accessible medical network.

Delegates said the Vietnamese cardiology sector owes its success to the Party and State's support, and a contingent of dedicated doctors, specialists and scientists.

Foreign delegates emphasised the importance of the Cardiology Federation, which brings together cardiology associations from different countries to work on cardiac health care for the public, with active and important contributions made by the VNHA.

In their views, countries need to collaborate more closely to prevent and manage cardiac diseases in their populations. Cardiologists should continue improving the quality of cardiac health care services for patients and promoting cardiac health for healthy people, which will help to reinforce the achievements made over the years.

Deputy PM receives Managing Director of Rosen Partners LLC

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai hosted a reception in Hanoi on November 2 for Managing Director of the US-based Rosen Partners LLC Daniel Rosen.

Khai described the US as the biggest importer of Vietnam over the past years while Vietnam has been the seventh biggest trade partner of the US in the world and the largest trade partner in ASEAN. Two-way trade exceeded 123 billion USD last year, up 11% year on year.

The US has always been the top investment partner of Vietnam, with 1,306 valid projects worth 11.8 billion USD, ranking 11th out of 143 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian country.

Vietnam always welcomes foreign groups, including Rosen Partners LLC, to invest in the construction and real estate market, he said, adding that Vietnam prioritises investments in new and trending sectors, such as hi-tech application, green transformation and commercial infrastructure. The Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for Rosen Partners LLC's project in Hanoi, he added.

The Deputy PM suggested Rosen Partners LLC continue working closely with the Hanoi People's Committee, ministries and agencies to materialise investment opportunities and begin its project as soon as possible.

Khai hoped that Rosen would call on firms worldwide to invest in Vietnam in the spirit of harmonising interests and sharing risks and the group's investment ideas would soon become a reality and a success.

Rosen, for his part, said Rosen Partners LLC plans to build a world-class amusement park in Hanoi, bringing its globally renowned brand to the capital of Vietnam.

He believed that its renowned brand will make a positive contribution to attracting more tourists to Vietnam in the near future.

The guest also expressed wish to receive support from the Vietnamese Government to do long-term business in Vietnam.

From these initial steps, along with its relations, Rosen Partners LLC will call on more businesses to invest in Vietnam, he added.

Foreign Ministry holds Meet Japan 2023 conference

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, the Organising Committee for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations, and Japanese agencies and organisations, organised the Meet Japan 2023 conference in Hanoi on November 2. 

Meet Japan is part of events held annually by the Foreign Ministry to assist localities in promoting international integration and attract external resources for socio-economic development.

The conference, held annually since 2017, was attended by 900 delegates from both countries. 

Addressing the conference, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted that Vietnam-Japan cooperation is at its best stage of development in the history of the two countries’ relations, with economic, trade, and investment cooperation being bright spots in the ties.

He said Japan is always one of Vietnam's most important economic partners, the number one partner in official development assistance (ODA), second in labour, third in investment and tourism, and fourth in trade. 

According to research results of the Japan Trade Promotion Organisation (JETRO), 70% of surveyed Japanese businesses investing in Vietnam intend to continue and expand operations in Vietnam, and 88% of them expect their revenue in Vietnam will increase in the future.

The FM noted that along with the development trend of bilateral ties, the exchange and cooperation between localities of the two countries have also developed strongly and substantially. He said about 100 pairs of localities establishing cooperation relations with over 110 cooperative documents signed in diverse fields, from investment, trade, labour to cultural and people-to-people exchanges. 

The minister affirmed that the Foreign Ministry and Vietnamese diplomatic representative agencies in Japan consider supporting Vietnamese localities to connect with Japanese partners as an important task.

According to him, over the past five years, the ministry helped with the arrangement for 15-20 delegations of leaders of provinces and centrally-run cities to pay working visit to Japan each year. It also held the Meet Japan conference annually from 2017 to help connect 34 cities and provinces in the central, central highlands and southwestern regions with the Japanese Embassy and important agencies of Japan. 

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio emphasised that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, which is a new milestone in the cooperative relations between the two countries.

The two countries are cooperating extensively in ensuring political security, economics, culture, education, and human exchange and are truly becoming each other's comprehensive strategic partner.

The Ambassador hopes that cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese localities will be promoted more strongly.

Within the framework of the conference, three thematic sessions took place on the topics of strengthening trade and investment; education - training and human resource cooperation, and cooperation in developing culture and tourism.

Vietnam seeded in Pot 2 at 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals

The Vietnamese national futsal team has been seeded in Pot 2, alongside Tajikistan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia in the final round of the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, as announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on November 2.

Pot 1 consists of hosts Thailand, Japan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Pot 3 brings together Bahrain, the Republic of Korea, and Myanmar. Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and China make up Pot 4.

The 16 teams participating in the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals are to be divided into four groups, with the draw for the tournament scheduled to take place on December 14 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The final round will take place from April 17 to April 28, 2024 in Thailand.

The teams will compete in a round-robin format where they will play each other once, earning points to determine their rankings within each group. The two first and second teams in four groups (8 teams) will advance to the quarter-finals.

The four semi-finalists will win the right to compete in FIFA futsal World Cup 2024.

The 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup finals serves as the qualifying round of the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup.

The Vietnamese team has played in two Futsal World Cups in 2016 and 2020, reaching the knockout stage in both tournaments. At the most recent Futsal World Cup, they ended their campaign in the round of 16.

Seminar to discuss putting ESG commitments into action