Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on September 5 received Liu Jianchao, who is paying a visit to Vietnam as the head of the International Liaison Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

At the meeting, the Party General Secretary welcomed the Chinese official's visit to Vietnam in the context of good development and substantive progress of the relations between the two Parties and the countries. This is especially the case as the two countries are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of their comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership (June 2008 - 2023).

Highlighting the tradition of friendship and mutual assistance between the two Parties, the two countries and the two peoples, the Party chief expressed appreciation for the Chinese people's help to Vietnam's revolutionary cause and socialist construction and national development over the period, as well as the contributions of Chinese senior leaders, particularly Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, to the development of Vietnam-China relations in recent years.

Trong suggested the commissions for external relations of the two Parties continue to closely coordinate and make the best use of the annual meeting mechanism between their two heads, promote cooperation between the two parties' advisory bodies and enhance the strategic orientation role of the Party relations in the overall relationship of the two countries. This can be done through practical actions realising the joint statement issued during the Vietnamese Party leader’s recent official visit to China, thereby bringing the traditional friendship cooperation between the two Parties and the two countries to a new height.

The Chinese official expressed his agreement with the important directional opinions of the Vietnamese Party chief on strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two parties and the two countries.

He affirmed that the International Liaison Commission of the CPC Central Committee will continue to closely coordinate with its Vietnamese counterpart and Vietnam's foreign affairs and diplomatic agencies to thoroughly understand and implement mutual awareness and important agreements between the two Party General Secretaries. He also said he will promote the strategic advisory role of the annual meeting mechanism between the two heads of the two Parties' commissions for external relations.

Earlier the same day, head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung held talks with Liu.

During the talks, the two sides focused on reviewing and evaluating progress in Vietnam-China relations since the historic visit to China by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in October 2022.

They also discussed directions for exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties and the two countries in the coming time.

At the end of the talks, Trung presented the Chinese guest the book “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam” by Party General Secretary Trong.

Vietnamese PM attends retreat on global, regional issues

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN member states attended a retreat on global and regional issues on September 5, as part of the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said amid intense competition among major nations, in order to maintain ASEAN’s central role, the only answer is to harness the inherent strength, strengthen internal unity to assert strategic value.

ASEAN countries must uphold the spirit of independence, self-reliance, self-resilience and respect for the rule of law, and stay steadfast to their fundamental principles and norms of conduct, he said.

At the centre of competition, ASEAN needs to maintain a strategic balance with major countries. It must truly become a reliable bridge with the capacity to regulate and balance relationships and interests, while steadfastly pursuing the goal of building an open, transparent and inclusive regional structure. Most importantly, the bloc must maintain its principled stance on issues directly related to regional security and development, he added.

On global and regional issues, the Vietnamese PM stressed that ASEAN needs to make efforts to enhance unity, maintain and consolidate its common stance on the East Sea. It is both the shared interest and responsibility of all member countries, he asserted.

According to him, ASEAN should urge its partners to respect this stance when operating in the East Sea, especially principles such as self-restraint, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Additionally, the group should persevere with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and strive to build a practical and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the UNCLOS 1982.

On the Myanmar situation, he expressed support for further proactive engagement to encourage peaceful dialogue, build trust, increase mutual understanding and work towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution for the Myanmar issue. He also supported Indonesia as the Chair of ASEAN and the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar in leading the bloc's efforts based on the 5-point consensus of regional leaders.

He affirmed that Vietnam will work closely with Laos, the Chair of ASEAN in 2024, to continue stepping up ASEAN's cooperation goals.

The Vietnamese PM, along with ASEAN leaders, also agreed to assist the Philippines in assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2026.

As scheduled on September 6 morning, PM Chinh and ASEAN leaders will attend the ASEAN 1 Summits with China, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Cooperation with Laos, Cambodia top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working breakfast with his Lao counterpart Sonexay Siphandone and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet on September 5, on the occasion of attending the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Jakarta.

The three leaders informed one another of their respective country’s socio-economic development, and exchanged views on common cooperation fields and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The reality of the struggle for independence, the nation protection and development, and international integration has affirmed that continuously consolidating and tightening cooperation between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is an objectively essential need, and holds strategic significance for all three countries.

Therefore, they agreed to continue maintaining regular bilateral and trilateral exchanges and contacts, and the working breakfast mechanism among the PMs of the three countries on the occasion of their attendance at international meetings in order to tighten solidarity, friendship and cooperation, and exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern, and find solutions to problems arising in the relations of the three countries.

The leaders agreed to increase the effectiveness of existing trilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the early organisation of the 12th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Summit and the first meeting of the Chairs of the three National Assemblies in Laos later this year, and promote exchanges and training of youths and young leaders in order to foster the future of cooperative relations among the three countries.

They said that security and defence cooperation has made significant progress, and were unanimous on the continued implementation of existing agreements and cooperation mechanisms, the sharing of information, and the improvement of cooperation efficiency in combating cyber and cross-border crimes.

The PMs stressed the need to have more policies and measures to facilitate trade and investment collaboration, with focus on cross-border trade.

Chinh affirmed that cooperation with Laos and Cambodia is always a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy. He proposed the three nations continue solving existing problems to soon complete the land border demarcation and marker planting to build and maintain border lines of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, for the benefit of the people of each country.

He expressed his hope that the Lao and Cambodian governments will continue paying attention to and creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese communities in the countries.

Top legislator holds talks with President of Japanese House of Councillors

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and President of the House of Councillors of Japan Otsuji Hidehisa held talks in Hanoi on September 5, following a welcome ceremony for the Japanese guest the same day.

Otsuji is on a Vietnam visit from September 4-7 at the invitation of NA Chairman Hue. It is also his first foreign trip since he took office.

NA Chairman Hue highlighted the significance of the Japanese legislator's visit and said the Vietnamese NA supports the strengthening of Vietnam-Japan relations via the Party, Government, National Assembly, and people-to-people exchange channels. He affirmed that Vietnam also backs the upgrade of bilateral ties to a greater height.

Vietnam values Japan's position, prestige and voice on the global and regional stage, he said, suggesting that both sides facilitate the exchange of delegations, especially those at high level, to mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties; enhance consultations, coordination, and mutual support at multilateral forums and important international and regional organisations of which they are members, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and more.

He proposed that both sides strengthen strategic connectivity between the two economies, and Japan assist Vietnam in building an independent and self-reliant economy that efficiently joins the global supply chains. This includes enhancing locality-to-locality cooperation and urging Japanese firms to invest and transfer advanced technology in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, high-quality agriculture and climate change adaptation while expanding operations in fields like high technology, new energy, renewable energy, energy conversion, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation and core technology.

The NA leader sought Japan’s continued supply of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in socio-economic projects as well as its new-generation ODA programme for Vietnam, with preferential terms and simplified, flexible procedures. Both countries could share their experience in national governance and corporate management, he said.

He hoped that Japan will continue supportingVietnam in high-quality human resources development in various fields, including sci-tech, management and services, health care, culture, and education while maintaining non-refundable aid for education and training in Vietnam.

The host also committed all possible support for Japanese citizens and businesses to do business stably and successfully in Vietnam.

Chairman Hue suggested that the two sides actively roll out the mid and long-term vision for agriculture cooperation. He asked Japan to gradually switch from the technical intern training programme to a labour contract-based system and direct relevant ministries to accelerate the signing of agreements in these areas.

Members of the Japanese House of Councillors described Vietnam as a top priority of Japan in its effort to diversify supply chains.

Japan is ready to share its experience in development, especially in education and internship, they said.

Regarding the legislative ties, Hue suggested the two sides step up cooperation and experience exchange between their committees, and coordinate in perfecting institutions and policies, and building a legal framework in support of the two countries' businesses to expand operation and investment in the other country.

The two sides should increase delegation exchanges and contacts, especially between young and female parliamentarians, while working to enhance government cooperation and supervise the implementation of cooperation agreements reached by the two governments, he continued.

Hue also highlighted the need for close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Asia – Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

Both sides shared the view that the two legislative bodies need to soon establish a cooperation mechanism with the signing of a cooperation agreement, which will serve as a legal foundation for them to strengthen collaboration in various areas, matching the "extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia" between Vietnam and Japan.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese chief legislator invited Japanese National Diet to send delegates to the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians slated for mid-September in Hanoi.

For regional and international issues, Hue noted his hope that Japan will continue its support for Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s views and stance on maintaining peace, stability, and navigation and aviation security in the East Sea, and settling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international  law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, Otsuji presented the Vietnamese legislature with a red Osaka tree. Following the talks, the two leaders joined a tree-planting ceremony at the Vietnamese NA Building.

Later the same day, the Vietnamese top legislator hosted a banquet for the Japanese legislative leader and his entourage.

76 people killed in traffic accidents during four-day holiday

A total of 76 people lost their lives whilst 95 others were injured in a total of 127 traffic accidents that were reported during the four-day National Day holiday between September 1 and September 4.

According to details given by the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, the majority of incidents occurred on roads and rail, with two train accidents resulting in a total of three deaths.

Throughout the duration of the holiday, traffic police across the country handled out more than 34,000 traffic violations, collected fines of more than VND71 billion, equal to US$2.99 million, and revoked over 7,000 driving licenses of violators.

Furthermore, around 6,200 people were caught speeding while 9,300 cases involved drink driving.

Ha Tinh police dismantle online gambling ring run by Chinese individuals

The Ha Tinh Provincial Police have announced the successful dismantling of a large-scale inter-provincial and transnational gambling organization.

Simultaneously, they have taken the step to initiate legal proceedings, charging 19 suspects from Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Ben Tre, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Bac Giang, Vinh Phuc, Hung Yen, Ha Tinh, and Nghe An on charges of "Gambling" and "Organizing Gambling." Furthermore, police have summoned 15 other individuals believed to be connected to the case.

Initially, it was determined that this was an organized gambling operation masterminded by Chinese individuals residing abroad. They had affiliations with multiple domestic individuals, enabling them to carry out operations across various regions. This gambling network operates by the method of Chinese individuals hiring developers to create the fbslive.com website and FBS application to establish a gambling system.

In Vietnam, Dam Thi Hai Ha, 30, residing in Son Tay Town, Hanoi, held responsibilities related to customer care, recruitment, and the management of the team of employees responsible for live-streaming gambling applications on the system. Furthermore, she was tasked with maintaining direct communication with Chinese individuals overseas to ensure the operation of the FBSlive gambling system.

During a search operation, the police seized two live-streaming devices, four laptops, 13 mobile phones, and VND579 million in cash, along with other various items, documents, and electronic data. Preliminary investigations reveal that from the beginning of 2023 until now, this organized gambling network has enticed gamblers from across the country to deposit more than VND100 billion into the FBSlive system for gambling purposes.

Vietnam’s National Day celebrated in Cuba, Russia

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba has held a ceremony in Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city of Cuba, to celebrate Vietnam’s 78th National Day (September 2).

The September 5 function saw the attendance of Secretary of the local Party Committee José Ramón Monteagudo Ruíz and Governor Beatriz Johnson Urrutia.

This is the first time Vietnam’s National Day has been celebrated in Santiago de Cuba, regarded as the cradle of the Cuban Revolution, about 900km east of Havana.

The event took place in the context that the two countries are preparing for the celebration of the first visit to Vietnam by Cuban leader Fidel Castro 50 years ago (September 12-17, 1973).

Fidel was the first and only foreign leader to visit the liberated area in the south of Vietnam when the war was ongoing.
 
Within the framework of the event, there were an exhibition showcasing photos and objects on President Ho Chi Minh during his stay in Petrograd, now St. Petersburg, and the connectivity between Vietnam and the city, along with a space introducing the land and people of Vietnam.

82.5% of Hanoi population receive health management services

The capital city of Hanoi has recorded 82.5% of its population receiving health management services, aiming to achieve the goal of covering the entire population with health management by 2025.

It is in line with the municipal Party Committee’s programme on developing the social welfare system, improving social well-being and the quality of life for the local people during the 2021-2025 period.

The municipal Department of Health also pledged to provide health check-ups for all the population in the second quarter of 2024.

To meet the goal, the city’s health care sector has rolled out this initiative to all inner and outlying districts. So far, some of them have been performing well, such as Me Linh, Tay Ho, Hoan Kiem, and Chuong My. In the coming time, the sector will continue expanding this programme, and send city-level hospital doctors to inner and outlying districts for free medical check-ups and treatment, said Director of the municipal Health Department Tran Thi Nhi Ha.

Regarding the target regarding the number of doctors, the city currently has 14 doctors per 10,000 people. To meet it, additional 1,555 doctors are needed, or 518 more doctors per year. These doctors will be attracted through various recruitment drives for civil servants, as well as through schemes to lure quality workforce and human resources development plans for the local health care sector during the 2021-2025 period.

Ha said the sector has worked to ensure the quality of public health care and complete the target for the number of hospital beds per 10,000 people, such as completing investment proposals under its management, and assessing requirements and capacity of projects under the watch of inner and outlying districts.

Regarding the privisation of hospitals to increase the bed-to-population ratio, the municipal People's Committee on June 14 assigned the Department of Planning and Investment to take the lead in coordinating with the Department of Planning and Architecture, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and the authorities of Bac Tu Liem, Thach That, Gia Lam and Soc Son outlying districts to review and step up the work.

Overseas Vietnamese in Laos respond to Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang province of Laos, in coordination with the Overseas Vietnamese Assocation in Oudomxay province, organised a ceremony to mark the Day for Honouring Vietnamese Language on September 4.

The event attracted a large number of Vietnamese nationals living in the locality.

Addressing the ceremony, the Vietnamese Consul General in Luang Prabang, Kieu Thi Hang Phuc, said the Day for honouring the Vietnamese language is intended to enhance the overseas Vietnamese community’s awareness of the Vietnamese language’s beauty and value, while honouring individuals and organisations that make positive contributions to keeping it as a language for communicating among the Vietnamese families abroad and spreading it to foreigners.

She underlined the need for Vietnamese associations in northern provinces of Laos to coordinate with local authorities to introduce the Vietnamese language into the curricula in educational establishments with large numbers of Vietnamese students, as well as to support universities and research institutes that have a Vietnamese language department towards making Vietnamese an official foreign language subject along with other languages in Lao schools.

The Vietnamese diplomat also proposed diversifying methods to promote the teaching and learning of Vietnamese, including cultural activities such as poem composing or story telling contests.

The same day, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Luang Prabang presented gifts of Vietnamese Ministry of Defence and the consulate to disadvantaged students in the locality on the occasion of the beginning of the new school-year.

Vietnam promotes special friendship with Cuba

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Thanh Tung has visited Santiago de Cuba province, regarded as the cradle of the Cuban Revolution.

Vietnamese people always remember Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s saying “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood,” Tung said, affirming Vietnam’s solidarity with the Caribbean nation.

While in Santiago de Cuba, Tung and his entourage laid wreaths at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in tribute to Cuban national heroes and revolutionary leaders.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Santiago de Cuba province José Ramón Monteagudo Ruíz and Governor Beatriz Johnson Urrutia joined the Vietnamese delegation at the ceremony.

 At a meeting with local leaders, Tung stressed that his visit takes place in the context that Vietnam and Cuba are organising a range of activities marking milestones in their relations.  

Fifty years ago, Fidel made his first visit to Vietnam from September 12-17, 1973. He was the first and only foreign leader to visit the southern liberation area of Vietnam when the war was ongoing.

This year also marks the 60th founding anniversary of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, he said.

The host leaders expressed their wish to learn more about Vietnam’s socio-economic development model, and that more and more Vietnamese businesses will operate there.

Tung also paid tribute to Cuban heroes and martyrs at the Mausoleum for the Heroes and Martyrs of the Second Eastern Front Frank País García, and visited the Vietnam-Cuba friendship school, and the July 26 Museum, the former Moncada Barracks.

PMs of Vietnam, Timor Leste pledge to enhance ties

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Timor Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao on September 5 agreed to increase the exchange of delegations to promote the traditional friendship and connectivity between the two countries.

During the meeting, held on the occasion of the two PMs' attendance in the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits in Jakarta, Indonesia, PM Chinh congratulated Gusmao on his election as Prime Minister of Timor Leste for the 2023-2028 tenure, and expressed his confidence that under the leadership of Gusmao, Timor Leste will continue to reap great achievements in construction and development, gradually asserting its role and position in the region and the world.   

He welcomed Timor Leste's participation in the 43rd ASEAN Summit and reaffirmed that Vietnam and other member countries of the bloc will actively support the country in the process of becoming an official member of ASEAN.

The two leaders emphasised the need to effectively implement the signed agreements, and soon complete the negotiations to sign the bilateral Investment Protection Agreement and ratify the trade agreement between the two countries.    

They also underlined the importance of boosting cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, tourism, culture, education and people-to-people exchange, while studying new areas of cooperation that suit development needs of Timor Leste and the potential and strengths of Vietnam such as agro-forestry and fisheries, digital transformation and green transition.

PM Chinh asked Timor Leste to support and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese companies to participate in and implement investment projects, and promptly resolve pending legal issues to encourage foreign investment in its territory.

Sharing Timor Leste's concern over the threat of food shortages due to the impact of declining global rice exports and climate change, he affirmed that Vietnam is ready to support and strengthen rice trade with Timor Leste, urging the two countries to begin negotiations towards the signing of a rice trade agreement between the two governments to create a long-term legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

For his part, Gusmao affirmed that Timor Leste always attaches importance to promoting relations with Vietnam. He agreed with PM Chinh's proposals which aimed at promoting cooperation, especially in the fields of telecommunications, trade- investment and the rice sector.

Highlighting the important contributions of Telemor, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese group Viettel, to the development of Timor Leste's telecom industry, he pledged to resolve difficulties for foreign investors, including Viettel.

The two Prime Ministers affirmed that they will continue to support each other and coordinate effectively in regional and international multilateral forums

PM Chinh invited his Timor Leste counterpart to visit Vietnam and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Congratulations on Vietnam’s National Day pour in

Leaders of Austria, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, and the Republic of Cyprus have cabled letters and messages of congratulations to the Vietnamese Party and State leaders, on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the National Day (September 2). 

President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Greece Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Malta George Vella, King of Morocco Mohamed VI, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, President of Romania Klaus Werner Iohannis and President of Cyrus Nikos Christodoulides sent congratulatory letters and messages to President Vo Van Thuong.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Prime Minister of Romania Ion Marcel Ciolacu also extended greetings to PM Pham Minh Chinh.

On the occasion, Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Jalil Abbas Jilani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania Luminita Odobescu also cabled congratulatory letters to their Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

Vietnam – bright spot of post-pandemic economic growth: WEF Executive Chairman

Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab described Vietnam as a bright spot of economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic at his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 5.
 
Schwab hailed Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the recent past, especially the country’s comprehensive approach in macro-economic management, helping the national economy sail through challenges amidst the present regional and global situation.   
        
For his part, Chinh congratulated the WEF on the successful organisation of its annual meeting in Tianjin (China), contributing to affirming its reputation and role in promoting dialogues and public-private partnership, and proposing initiatives and new models to contribute to global economic recovery.

The PM also spoke highly of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam and the WEF for 2023-2026, and pledged to coordinate in implementing the six collaboration areas of innovation in food-foodstuff, and innovation skill development and green transition; zero-emission industrial clusters; plastic waste reduction; financing for energy transition; digital transformation and the establishment of a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.   

In the context of food security issues, especially the rice supply crunch which has raised concern among many countries in the region, the leader affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to assist other countries in ensuring stable supply and contribute to strengthening food security globally.

Vietnam will also further participate in and actively contribute to the forum’s initiatives and activities, he said, calling for the WEF’s coordination in hosting activities that bring together leading experts and economic policy makers in the region and the work to discuss issues of shared concern, including the utilisation of scientific-technological advances in economic recovery and growth globally.

On this occasion, the WEF Executive Chairman invited PM Chinh to attend the WEF Davos 2024.

Horse racing in Lai Chau enthrals visitors

Tourists flocked to Then Pa village in Lai Chau province during the National Day long weekend to attend horse races held as part of the Mong ethnic minority group’s cultural festival. The festival and associated events were celebrated to mark the 78th Vietnamese National Day.
 
The track is hugged by golden terraced rice fields in Then Pa village, Ta Leng commune, Tam Duong district, creating a stunning backdrop.

The horses are an indigenous breed raised and trained by local H’mong people. They are not tall but have great durability; a quality needed in horse racing. 

Jockeys and their horses competed in a screening round on the morning of September 3. The winners moved on to the semi-final and then the final on the afternoon of the same day.

Unlike professional horse racing in Western countries, the horses have no saddle and the jockeys don’t use stirrups to control their horses, just a braided bridle. 

Horse racing is a traditional practice of the H’mong people, where they show their chivalry. However, it has also been at risk of falling into oblivion. In order to preserve the local tradition, the Tam Duong district authorities have begun to integrate horse racing into many local festivals.

Balloon explosion injures seven students in Thanh Hoa

A cluster of balloons has unexpectedly exploded, injuring seven students at a primary school in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa.

The incident occurred at Yen Phu Primary School during the opening ceremony of the new school year this morning, September 5. 

According to Yen Dinh District’s Department of Education and Training, the school used two clusters of balloons for the ceremony. After the ceremony, teachers jointly flew balloons. At that moment, one of the fathers attending accidentally touched his burning cigarette against one balloon cluster, causing it to explode.

As a result, seven students received burns to their faces and arms. They have been sent to hospital for treatment.

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