The 15th ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Sports (SOMS-15) opened in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on October 14, drawing the participation of 70 delegates from ten ASEAN member states, Timor Leste, Japan, China, ASEAN Secretariat and partners.

At the hybrid event, the secretariat updated on the upcoming actions for the decisions made at SOMS-14 held in Thailand last year while participants reviewed and worked to carry out the ASEAN Work Plan on Sports (Work Plan) for 2021-2025 and several important projects and events.

The ASEAN member states reported on their activities this year in response to the ASEAN Sports Day. Meanwhile, Thailand presented its preparation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and 13th ASEAN Para Games in 2025.

At the ASEAN Plus FIFA session, the two sides discussed necessary steps to push ahead the building of an ASEAN – FIFA cooperation plan and accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN - FIFA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In the meantime, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Southeast Asia Regional Anti-doping Organisation (SEARADO) reported on the implementation of a MoU on harmonised anti-doping efforts which were in accordance with the Work Plan for the period at the ASEAN Plus WADA Plus SEAPRADO session.

Besides, ASEAN’s affiliated organisations and partners provided a brief update on the ongoing and future initiatives to carry out the Work Plan and proposed measures to enhance collaboration with SOMS.

According to the agenda, the seventh ASEAN Plus Japan SOMS will take place on October 15 and the third ASEAN Plus China SOMS the following day.

Vietnam joined SOMS in 2012 and first hosted the meeting in Hanoi two years later./.

Craft village, creative design festival opens in Hanoi

The craft village and creative design festival 2024 opened in Hanoi's Thuong Tin district on October 11, alongside an exhibition featuring the district's One Commune-One Product (OCOP) products and handicrafts.

The event is among activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital city (October 10,1954-2024) and the district (August 28, 1954-2024).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Dinh Thang said that the events aim to help businesses, production establishments and artisans across Hanoi to promote their OCOP and handicraft products.

There are performances featuring the production process and local crafts. They are expected to help boost tourism development in the craft villages, he said.

Visiting the festival and exhibition, lasting until October 14, organisations and individuals can learn about creative design activities and the process of making products with economic, technical and aesthetic values, satisfying different needs and tastes.

Hanoi is home to 1,350 craft villages with about 176,000 households engaging in traditional crafts, accounting for 45% of the total number of craft villages in the country. Thuong Tin district alone has 50 craft villages recognised by the municipal People's Committee and 81 villages with crafts./.

Hanoi begins measles vaccination campaign

Hanoi commenced a measles vaccination campaign at health stations in the districts of Long Bien, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Thuong Tin, Dong Anh, Hoai Duc and Thach That and Son Tay township on October 14.

The campaign will be rolled out in other localities in the coming days.

As many as 70,000 people will get the measles jabs in this campaign, including children aged 1-5 living in the city and healthcare workers at risks of exposure to the virus who have not received full vaccine dosage.

Up to 95% of children aged 1-5 and health workers are expected to be vaccinated against measles and rubella this year.

According to a report from the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the city recorded an additional six measles cases from October 4 to 11, bringing the total number from the outset of the year to 23. Meanwhile, there was no infected case registered during the same time last year./.

ASEAN Eco-schools Award launched in Vietnam

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with the Office of the ASEAN Senior Officials on the Environment (ASOEN) in Vietnam and relevant units, held a ceremony on October 14 to launch the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam Award 2024.

Representatives from nearly 100 schools in Hanoi attended the event in person, while those from over 200 school across the country joined online.

The award winners are to be selected based on three criteria that include their action plan and specific programme on environmental protection; curriculum and main and extracurricular activities on the environment; facilities and environmental protection activities in the community. Entries must be submitted by November 10, 2024 at www.ecoschool.vn, and also sent to the email ecoschoolsvietnam@gmail.com.

The ASEAN Eco-schools Award is one of the activities under the framework of the ASOEN assigned to each country to organise. The winning schools will be honoured on the sidelines of the ASOEN Conference or the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.

Held every four years, the award is presented to outstanding primary and secondary schools in ASEAN member countries to recognise those with best practices in the green school programme and encourage the participation of other schools in implementing green initiatives. The first ASEAN Eco-schools Award was held in Malaysia in July 2012.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasised that students play a particularly important role in environmental protection. They not only directly carry out specific actions in their daily lives to protect the environment but also help spread the message of environmental protection to family, friends and the community, becoming positive role models that encourage adults to think and act for the environment./.

Khanh Hoa boosts technology application in battle against IUU fishing

The south-central province of Khanh Hoa has gained encouraging results from the pilot application of the eCDT software to track fishing vessels, including their locations and operations, helping prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

In Nha Trang, fishermen are gradually becoming familiar with declaring information online instead of documentation at the Hon Ro fishery port, the largest of its kind in the south-central region.

Huynh Van Cam, owner of Vessel KH 93377 TS, said he has installed eCDT on his mobile phone, enabling him to quickly make declarations, including exploitation, registration, and food safety information, before every fishing trip.

He no longer has to wait and only needs to provide information once, which is conducive to handling port exit and entry procedures effectively, Cam noted.

Local authorities have also arranged tablet kiosks at representative offices of the fisheries inspectorate and surveillance forces at fishery ports across the province, including Hon Ro, Da Bac, Vinh Luong, and Dai Lanh to help fishermen handle procedures.

Nguyen Van Ba, head of the Management Board for the Hon Ro fishery port, said eCDT assists fishermen in processing port exit and entry procedures and reporting their catches in a quick, convenient, and precise manner while minimising mistakes in keeping logbooks.

The software is also useful to businesses in making and verifying dossiers before submitting official versions, thus saving time for tracing seafood origins or supplying information for inspection delegations or import partners when required.

The technology application to fishing vessel management has initially generated positive results. Though there remain several difficulties, once the software is perfected, it will help improve the efficiency of fishing activities and vessel management, Ba added.

The eCDT deployment is facing certain problems like the instability of some functions, slow data updates, and port staff’s lack of IT skills and knowledge.

To address those problems, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has ordered its sub-department of fisheries to coordinate with related parties to upgrade infrastructure and give technical assistance.

So far, 197 accounts have been opened on eCDT while 66 port workers and hundreds of vessel owners assisted to install the software. Port exit and entry procedures have been handled via this system for more than 3,000 fishing vessel excursions.

Director of the department Nguyen Trong Chanh said the eCDT application also aims to help with the IUU fishing combat, as well as the efforts to persuade the European Commission (EC) to remove the “yellow card” warning for Vietnam.

At present, the vessel monitoring system and the eCDT still operate separately, so the department will propose the Directorate of Fisheries upgrade and integrate the two systems in order to facilitate vessel monitoring, he went on.

The official added the software deployment is an important step to help carry out the EC’s recommendations, thereby contributing to the preservation of marine resources and the fulfillment of international requirements in the IUU fishing combat.

Vietnam has been working hard within its own situation to carry out the EC’s recommendations regarding IUU fishing prevention and control, towards the goal of having the EC's yellow card lifted.

The EC issued a “yellow card” warning for Vietnam in 2017. The "yellow card" is followed by a "green card" if the problem is resolved or a "red card" if it is not. A “red card” may lead to a complete ban on aquatic exports to the EU./.

Vietnam News Agency attends 6th World Media Summit in China

A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Nguyen Thi Su attended the 6th World Media Summit (WMS), which opened on October 14 in Urumqi, the capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Themed "Artificial Intelligence and Media Transformation," the summit gathered over 500 participants from 106 countries and regions, including representatives of 208 mainstream media outlets, government agencies and international organisations. The event was co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the regional government of Xinjiang.

At the summit, Su delivered a speech highlighting the role and responsibilities of the press in the face of natural disasters and mentioning super typhoons that caused heavy losses in human lives and property in many countries and regions around the world since the beginning of this year, especially Typhoon Yagi, which hit Vietnam early last month.

The press should quickly transmit accurate forecasts and warnings, and promptly update the developments, directions and devastating power of the storms; while reflecting the rescue work and recovery efforts to help people stabilise their lives, she said.

"Mainstream new agencies also need to promote their role in refuting and correcting false information, providing the public with true information, contributing to strengthening trust and maintaining social stability and order," she added.

She cited that in just over two weeks, the VNA, as the national news agency, produced and published more than 10,000 information products in many forms relating to Typhoon Yagi, including more than 3,400 text articles, more than 5,900 photos and photo essays broadcast online, more than 740 television news items, and 116 infographics works, providing official and reliable sources of information for the domestic and foreign press and media systems.

"The VNA did a good job of responding to and correcting false information, promoting ethical values and social responsibility of journalists, contributing to protecting social order and safety, and the peaceful lives of the people," Su noted.

She affirmed that the press and media have made important contributions to minimising damage caused by natural disasters, maintaining social stability, and preventing those who take advantage of natural disasters for personal gain, while also promoting and spreading solidarity and humanity, helping victims receive timely rescue and support and accelerating the process of recovery and development.

On the sidelines of the summit, Su met with Vice President of Xinhua News Agency Yuan Bingzhong. She appreciated Xinhua for organising the summit, saying its theme is useful for press agencies in the development trend of modern journalism today.

Regarding the relationship between the two news agencies, Su said she hopes that they will carry out cooperative activities towards the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China in 2025; maintain the exchange of information and professional experience; support each other's correspondents; and coordinate viewpoints at international and regional press forums of which both are members.

The sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, continue to effectively implement the professional cooperation agreement between the two news agencies recently signed during the state visit of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to China last August.

They will continue to popularise the traditional relations and enhance understanding between the people of the two countries, contributing to promoting the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China./.

Rowers bring home two Asian championship golds

Vietnamese athletes pocketed two golds at the Asian Rowing Championship 2024 which closed on October 13 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The group of Nguyen Thi Giang, Phan Thi Thao, Pham Thi Ngoc Anh, Le Thi Hien, Ha Thi Vui, Dinh Thi Hao, Pham Thi Hue, Du Thi Bong, and Luong Thi Thao defeated strong competition in the women's eight event to take gold.

The team left powerful Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan a distance behind from the beginning and rowed solo to the finish.

The second gold went to the women's coxless pair of Hao and Hue, who bested rivals from China and Hong Kong to top the podium.

Vietnamese rowers also took two silvers and three bronzes in other categories to take fourth place overall.

China dominated with seven golds. Host Uzbekistan placed second with five, while Iran were in third place earning two golds and three silvers, one silver more than Vietnam.

This year's Vietnam result was not as good as back in 2022, while in Thailand, where they secured four golds for a second place finish, but commentators said it was due to the strong progress of Uzbek athletes who grabbed remarkable five golds compared to gaining none two years ago.

Vietnamese athletes will return home and prepare for the national championships later this month in the northern city of Hai Phong./.

Vietnam, China hold 23rd youth friendship meeting

The 23rd Vietnam - China youth friendship meeting kicked off in Nanning city, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, on October 14.

In his opening remarks, A Dong, First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) Central Committee, said the increase of exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Vietnamese youths will create a young and strong impetus for realising the two countries’ 100-year goals and building the China - Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

The CYLC is ready to cooperate with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) to implement the common agreements reached between the leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, thus leading young people of both countries to exert efforts to write a new chapter about the youth responsible for building the community with a shared future, he noted.

Bui Quang Huy, alternate member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, First Secretary of the HCYU Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee for Vietnamese Youth, highlighted the intensification of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, exemplified by the vision of building the Vietnam - China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

He held that together with the development of the bilateral friendship, thanks to attention and directions from leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, the cooperation, solidarity, and friendship between the CYLC and the HCYU have been increasingly enhanced, generating practical benefits for the young of both nations. At the opening ceremony, the HCYU Central Committee and the CYLC Central Committee signed a memorandum of understanding. Meanwhile, the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs’ Association and the China International Youth Exchange Centre inked a framework agreement on strengthening cross-border economic cooperation.

The two sides also announced that a bilateral youth exchange will be organised on the occasion of the Year of Vietnam - China Humanistic Exchange 2025.

Also on October 14, an HCYU delegation paid a courtesy visit to leaders of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Liu Ning, member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the regional CPC Committee, held that with strong support from the two countries’ leaders, friendship exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Vietnamese youths will become more extensive and fruitful.

He said that next year, Vietnam and China will celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and organise the Year of Humanistic Exchange. Guangxi will hold many meaningful activities to mark these events.

The host voiced his hope that many young Vietnamese will come to take part in those activities.

Stressing the cooperation between the two youth organisations, Huy noted that over the past years, they have stepped up exchanges and collaboration, which have practically benefited the youths in both countries and helped reinforce the traditional friendship between the two countries' people, thereby contributing to the healthy and stable development of the Vietnam - China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The HCYU always treasures the friendship and cooperation with the CYLC, he stated.

He also took this occasion to suggest some cooperation activities with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In particular, he proposed local leaders continue facilitating the regional CYLC committee’s coordination with the HCYU committees of four Vietnamese border provinces, namely Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lang Son, and Quang Ninh, to hold border youth exchanges; consider expanding ties with the HCYU committees of other Vietnamese localities; and create conditions for Vietnamese youths and students to live and study in Guangxi./.

Vietnamese Student Association in Singapore hosts “Intellectual Arena” event

The Vietnamese Student Association in Singapore held its first-ever “V-Challenge 2024: Intellectual Arena” at Curtin University, drawing a large number of Vietnamese students in the country.

The event provided a valuable platform for the participants to sharpen essential skills for studying and living abroad while improving their knowledge about Vietnam’s culture, history, and geography.

Over 40 Vietnamese students from various educational institutions participated in the competition, which consisted of four rounds with diverse questions.

The students said they found the event both challenging and rewarding, offering an opportunity to connect with their peers and deepen their understanding of the home land.

Alongside the competition, there were entertainment booths, featuring bracelet crafting and knitting, and a lucky draw with prizes from organizers.

Earlier, the association launched a week-long fundraising campaign in support of Typhoon Yagi victims at home./.

RoK contributes 1 million USD to Vietnam’s post-typhoon recovery efforts

The Government of the Republic of Korea (RoK) has committed 1 million USD to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support Vietnam's recovery efforts under the “Inclusive early recovery and reconstruction programme after Typhoon Yagi”.

Typhoon Yagi, the most destructive storm to hit Viet Nam in three decades, has affected 3.6 million people. With nearly 400,000 homes damaged or submerged, and infrastructure in ruins, the storm has left the country facing a recovery effort estimated at more than 81.5 trillion VND (3.3 billion USD).

In alignment with the Joint UN Response, UNDP’s programme aims to address immediate needs and foster long-term resilience in communities hardest hit by the disaster, particularly in Hai Phong city and Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Quang Ninh provinces.

The programme will address immediate recovery needs, including the distribution of recovery kits and multi-purpose cash transfers to vulnerable households. It will empower affected communities and strengthen their resilience to future disasters by rebuilding flood- and storm-resilient homes and small-scale community infrastructure and providing short-term employment opportunities through cash-for-work schemes.

Choi Youngsam, Korean Ambassador to Viet Nam, said the Korean government have been working closely together with the Vietnamese government and international organisations, including UNDP, to ensure this emergency fund will be effectively used and promptly distributed to areas and people in dire need of support in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

The implementation of this initiative will be carried out in close coordination with local authorities and in consultation with affected communities, prioritising support to vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, to ensure that those most in need receive assistance.

UNDP Resident Presentative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi expressed her appreciation for the timely support from the RoK, saying this generous contribution will significantly bolster Vietnam’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi./.

Vietnam culture day returns to France’s Eure-et-Loir province

The image of the Vietnamese tranquil countryside, Ao dai (traditional long dress), fine art products, and traditional music among others, were among the highlights of the Vietnam Culture Day recently held in France’s Eure-et-Loir province, more than 100 kilometres to the south of Paris.

The event, having been organised for five consecutive years by the France – Vietnam Friendship Association of Eure-et-Loir province, drew throngs of local residents who came to explore the Vietnamese culture and raise funds for Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin victims and people with difficult circumstances in Vietnam.

Chairman of the association Gilbert Tenèze told the Vietnam News Agency that the Vietnam Day, initially held to support Tran To Nga and many other AO/Dioxin victims in Vietnam, evolved into the Vietnam Culture Day, aiming at popularising the Vietnamese history, culture, land and people.

This year event spotlighted the Vietnamese people’s fight to safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty over the East Sea as well as preserve the traditional traits during international integration, he said, adding the French people always stand shoulder by shoulder with Vietnam in all struggles.

Attending the event, Tran To Nga, an 82-year-old French-Vietnamese who has fought tirelessly for justice for millions of Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims, shared her legal battle against chemical companies for causing grievous harm in Vietnam, the verdict from the Paris court, as well as her determination to fight for the AO/dioxin victims./.

Vietnam enhances awareness of gender equality and girls’ rights

Nearly 300 delegates, including educational managers, students and representatives of UN agencies, gathered at event in Vinh Long on October 12, which focused on promoting gender equality and girls’ rights in Vietnam.

Organised by UN Women and UNESCO with the collaboration of the provincial Department of Education and Training, the event aimed to promoting gender equality and empower girls in education.

The event featured exhibitions, interactive games, and art contests, encouraging students to express their views on girls' roles in shaping their futures.

Students joined in a special "Beijing 30 Bus Tour" which recognised Vietnam’s progress in gender equality in implmenting the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action over the past 30 years.

Inspiring talks from prominent women in education, sports, and science motivated the students, especially girls, to envision their future and pursue their dreams with confidence.

UN Women Representative Caroline Nyamayemombe emphasised the importance of equipping girls with STEM skills for success in the fast-evolving digital and green economy.

UNESCO Representative to Vietnam Jonathan Wallace Baker highlighted the critical role of teachers in fostering an inclusive and equitable education system for a sustainable future.

Through the event, the organisers expected to enhance awareness of the importance for investment in education for girls and honour the contributions of educators in supporting girls' comprehensive development./.

China ready to step up multi-sectoral cooperation with Vietnam: Chinese media

The ongoing official visit to Vietnam by Chinese Premier Li Qiang has been widely covered by major Chinese news and press agencies, including Xinhua and People’s Daily.

Xinhua quoted Li’s remarks at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on October 12, where he stressed that under the strategic guidance of their high-level leaders, the China-Vietnam relations have been on a solid growth trajectory. He said that since the beginning of this year, the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges and achieved positive cooperation outcomes across various sectors. He also noted that the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future has recorded a promising start.

At their talks in Beijing in August 2024, Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and Chinese Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping outlined a strategic framework to comprehensively advance the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future in the new context, and set a clearer direction for the development of the bilateral relations.

Li affirmed that China consistently regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is ready to work with Vietnam to build on their traditional friendship, enhance strategic exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen the foundation of their people’s friendship, and advance the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future in a practical manner, delivering tangible benefits to their people and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperous development in the region and the word.

Meanwhile, according to People’s Daily, at a meeting with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, the Chinese Premier highlighted China’s readiness to collaborate with Vietnam in implementing the important common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders of both Parties and countries in maintaining their traditional friendship, increasing high-level meeting and strategic exchanges, solidarity, and close cooperation, and persistently and strongly promoting the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Li stated that China is ready to work with Vietnam to step up cooperation in various spheres with higher quality and level and to reinforce the development direction of “six major goals”. He expressed his wish for both countries to jointly promote the “hard connectivity” of railways, highways, and border infrastructure, along with “soft connectivity” like smart customs in a bid to strengthen support for trade and investment and maintain stable, smooth supply chains.

China is also willing to collaborate with Vietnam to further expand economic and trade collaboration, actively pilot cross-border economic cooperation zones, and beef up cooperation in emerging fields like IT, new energy, digital economy, critical minerals and people-to-people exchanges./.

Some 11,000 join VPBank Hanoi International Marathon 2024

Some of 11,000 athletes from 20 countries and territories on October 13 participated in the VPBank Hanoi International Marathon 2024, which took place at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to celebrate the capital city’s Liberation Day.

The participants raced through iconic landmarks across 4 distances: 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km. The course was designed according to international standards in terms of lighting, security, and medical support.

The tournament is a non-profit event, with all proceeds to be used to enhance the race's quality and support social welfare activities. Each runner contributed 30,000 VND (1.21 USD) to a charity programme jointly launched by VPBank and the Vietnam Television in support of students. The bank also presented 330 million VND to the programme fund.

Music stations along the route, along with a pre-race concert, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. This year’s event offered 122 awards worth over 2 billion VND, including cash prizes and gifts.

On the same day , the "District 1 Midnight Run 2024" took place in Ho Chi Minh City.

Organised by Service Company To Foreign Missions (FOSCO) and the HCM City Department of Foreign Affairs, the 5km race aimed to foster ties among staff members of Consulate Generals, officials of departments of foreign affairs in southern localities, as well as representatives of international and foreign non-governmental organisations in the city./.

Vietnam draw 1-1 with India in friendly match

Vietnam’s football team drew 1-1 with India in a friendly match at Thien Truong Stadium in the northern province of Nam Dinh on October 12.

Although the host team created numerous scoring opportunities, they were unable to secure a victory.

The match began with Vietnam taking control as the players continuously pressed forward and dominated possession. Right from the opening minutes, Van Toan and Van Quyet created several opportunities, putting India's defense under intense pressure. After numerous efforts, Bui Vi Hao opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a sharp finish.

India responded strongly in the second half, leveling the score in the 48th minute when Farukh Choudhary capitalised on Vietnam's defensive lapses. Vietnam missed a golden opportunity to retake the lead when Que Ngoc Hai’s penalty was saved by India’s goalkeeper in the 60th minute.

Both teams had chances, but India’s solid defense held firm against Vietnam’s attacks. The result highlights the areas for improvement for Vietnam, particularly in finishing and defensive organisation, as they prepare for upcoming tournaments./.

Vietnam seeks deeper labour cooperation with Europe

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan co-chaired a seminar in Hanoi, which sought ways bolster Vietnam-Europe labour cooperation.

In her speech, Hang said the October 11 event aims to provide an overview of Vietnam-Europe labour cooperation, pinpoint opportunities and challenges, and elevate the labour sector's role within the broader framework of the bilateral relations between Vietnam and each European partner.

Hoan described Europe as a prime market with high income, scio-political stability, and robust ties with Vietnam. He reaffirmed Vietnam's policy of sending workers abroad to develop its workforce and improve their skills.

Representatives from European embassies in Hanoi noted high demand for skilled Vietnamese workers and expressed readiness to support the country in workforce training. They also highlighted stable wage policies and numerous labour incentives in Europe.

However, labour supply companies voiced concerns about several obstacles, including a lack of information regarding the European labour market, the relatively low expertise and skills of Vietnamese workers compared to European standards, as well as geographical distance, language and culture barriers, and fierce competition from other countries.

Vietnamese embassies in Europe stressed the need to accelerate the signing of bilateral labour agreements to create a solid legal framework for cooperation. Currently, only Germany and Romania have such agreements, while other countries lack comprehensive cooperation or have limited agreements between individual companies without specific government regulations.

The participants raised proposals to have a new approach so as to improve the efficiency of sending Vietnamese workers to Europe and promote labour cooperation between Vietnam and European countries./.

High-speed North-South railway project: minimising foreign labour dependence

With the development of the high-speed North-South railway project, the focus has turned to training a local workforce to minimise dependence on foreign expertise in express rail operations.

According to Vu Hong Phuong, Director of the Railway Project Management Unit, the Ministry of Transport has instructed relevant agencies to develop a workforce training plan as part of the project proposal. This plan includes early-stage training initiatives, allowing personnel to become familiar with the types of technology and management work needed once the project receives approval.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the project will require approximately 180,000 workers for construction, 13,880 operation staff, 700 management personnel, and around 1,200 consulting engineers.

To meet these demands, a multi-tiered training programme has been devised, encompassing domestic training, overseas training, and a hybrid model. It offers four levels of qualification – technical workers, engineers, master's, and doctoral levels – targeting the five key groups of state agencies, project management units, operations units, training institutions, and research institutions.

The Politburo and the Party Central Committee have approved the project, assigning the Government to present a proposal to the 15th National Assembly at its 8th session scheduled to commence on October 21.

In the project's pre-feasibility study, the Ministry of Transport proposed a 1,541-km high-speed railway with a designed speed of 350 km/h. The 1,435-mm gauge-line dual-track will be electrified, with a total estimated investment of 67.34 billion USD.

Traversing 20 provinces and cities from Ngoc Hoi station in Hanoi to Thu Thiem station in Ho Chi Minh City, the line will include 23 passenger and five cargo stations at key freight hubs.

The ministry has recommended the adoption of an open rail technology platform, which will enable the integration of multiple train types and prevent monopolies.

At a recent meeting on the project’s investment plan, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha directed the Ministries of Transport, and of Planning and Investment, and other related ministries to expedite their work, ensuring that it is submitted to the NA for approval on schedule./

Premier Li Qiang’s Vietnam visit achieves positive results: Chinese spokesperson

The Vietnam visit on October 12-14 by Premier Li Qiang has achieved positive results, affirmed Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mao told the press on October 14 that the visit highlights the strategic significance of building a bilateral community for a shared future, reaffirms principled positions on major issues, and helps to deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.

According to the diplomat, both sides agreed that the development of each country presents an opportunity for the other and serves as a positive factor for regional and global development. They stressed the need to approach bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly support each other in advancing socialism in their respective countries and explore their own unique paths to modernization.

They vowed to effectively implement the important consensus reached between the top leaders of both parties and countries, while promoting the construction of a community for a shared future with even more tangible outcomes.

Both sides also agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral mechanisms, actively deploy cooperation in China’s three major global initiatives, and jointly support a multipolar world and comprehensive and inclusive economic globalization.

China and Vietnam will strengthen the strategic connection of development, by synchronously promoting ‘hard connectivity’ in railways, highways, and border infrastructure, as well as ‘soft connectivity’ in smart customs, to firmly support the facilitation of trade and investment, and maintain stable and smooth supply chains, said Mao.

The spokesperson also said, both sides would actively explore pilot projects for establishing cross-border economic cooperation zones, expand collaboration in emerging fields such as information technology, new energy, digital economy, and critical minerals, and successfully organize activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Vietnam-China Year of Cultural Exchange in 2025.

Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Vietnam on October 12-14 at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

During his stay, Li held talks with Chinh and met with other senior Vietnamese leaders, including Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

He also attended a Vietnam-China business forum and witnessed the exchange of 10 cooperation documents between the two countries in the fields of transport connectivity, customs, public welfare, education, agricultural product trade, media, and banking.

NA Chairman to pay official visit to Laos, attend AIPA-45

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man will lead a high-ranking NA delegation to pay an official visit to Lao and attend the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-45) from October 17-19, announced the NA’s Committee for External Relations.

The trip will be made at the invitation of Chairman of the Lao NA Saysomphone Phomvihane./.

Deputy PM hosts leading Chinese railway firm’s leader

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 14 for Chairman of China Railway Group Limited (CREC) Chen Yun who expressed his firm’s interest in participating in railway projects in Vietnam.

Hailing the development of China’s railway industry with the contributions of leading firms like CREC, Ha said that in the coming time, CREC should actively engage in standard gauge railway infrastructure projects connecting Vietnam and China, contributing to implementing the directions of the two countries' leaders in continuing to deepen and elevate the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The CREC's projects in Vietnam must meet China's leading technical standards, symbolising the friendship between the two countries and affirming CREC's quality and trademark, he underlined.

The Deputy PM said he believes that the CREC will show the quality and technological level of China when participating in railway infrastructure construction projects in Vietnam, ensuring environmental friendliness, optimising transport distance, protecting maximum safety for passengers and goods, and applying smart technology in project operation and exploitation.

For his part, Chen expressed his hope that in the coming time, the CREC can engage in important railway infrastructure investment projects in Vietnam, including providing consulting services and construction with a commitment to top quality and progress.

The CREC leader said that his firm is managing the High Speed Train Research Centre of China, affirming that it is willing to cooperate with Vietnamese partners in technology research, transfer and development and human resources training for the high-speed railway industry./.

Vietnam, Laos hold ministerial meeting on public security cooperation

The Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Public Security on October 14 organised a bilateral ministerial meeting to enhance cooperation in combating crimes, maintaining social order, and tackling drug-related issues.

At the meeting in Hanoi, they reviewed the progress of their memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in drug control signed on August 9, 2021, and assessed the implementation of agreements and plans for teamwork in combating human trafficking, social order offenses, and drug trafficking along the Vietnam-Laos border.

In 2022, the two nations' police forces collaborated on three joint cases led by Vietnam’s criminal investigation department on drug-related crimes (C04) and the police of the Vietnamese northwestern mountainous border province of Dien Bien.

Last year, they tackled five joint cases, and since the beginning of 2024, they have investigated six more together. The most notable case this year was the dismantling of a major ring trafficking drugs from Cambodia and Laos to Ho Chi Minh City, which led to the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of 210 kilograms of MDMA and Ketamine.

The two ministries highlighted that since the signing of the MoU three years ago, their drug control cooperation has been intensified at various levels. Their four-tier hotline network, connecting ministries, provinces, districts, and communes, has been established, serving as a crucial channel for coordination in drug control activities.

At the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement on crime prevention and ensuring social order and an MoU on drug control cooperation.

Concerning future directions to strengthen collaboration, the ministries are set to continue safeguarding security in Vietnamese and Lao localities sharing the borderline, participate in multilateral crime prevention forums such as INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL, and enhance cooperation in training and experience exchange. They will also work on expanding combined traffic and drug control checkpoints along the borderline, among many other joint activities./.

NA Chairman requests improving professionalism, quality in law-making

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasised the need to continue fostering a spirit of innovation, especially innovating thinking and improving professionalism and quality in law-making while speaking at the 38th session of the NA Standing Committee on October 14 morning.

He urged relevant agencies to promptly finalise documents which are prepared for the NA's upcoming 8th session and send them to NA deputies in accordance with the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents.

The top legislator also called on the Government and relevant agencies to monitor the implementation of tasks as outlined in line with their functions and responsibilities.

Full-time NA deputies gave their opinions on the preparation for the 15th NA’s 8th session during the sitting on October 14.

According to General Secretary of the NA and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong, the NA will review 42 groups of issues during the 8th session, including 30 groups of matters related to law-making and 12 focusing on socio-economic development, state budget, supervision, and other important issues.

In recent times, relevant agencies have proactively coordinated closely to prepare contents to submit to the NA at the session, Cuong said.

So far, the preparation work has been basically completed to serve the upcoming 8th session of the legislature.

Members of the NA Standing Committee generally agreed with the report by the General Secretary of the NA and Chairman of the NA Office. They also provided feedback on the preparation of documents for the session.

The session, which is scheduled to open on October 21, will last 28.5 days. It will be divided into two phases, with the first lasting from October 21 to November 13 and the second from November 20 - 30./.

Training course for planned personnel of 14th Party Central Committee opens

The Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Commission for Organisation and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics on October 14 opened a training course to update knowledge and skills for planned personnel who are groomed for membership of the 14th Party Central Committee.

Forty-nine trainees are attending the course that runs until November 25 and spotlights important issues on the ideological and theoretical foundation of the Party, State and political system building, economic, cultural and social development, defence, security and foreign affairs, and leadership and management science in the new context.

At the opening ceremony, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam highlighted that the Party has attached much importance to the personnel and training work during the revolutionary progress, considering it a key in Party building, adding the organisation of the training courses for planned personnel for the Party Central Committee is a bold step in preparation for success of the National Party Congress.

He stated that each trainee of the course has an important role to play in bringing the country to a new era – an era of the nation’s rise in the path to socialism, stressing strategic-level officials must be well trained and equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills and have necessary political mettle, morality, lifestyle, capacity and prestige to meet the requirements in the new revolutionary period.

Lam urged the students to uphold a sense of responsibility, strive for learning, research, and moral cultivation, as well as their personal style, to dedicate their time, effort, and intellect to achieve the highest results, and well complete the entire training course.

According to him, the course will serve as a forum for participants to exchange and discuss to gain a clearer and deeper understanding of new theoretical and practical issues. It will also allow them to share experiences in management and leadership of key officials of central agencies, and provinces and centrally-run cities, and acquire knowledge which will be a foundation for them to better fulfil their political responsibilities in their agencies.

He asked speakers involved in the course to do their duties effectively, underlining the need to maximise the initiative and creativity of learners, and focus on interaction between presenters and listeners, towards adhering to the principle of “learning goes hand in hand with practice,” and linking theory with practice.

He asked for regular supervision of the learning process and the ethical and stylistic development of learners, as well as facilitation for them to successfully complete their learning tasks.

Organising the class is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to accumulate valuable experience in arranging training activities, he said, adding that the class serves as a model for innovating the training and fostering work for leaders and managers of the Party and State.

The meticulous preparation for the course reflects the special attention of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat towards the training and development of strategic-level officials of the Party, he stressed, expressing his belief that the training course will complete its set goals and tasks./.

Vietnamese heroic martyr Nguyen Van Troi commemorated in Venezuela

The Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) have organised a meeting in Caracas to mark 60 years of the Nguyen Van Troi campaign (October 9, 1964 – 2024), and the Vietnamese heroic martyr’s death (October 15, 1964 – 2024).

The campaign was launched by Venezuela’s Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN) Command 60 years ago, during which Venezuelan guerillas abducted US Lieutenant Colonel Michael Smolen in Caracas to ask for the release of young Vietnamese patriot Nguyen Van Troi, who had been sentenced to death by the US and the US-backed Saigon regime for his assassination attempt on US Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara.

Addressing the meeting, PSUV Vice President Jesus Faria praised the heroic sacrifice of heroic martyr Nguyen Van Troi, one of the brightest symbols of Vietnam's revolutionary heroism, saying that the resolute image of Troi touched the hearts of millions, not only Vietnamese people but also of peace lovers worldwide, including Venezuelans.

The Venezuelan guerillas’ participation in the campaign on October 9, 1964, was the most vivid testament to the solidarity and pure internationalism spirit of the Venezuelan revolutionaries with the just cause of the Vietnamese people, he said.

In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Trung My recalled the heroic history of the Vietnamese people's struggle against foreign invaders, particularly during the two resistance wars against colonial and imperialist aggression, the periods that witnessed the emergence of courageous figures like Nguyen Van Troi.

He stressed that the significant achievements that Vietnam has made in the country’s cause of national liberation and reunification were the result of the extraordinary efforts of the Vietnamese people under the sound, and wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as the sincere solidarity and selfless support from progressive forces and peace lovers worldwide, including those from Venezuela.

Nancy Zambrano, a former member of the “Livia Gouverneur” guerrilla unit, who participated in the campaign, said solidarity and connection to the just cause of the Vietnamese people motivated her and her comrades to join the noble mission.

She thanked the Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House of Vietnam for translating and publishing her book, which contains detailed information about the campaign, into Vietnamese.

On the occasion, book presentation and documentary screening activities were held, while a statue of the Vietnamese heroic martyr was inaugurated at Graciela Navas inter-level school in Caracas./.

Vietnam takes part in dialogue on war legacies, peace in US

A Vietnamese delegation attended the third annual dialogue titled "War legacies and peace in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia" held in both in-person and online formats by the US Institute of Peace (USIP) on October 11 and 12.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone as Vietnam and the US are celebrating the first anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic ties in 2025.

As the largest event of its kind to date, the dialogue gathered around 150 delegates, including representatives of the USIP, the US Congress, the Department of State, the Department of Defence, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), policy advocacy groups, and non-governmental organisations; and diplomatic representatives from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; and researchers.

This year's dialogue focused on assessing the first year of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the release of USIP's report on Vietnam-US reconciliation.

Additionally, the dialogue featured panel discussions on various topics, including regional cooperation between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and the US; an initiative to count the deceased and missing in the Vietnam war; diplomacy and people-to-people exchange; support for the disabled and survivors in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; cooperation on exhibiting war legacies at the War Remnants Museum; progress in mine clearance and environmental rehabilitation; the Vietnamese-American community and war legacy; and transnational crime, human trafficking and online fraud in Southeast Asia.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung underlined the effective cooperation between the two countries not only in addressing war consequences but also in other areas since the upgrade of the bilateral relationship to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He thanked the US side for sharing documents that have helped in the search for the remains of fallen soldiers.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat and a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced that the Committee had passed a bill allocating 73 million USD to assist with mine clearance in the three Southeast Asian nations.

He affirmed his commitment to work with his colleagues in the US Congress to support Vietnam’s efforts and programmes in addressing post-war aftermaths, including clearing bombs and mines, aiding victims of Agent Orange/dioxin and children with disabilities, and searching for soldiers from both sides missing in action.

Hollen pledged to not only help heal the wounds of the past, but also strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese partners in tackling shared challenges at present and in the future.

Jed Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, stated that defence cooperation and shared security interests between the US and Vietnam have been growing deeply.

The ongoing efforts to address war consequences, including searching for remains of US and Vietnamese soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam, as well as the dioxin treatment and the disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), and raising public awareness of the dangers posed by post-war landmines, is a crucial aspect of defence cooperation, he said.

To date, approximately 700,000 unexploded bombs and mines in Vietnam have been removed, and Vietnam has assisted in identifying 700 American soldiers who died during the war and supported the repatriation of their remains.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency's resident correspondent, Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), noted that the event offered a venue to gain a clearer understanding of the remaining issues, and recognise the need for joint efforts in reconciliation and addressing the war aftermaths.

This year's dialogue created an optimistic atmosphere, paving the way for strengthening the bilateral relations, with both sides showing greater hopes for the coming year, she added.

The USIP's report on Vietnam-US reconciliation is one of the most comprehensive and in-depth reports in this field to date, Dung remarked, noting that this study serves as an excellent resource for training and research in the reconciliation between Vietnam and the US, and a good model for stakeholders involved in conflicts worldwide to draw lessons./.

Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops strongly: Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will pay a visit to Australia and co-chair the 6th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from October 16-19, at the invitation of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s resident reporters in Sydney on the threshold of Son’s trip, Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam said that the meeting is one of the five ministerial-level cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, playing a very important role in promoting their collaboration within the bilateral framework, especially in the political and diplomatic fields, as well as at regional and international forums. Coinciding with this event, the two sides will also hold the 4th Ministerial-level Vietnam-Australia Economic Partnership Meeting.

Son’s working trip is a specific step in implementing the significant results achieved during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Australia in March 2024, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive strategic partnership, Tam said.

Within the framework of the meeting, the two sides will discuss measures to promote the bilateral cooperation, including in digital transformation, green transition, and climate change adaptation; work towards finalising an action programme for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new phase, which encompasses all key areas of cooperation.

Additionally, the two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, contributing to strengthening coordination between the two countries at multilateral forums amidst fluctuations in the regional and international situation.

According to the ambassador, the Deputy PM and FM’s visit takes place in the context that the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is developing strongly and rapidly across all six key areas that PM Chinh outlined during his visit to Australia.

High-level visits and exchanges at various levels have continued to be maintained regularly, with the most recent being the official visit to Vietnam by Australian Senate President Sue Lines, as well as visits to Australia by Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Thanh.

Two-way trade hit 9.6 billion USD in the first eight months of 2024, of which Vietnam's exports rose by 27.3% year-on-year, much higher than the country's average export growth of 15.8%.

People-to-people exchanges are becoming increasingly vibrant. The number of Australian tourists to Vietnam in the January-August period surpassed 300,000. Australia was the first country to send relief aid and has provided Vietnam with more than 3 million AUD (2 million USD) to help the country mitigate the consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

Cooperation in defence and security has also made positive new strides. The two sides recently successfully held the first Ministerial Security Dialogue in Canberra, Australia. Vessel 18 of Brigade 171 of Naval Region 2 participated in Exercise Kakadu 2024 organised by the Royal Australian Navy last month.

During his stay in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, Son will have a meeting and then co-chair the 6th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Penny Wong. He will also meet South Australia Governor Frances Adamson, receive Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, attend and deliver a speech at the Australia-Vietnam Policy Institute Conference 2024, visit the University of Adelaide, and meet with Vietnamese lecturers and students at the university./.

Quang Nam province seeks to enhance cooperation with Venezuelan localities

A delegation of the central province of Quang Nam, led by Permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council Nguyen Duc Dung paid a working visit to Venezuela from October 9-12.

The visit, made at the invitation of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), formed part of activities celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Vietnam-Venezuela diplomatic ties (1989-2024). It also aimed to promote the relations between Quang Nam and Venezuelan localities.

During their stay, Dung and the delegation met with PSUV First Vice President Diosdado Cabello, who is also Vice President of Venezuela, and other PSUV leaders, and officials of Venezuela.

Dung recalled the Nguyen Van Troi Campaign, launched by Venezuela’s Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN) Command on October 9, 1964, during which Venezuelan guerillas abducted US Lieutenant Colonel Michael Smolen in Caracas to ask for the release of young Vietnamese patriot Nguyen Van Troi, who had been sentenced to death by the US and the US-backed Saigon regime for his assassination attempt on US Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara.

He called the campaign a symbol of solidarity and support of leftist and progressive forces in Venezuela in particular and of progressive forces in Latin America and the world in general for the Vietnamese people’s cause of national liberation and reunification.

Dung emphasised the good relations between the two countries in various spheres, especially politics-diplomacy through delegation exchanges at all levels and between localities, as well as the sharing of experience in Party building.

Cabello said Dung’s visit is expected to contribute to consolidating and deepening the relations between the two Parties, as well as the Vietnam-Venezuela comprehensive partnership.

He stressed that Vietnam has been an example for Venezuela and PSUV to follow, and that Venezuela always attaches importance the good traditional relations and comprehensive partnership with the Southeast Asian nation.

The official suggested enhancing delegation exchanges between PSUV and the Communist Party of Vietnam, as well as localities of the two countries.

Working with the Vietnamese delegation, Mayor of Caracas Carmen Meléndez and chairman of the Caracas administration Nahúm Fernández shared the view that ample room remains for the two countries’ localities to boost cooperation, and suggested them continue exchanges and experience sharing in the areas of common interest like agriculture, urban management, local administration building, and personnel training.

The delegation also laid a wreath in tribute to Simón Bolivar at a memorial site dedicated to the Venezuelan national hero, and President Ho Chi Minh at his monument, and visited a relic site dedicated to revolutionary leader Hugo Chávez.

While in Caracas, they attended the inauguration of the statue of heroic martyr Nguyen Van Troi and presented equipment for a computer class worth 21,000 USD to a local school./.

Vietnamese NA Chairman meets with visiting Chinese Premier

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is on a three-day official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on October 13.

Man warmly welcomed and spoke highly of Li's first official visit to Vietnam in his capacity as the Premier, which is also the first Vietnam visit by a Chinese premier over the past 11 years.

The top legislator stressed that Li's visit marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations as the two nations are striving to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, contributing to maintaining regular high-level strategic exchanges, advancing the concretisation of common perceptions, realising the agreements signed during visits by senior leaders, and creating new momentum for the bilateral relationship, including cooperation between the Vietnamese NA and the National People's Congress of China.

Reviewing achievements in the ties between the two Parties, nations and legislatures, Man and Li agreed that the bilateral relationship is entering the phase of profound, comprehensive and substantive development.

Vietnam remains unwavering in its commitment to strengthening and developing its cooperative and friendship relationship with China, considering it a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, cooperation, development, multilateralisation and diversification of external ties, Man said.

Li, for his part, affirmed that China considers Vietnam a priority its neighborhood diplomacy policy.

Expressing delight at the fruitful meeting and talks between Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Li, the NA Chairman put forth recommendations to further enhance the bilateral cooperation, including strengthening political trust, advancing economic, trade and investment collaboration in a balanced and sustainable manner, and stepping up people-to-people friendship exchanges.

Other suggestions include accelerating the connectivity of rail and expressway infrastructure, expanding Vietnam's exports of agricultural and aquatic products to China, broadening collaboration in digital economy, green development and renewable energy, and effectively holding activities for the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchanges 2025.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, the Vietnamese NA and the National People's Congress of China should continue upholding their legislative and supervisory roles in promoting the bilateral relations, increasing the sharing of experiences in institutional improvement and building of a socialist law-governed state under the Party's leadership, Man said.

On marine issues, both sides need to thoroughly understand and seriously implement high-level agreements and common perceptions, better control and settle disputes at sea through peaceful means in accordance with the agreement on the basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Vietnam and China, and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Li expressed support for Man’s proposals, reaffirming that the Chinese Party, State and people want to work together with their Vietnamese counterparts to continuously consolidate, preserve and promote the friendly neighbourliness and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, and build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, contributing to socialist building and modernisation in both countries.

The Premier put forward three key proposals to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the time ahead. First, he advocated for maintaining regular strategic exchanges between the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries in order to have timely discussions on strategic matters regarding the bilateral ties, as well as regional and international issues, providing strategic guidelines for building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

Second, he called for expanding cooperation between the two legislative bodies, suggesting the effective implementation of the cooperation mechanism between the National People's Congress of China and Vietnam’s National Assembly. Premier Li said he welcomes the Vietnamese top legislator to visit China to further enhance legislative exchanges.

Third, he emphasised strengthening public support for the bilateral relations, and the organisation of activities for the 2025 Year for Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange.

At the end of the meeting, Man asked Li to convey his invitation to Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China Zhao Leji to soon pay an official visit to Vietnam and co-chair the first meeting of the Vietnam-China Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Mechanism./.

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