The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) held in Hanoi on September 12 a gathering to meet 200 liaison personnel and volunteers serving the ninth Global Conference Young Parliamentarians (GCYP).

According to First Secretary of the Central Committee of the HCYU Bui Quang Huy, the union received more than 2,000 applications, and 200 outstanding candidates who fully met the criteria were selected.

Huy expressed his hope that each of them will become a “culture ambassador”, contributing to popularise the image of Vietnam and its people as well as the country’s socio-economic development achievements to international delegates.

Themed “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations”, the event will take place from September 14-18 in Hanoi.

Through the event, the NA will continue to work with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to promote the goal of empowering youth and expanding youth participation in solving current global problems.

The event will help promote the role of young parliamentarians and youths in addressing global challenges, as well as their contributions to the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The GCYP is a continuation of the NA's proactive and positive activities to address global problems through the trend of digital transformation and innovation to make progress in meeting the goals set out in the current development stage of Vietnam as well as in the world.

As of September 12, 76 delegations had registered for the event, with a total of more than 300 attendees.

Marrakesh Treaty to improve print-disabled persons’ access to publications: official

Vietnam’s participation in and implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty will be useful to promoting the disabled’s access to a richer diversity of publications, said Pham Thi Kim Oanh, Deputy Director of the Copyright Office of Vietnam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Oanh made the remarks while addressing a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 12 to disseminate the basic contents of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled.

The official said the creation of accessible formats of published works such as braille, audio, electronic, and sign language transcriptions is becoming increasingly important in Vietnam to ensure print-disabled persons can exercise their rights to equality and integrate into the community.

She held that to carry out the treaty, it is necessary to step up the dissemination of its contents, continue perfecting legal regulations on copyrights and related rights, and prepare the conditions necessary for the conversion, exchange, export, and import of copies in accessible formats.

Citing a report by the World Blind Union, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Blind Association Dinh Viet Anh said nearly 1% of the books published in developed countries are converted into accessible formats for print-disabled persons.

In Vietnam, the shortage of books in accessible formats is currently a barrier to education, jobs and self-development for persons with disabilities, especially over 1 million visually-impaired people.

Given this, Anh noted, the implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty will help improve print-disabled persons’ access to publications through the use of exceptions to copyright rules.

The treaty plays an important role in eliminating barriers facing persons with print disabilities, thus helping boost the equal access to information as well as education and job opportunities for them, she added.

The Marrakesh Treaty, adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in June 2013, consists of 93 member states and officially came into force in Vietnam on March 6, 2023. It aims to create a legal environment for improving the access to published works for the disabled unable to access print publications in normal ways, and create a reasonable balance between copyright protection and common interests.

Vietnam, Mozambique to foster cooperation in various areas

Vietnam stands ready to share its experience with Mozambique in aquaculture and agro-aquatic product processing, helping to ensure food security in the African nation and the region, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan has said.

Speaking at a meeting with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, who is also President of the Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) Party, in Maputo on September 12, Xuan stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State highly value the position and role of Frelimo in Mozambique as well as the country’s role in Africa.

For his part, Nyusi spoke highly of Xuan’s visit and expressed his belief that it, together with high-ranking delegation exchanges between the two countries, will create new momentum for the bilateral multi-faceted cooperation in the time ahead.

The President noted his admiration for Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation, and commended its achievements in national construction and development at present.    

Mozambique considers Vietnam as its most important partner in Southeast Asia and stays resolved to boost cooperation with the country through the Party and State channels, he affirmed.

The host and guest noted with pleasure cooperation outcomes recorded over the past nearly five decades, especially in politics-diplomacy, agriculture, telecoms, and education-training, as well as coordination between the two countries in multinational forums like the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

They agreed to step up delegation exchanges and meetings at the high level and through the Party, State and people-to-people exchange channels.

The President pledged to create optimal conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in the African country in such areas as telecoms and mining, and suggested Vietnam open a vocational school in Mozambique and send medical experts to the country.

On this occasion, Xuan conveyed the invitation from President Vo Van Thuong to the Mozambican leader to soon visit Vietnam. Nyusi accepted the invitation with pleasure.

The same day, Xuan met with President of the Assembly of Mozambique Esperança Bias who reiterated good sentiments of the Mozambican legislature and people to their Vietnamese counterparts.  
 
 At the meeting between Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and President of the Assembly of Mozambique Esperança Bias. (Photo: VNA)
Xuan emphasised the importance Vietnam attaches to the cooperation and traditional friendship with Mozambique, including the bilateral legislative ties, which, she said, should be enhanced in the time ahead.

The two leaders consented to carry forward the role of the two legislatures in supervision, closely cooperate and support each other in inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and practically and effectively materialise the memorandum of understanding reached by the two parliaments on the occasion of the Vietnam visit by Bias last year.

Bias affirmed her support for bilateral economic ties, and suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation in telecoms, lauding the operations of Movitel - a joint venture between Vietnam's Viettel Group and Mozambique's SPI company, especially its contributions to digital transformation of the Mozambican legislature.

The two sides agreed to prioritise collaboration in aquaculture and agriculture, foster links in trade, education-training and tourism, expand cooperation in other potential areas like mining and culture, and exchanging experience in ensuring gender equality.

While in Mozambique, Xuan had a meeting with Secretary-General of Frelimo Roque Silva, during which the Vietnamese Vice President expressed her impressions of development achievements Mozambique has recorded under the leadership of the Party.
 
Silva affirmed the Party and the Mozambican Government’s consistent policy of consolidating the good cooperation with the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Vietnamese State.

The two sides agreed on the need for the two Parties and States to further put in place outcomes of the online talks between General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Filipe Nyusi in June 2022, intensify cooperation in personnel training, and forge the bilateral economic ties.

To create a framework for the cooperation, the two sides consented to accelerate the signing of an agreement between the two Parties in the new period.

Xuan conveyed the invitation from Truong Thi Mai, permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat, to Silva to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time.

During her stay in Mozambique, the Vice President met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in the country.
 
She also received President of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) Agostinho Vuma and representatives from outstanding Mozambican firms.

On September 12 evening, Xuan attended a ceremony marking Vietnam’s 78th National Day (September 2) hosted by the embassy.

Vietnamese, French audit bodies strengthen cooperation

Auditor General of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) Ngo Van Tuan met First President of the Cour des Comptes, the French Supreme Audit Institution Pierre Moscovici in Paris on September 12, discussing measures to strengthen their cooperation in the audit.

Earlier, on September 11, Tuan had a working session with Honorary President of the Cour des Comptes Gilles Pierre Levy, during which he highly valued its auditing expertise and role in leading Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) to operate more effectively and stressed Vietnam hopes to strengthen cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, especially in areas where the French agency has strengths such as anti-corruption, money laundering, public policy assessment, and auditing international organisations.

He invited the Honorary President of the Cour des comptes Gilles Pierre Levy to visit to the SAV soon, and the latter suggested the two sides continue discussions to strengthen cooperation.

The two agreed to strengthen cooperation on auditing in all areas of mutual interest and organise cross-assessments between agencies within the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) framework.

Levy invited the SAV to join the association of the SAIs using the French language (AISCCUFF).

The visit takes place as Vietnam and France are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Vietnamese PM hosts Minister-President of Belgium’s Flanders region

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received the visiting Minister-President of the Government of the Belgian region of Flanders, Jan Jambon, in Hanoi on September 12.

PM Chinh welcomed Jambon on a working trip from September 12-16 at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Belgium diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of their strategic partnership in agriculture.

He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to enhance comprehensive cooperation with Belgium, as well as regions and communities of the European country.

Jambon said Flanders consistently views Vietnam as a priority partner in Southeast Asia and will further promote the friendship as well as effective and practical cooperation with the country in all the fields where it has strengths, especially transport, seaport logistics, high technology, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and digital transformation.

The PM asked the Minister-President of Flanders to continue paying attention to the development of ties with Vietnam, particularly in economy, trade and investment, so as to help consolidate the Vietnam - Belgium relations.

He thanked the Flemish Parliament for early ratifying the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and proposed it promote the Federal Parliament of Belgium’s ratification of this deal.

PM Chinh also called on Belgium to urge the European Commission’s removal of the “yellow card” warning over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing against Vietnam’s seafood in order to sustain livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese fishermen and ensure the interests of millions of European consumers.

The PM asked Flanders to keep opening its market for Vietnamese exports, encourage its businesses to operate in Vietnam, and continue assisting the Southeast Asian country in training manpower for the agriculture, transport, and seaport logistics sectors.

For his part, Jambon affirmed his support for trade liberalisation and for Vietnam’s reinforcement of comprehensive ties with the EU.

He also pledged to promote the Belgian Federal Parliament’s ratification of the EVIPA, perceiving that the early ratification will generate practical benefits for investors of both Belgium and the EU.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to strengthen partnerships in sustainable agriculture and the building and dredging of navigation routes. They also agreed to consider new cooperation mechanisms between Flanders and Vietnamese regions to improve the quality and effectiveness of the two countries’ cooperation.

Cuban Embassy hosts ceremony marking leader Fidel Castro's first visit to Vietnam

The Cuban Embassy hosted a ceremony in Hanoi on September 12 to celebrate Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro's first visit to Vietnam and the liberated zone in Southern Vietnam 50 years ago (September 12, 1973 - 2023), and launch a photo exhibition themed "Great victory of Vietnam and Cuba".

Addressing the event, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén highlighted the special ties between Cuba and Vietnam, which was formed amid the Vietnamese people's resistance war.

Fifty years ago, leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro became the first and only foreign government leader to cross Vietnam's 17th Parallel, which separated the North and the South of Vietnam, in the midst of the war, he noted.

The shocking news about the assassination of Chilean President Salvador Allende, the threat of landmines, destroyed bridges, devastated villages and the threat of a storm did not stop Fidel from reaching Quang Binh, the land destroyed by bombs and the land of heroes, crossing Ben Hai River and visiting the liberated zone of Quang Tri province, said the diplomat, recalling the leader's speech at Peak 241.

The ambassador underlined the political trust and sound cooperation between the two countries in all fields, noting that Vietnam is currently the second largest trading partner and biggest Asian investor of Cuba with many projects related to food security. At international forums and multilateral organisations, the two countries have joined hands in defending many goals and principles, he added.

Ha stressed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam will never forget the great support that the Cuban people have given to Vietnam in the past struggle for national liberation and in the current cause of national construction and defence.

The Party, State and people of Vietnam are determined to join hands with their Cuban counterparts to maintain and reinforce the special friendship and solidarity between the two countries and pass them to the future generations, he said, adding that Vietnam always stands side by side, unites with and supports the just cause of the Cuban people.

RoK - Vietnam Women’s Forum held in Seoul

The 10th Republic of Korea (RoK) - Vietnam Women’s Forum, held by the Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI) and the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), took place in Seoul on September 12.

Opening the event, VWU Vice President Ton Ngoc Hanh said relations between Vietnam and the RoK have recorded impressive strides, and women of both countries have made substantial contributions to these special ties.

Cooperation between Vietnamese and Korean women has been growing fast in both quantity and quality, she noted, adding that the event, held at the initiative of KWDI and An Myong-ok – a former female parliamentarian of the RoK, has been organised for more than 10 years and become a successful bilateral forum for sharing experience in promoting gender equality in various fields and helping enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

The theme of this year’s forum, “Women, peace and security”, not only matched the international context and priorities in the agenda of the United Nations and governments, but was also meaningful to both Vietnam and the RoK when it comes to traditional and non-traditional issues, Hanh went on.

KWDI President Mun Yoo Kyoung said that with a focus on women’s role in peace and security, the 10th forum talked about future orientations for the peace and security agenda, the position of the VWU, and social affairs in the RoK.

After a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum, rotated between the two countries, was resumed in the in-person format. It is expected to be a good chance to open up a new period of more effective exchanges between Vietnamese and Korean women.

Online quiz spotlights Vietnam - Cuba friendship

An online interactive quiz on the Vietnam - Cuba friendship will take place from September 14 to 18.

It will be among activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam (1963 - 2023), and 50 years since Cuban leader Fidel Castro first visited Vietnam and the newly liberated zone in Quang Tri province (September 1973 - 2023).

The contest, held by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to improve young people’s awareness of the great friendship between the two countries' people as well as President Fidel Castro’s sentiment towards President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam. It also looks to promote cooperation between young people of the two countries, thereby helping nurture the special friendship.

Open to all Vietnamese and foreigners in Vietnam, the contest focuses on the history of the countries’ relations, Party and State leaders of both countries, outstanding contributors to bilateral ties, and cooperation achievements in all spheres during the countries’ socialism building and national development.

It also covers knowledge about cooperation between the countries’ Parties, States, Governments, and localities; the nature, people, culture, history, and socio-economic achievements of Cuba; along with the importance of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and the signing of the Vietnam - Cuba treaty on friendship and cooperation.

The contest will be livestreamed on the Facebook pages of the HCYU Central Committee (“Cong thong tin dien tu Trung uong Doan”) and the committee’s board of information and education (“Ban Tuyen giao TW Doan”) from 8:30pm to 9:20pm on September 14, 16, and 18.

During each livestreamed session, the host will read 10 multiple-choice questions, and competitors will type their answers in comments within 15 seconds. The one giving the biggest number of correct answers in the shortest period of time will be the winner.

Participants will receive 200,000 VND (8.3 USD) for each correct answer, and the prize for the session winner is 2 million VND.

Vietnam views RoK as important, long-term strategic partner: Party official

Politburo member and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Economic Affairs Tran Tuan Anh received newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Vietnam Choi Young-sam in Hanoi on September 12.

Anh congratulated his guest on assuming the role of the RoK’s Ambassador to Vietnam shortly after the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

He noted with satisfaction the two countries’ flourishing ties with a number of significant achievements in all fields, affirming that Vietnam always views the RoK as an important and long-term strategic partner.

The two sides have become partners of leading importance of each other, he said, adding that the RoK currently ranks first among foreign investors, second among official development assistance (ODA) providers, and third among trading partners of Vietnam.

Emphasising the enormous cooperation potential, the host official asked for the RoK’s coordination to effectively implement the Vietnam - RoK Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), and increase coordination and mutual support within multilateral frameworks.

He also called on the Northeast Asian nation to assist Vietnam in such areas as science - technology, semiconductor production, innovation, green economy and digital economy, digital transformation, clean energy, smart city and eco-city building, high-tech agriculture and marine economy development; connect supply chains; and build research and development centres in Vietnam.

Regarding renewable energy, especially wind energy, Anh suggested the two sides boost cooperation not only in power generation but also the development of the renewable energy industry in Vietnam. He also recommended cooperation in forestry, particularly in developing medicinal plant cultivation and the medicinal plant industry, in tandem with forest protection.

The official believed as the RoK’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Choi will continue helping to foster the practical and effective cooperation between the two countries.

Applauding the two countries’ thriving comprehensive strategic partnership, Choi expressed his honour to serve as the Ambassador to Vietnam, one of the most important partners of the RoK.

He pledged all-out efforts to contribute to the practical and effective development of the bilateral relations.

Photo exhibition honours French scientist Louis Pasteur

The Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13 coordinated with the French Embassy in Vietnam and the French Consulate General in HCM City to organise a celebration ceremony and a photo exhibition featuring the life and career of French scientist Louis Pasteur as well as his contributions to the science of humanity and Vietnam.

French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur (December 27, 1822 - September 28, 1895) was one of the most important founders of medical microbiology.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute in HCM City, said that scientist Louis Pasteur was considered the father of microbiology who made great contributions to human science, especially in the fields of medicine and industry.

Trung said the scientist’s research has helped the world better understand the origin and transmission of infectious diseases, thereby developing effective prevention and treatment methods. He was also the founder of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurisation.

He said the Pasteur Institute in HCM City was established in 1891, becoming one of the first of its kind in the world, just after the Paris Pasteur Institute.

Over the past 130 years, the institute has inherited and promoted the achievements of scientist Louis Pasteur in scientific research and applications to prevent and fight diseases and protect people's health.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said that the celebration was an important and meaningful event in the process of close cooperation between Vietnam and France. The cooperation has been demonstrated through great achievements in the field of health, contributing to improving the health of the people of the two countries.

Pavillon-Grosser, Consul General of France in HCM City, affirmed that Pasteur Institutes in Vietnam are proud achievements of cooperation between the two countries, a concrete symbol of their common commitment to protecting the people’s health.

In the system of 33 Pasteur Institutes in the world, Vietnam is the only country in the world, which has three Pasteur Institutes. In the health sector in general, the French Government has helped train more than 3,000 doctors, contributing greatly to the training of high-quality human resources to care for the health of the Vietnamese people.

Ninth global young parliamentarian conference to seek ways to promote SDGs implementation: Official

The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will offer a chance for young parliamentarians from Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) member parliaments to discuss ways to promote the role of the youth in speeding up the progress of sustainable development goals (SDG) through digital transformation and innovation, thus strengthening the cultural diversity for sustainable growth, said General Secretary and Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Office Bui Van Cuong. 

The official said that this is the most important multilateral parliamentary event of the NA in 2023. Particularly, it will mark the eighth anniversary of the Hanoi Declaration on Sustainable Development Goals that was adopted by the 132nd IPU Assembly held in Vietnam. He added that the event will take place on the thresholds of the SGD Summit slated for New York from September 18-19.

According to Cuong, for Vietnam, the hosting of the event continues to affirm the active, proactive and responsible engagement of Vietnam in the IPU as well as the country’s position in the union, the largest multilateral parliamentary organisation in the world and one of the oldest multilateral organisations on the globe.

It also demonstrates the Party and State’s great attention to the youth and efforts to provide them with best conditions to promote their role and responsibility in national development and settlement of global challenges.

Cuong said that Vietnam will benefit from the event by learning experience to increase the participation of the youth in political and socio-economic activities in the context of digital transformation, innovation and sustainable development trend.

It is also a good chance for Vietnam to spread a message on the country’s external policy to international friends, strengthen partnership with important partners, and introduce the culture, nation and people of Vietnam.

Regarding preparations for the conference, the NA Office Chairman said that the organisation of the event received great attention from NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue who has directly worked with relevant ministries and sectors on the building of the conference’s agenda.

As of September 12, 75 parliamentary delegations with more than 310 members had registered for the conference, including 69 delegations from IPU member parliaments and six from inter-parliamentary organisations/international organisations/observers. The number of registered delegations is much higher than previous conferences.

Commenting on the theme of the conference, which is “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations,” the official said that it is not only topical but also suitable to the current trends and the development orientation of countries around the globe.

He held that member parliaments and governments of all countries are clearly aware and affirm that digital transformation and innovation are inevitable trends, which are also Vietnam's top priorities today.

Cuong said the SGD implementation has been slow, with only 12% of the goals going on good track, requiring all countries to work harder and create breakthroughs to achieve the goals by 2030 as set by the UN, with stronger application of digital technologies and innovation to seek new approaches and solutions for the work, while promoting respect for cultural diversity and enhancing the role of culture in the context of technological transformation and globalisation in association with sustainable growth.

Through the conference, Vietnam hopes that young IPU parliamentarians, as politicians with closest links to young people who are knowledgeable about science and new technology as future leaders, will join hands in speeding up the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation, said the official.

He said that a declaration on the role of the youth in realisation of sustainable development goals via digital transformation and innovations is expected to be adopted at the closing session of the conference, which will be the first ever by the conference, showing the determination of young parliamentarians around the world to join hands in implementing the UN SDGs. This is very important in the current context when the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has passed the halfway mark, its implementation is still facing many difficulties and challenges, stated Cuong.

It also underlines the respect for cultural diversity during the digital transformation and innovation process.

The Conference of Young Parliamentarians was set up by the IPU in 2013, becoming an official and permanent mechanism of the union to increase the number and quality of young parliamentarians’ engagement in parliaments and the IPU.

Since 2014, the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians has been held annually, aiming to collect young parliamentarians’ ideas and recommendations on the IPU operations and agenda, while building a network, fostering solidarity and enhance the capacity and approach of the youth to issues of shared concern.

So far, eight editions of the conference have been held with different topics. This year, the event will be hosted by Hanoi with the theme “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations”.

PM receives Mongolian Minister of Justice and Home Affairs

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received visiting Mongolian Minister of Justice and Home Affairs Khishgee Nyambaatar in Hanoi on September 12.

The Government leader noted his pleasure that over the past 70 years since Vietnam and Mongolia set up their diplomatic relations, the bilateral relationship has continuously been reinforced and developed despite fluctuations in the world and regional situation.

The exchange of delegations at high and all levels has been maintained regularly, while mutual understanding and trust have been deepened, and cooperation in all fields has been strengthened, he noted.

He said that security-defence has been an important pillar in the overall relations between the two countries, while bilateral economic and trade collaboration has enjoyed new progress, with two-way trade reaching 85 million USD in 2022 and boasting large room for further growth.

PM Chinh highly valued Mongolia's great attention to the relations with Vietnam and considering Vietnam as a leading partner in Southeast Asia. He affirmed that Vietnam always treasures and hopes to promote ties with Mongolia in line with the capacity and demands of both sides, meeting the interests and aspirations of their people.

Amid the rapid, complicated and unpredictable regional and world situation, the two countries should work closely together to enhance the efficiency of the bilateral cooperation, said PM Chinh.

He said that the two sides should continue to increase delegation exchanges, promoting security-defence cooperation, developing their roles in issues of common interest, including maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world, and continuing to beefing up cooperation in economy, trade, and investment.
 
Vietnam and Mongolia should re-negotiate an air transport agreement, and expand the Vietnam-China-Mongolia railway route, while promoting people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation, said the Government leader.

For his part, Nyambaatar conveyed the Mongolian President's regards to PM Chinh.

He briefed his host on the outcomes of his earlier talks with Vietnam's Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam, saying that the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in criminal prevention and combat, especially trans-national criminals.

He hoped that during the upcoming Vietnam visit by the Mongolian President, the two countries will elevate their ties to a new level, and diversify their partnership in economy and culture to match their sound political relations.

The Mongolian Government has issued policies to create favourable conditions for businesses, including those from Vietnam, to invest effectively in Mongolia, said the minister.

Agreeing with the Mongolian minister's opinions, PM Chinh assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to define the contents of the aspirations of the two sides in lifting up the bilateral relationship to a new height, making it deeper, more practical and effective.

In the fields of home affairs and justice, PM Chinh proposed the Mongolian Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs to coordinate with Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security to share experience in cavalry training, specialised training, crime prevention, ensuring information network security, and enhancing intelligence information exchange, while complementing each other on issues of each other's strength and demand.

Singing contest hoped to boost youth’s role in Vietnam - Japan friendship

A contest on singing “Tomodachi - Tinh ban” (Tomodachi - Friendship), a Vietnam - Japan friendship song, will be organised from September to December 2023 with a view to helping promote young people’s awareness of the two countries’ connections.

The contest will be held across Vietnam by the special committee for the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (September 21, 1973 - 2023) under the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (JCCH) in coordination with some agencies and units of the two countries, JCCH Chairman Mizushima Kozo told a press meeting in HCM City on September 12.

The contest is open to Vietnamese people aged 6 - 22 who will sing “Tomodachi - Tinh ban” in Vietnamese and Japanese languages either online or in-person at designated places in Hanoi, HCM City, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Can Tho cities.

The best five performers will be invited to come to Japan to join an exchange and sing in chorus with local youngsters.

Mizushima said that the organising board hopes through the contest, the Vietnam - Japan friendship song and the keyword “Tomodachi - Tinh ban” will become popular among people of both countries, especially the youth so as to help nurture the friendship at present and in the future.

Japanese Consul General in HCM City Ono Masuo noted after 50 years since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the two countries’ relations are flourishing in all aspects and at all levels, exactly reflecting their “extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia”.

Highlighting younger generations’ role in promoting the bilateral relations, he said the singing contest is meant to help further intensify the Vietnam - Japan friendship.

The song “Tomodachi - Tinh ban” is being popularsed at schools in both countries and will also be performed at official events marking the 50th anniversary.

Conference to promote young parliamentarians’ role in accelerating SDGs implementation

The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, to be hosted by the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) from September 14-17, is expected to promote the role of young parliamentarians in the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs), heard an international press conference in Hanoi on September 12.

This is a big event with diverse activities and the participation of nearly 500 delegates, of whom more than 300 are foreigners, said Secretary General of the NA and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong, who is also deputy head of the conference organising committee.

The thorough preparation demonstrates the attention of the Party and the State to young generations and their role in national development, building a world of peace and prosperity, and addressing global challenges, he said.

During the preparation, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has raised many initiatives and closely monitored the work, the official stressed.

The conference is scheduled to issue the first-ever statement on the role of youths in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs through digital transformation and innovation, Cuong said, adding that this is also the first time the conference has had its own logo.

The logo was designed to highlight two elements – the letter "Y" representing the word "Youth," and five "Y" letters symbolising delegates from five continents gathering in the Vietnamese capital city to participate in the conference. Vietnam, as the host country, is placed at the centre with red and yellow colours and a five-pointed star.

According to Chairman of the NA's Committee for Foreign Affairs Vu Hai Ha, who is also deputy head of the organising committee, the conference will be a platform for young parliamentarians from all over the world to meet and discuss issues of parliaments.

Its activities are hoped to enable them to build up relations and networks of youths, and young parliamentarians and leaders, thus expanding their vision on global issues, he said.

Themed “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations”, the conference will focus on the three main topics of digital transformation, innovations and startups, and raising the respect to the diversity of culture for sustainable development.

Asked about Vietnam’s preparations for the event, Hilal said she is impressed by the work, saying the organising committee has done “very well” and “in a creative manner”, and initiatives for the conference are very “practical.”

Symposium talks achievements, prospects of Vietnam - UK relations

A symposium was held in Hanoi on September 12 to review the achievements and development prospects of Vietnam - UK relations on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. and Dr. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said that since the two countries set up diplomatic ties on September 11, 1973, the relations have continued to develop to the great benefit of both sides.

In 2010, the two nations elevated their ties to a strategic partnership – a high level in international relations, showing the importance of the bilateral ties to both countries in terms of security and prosperity.

In 2020, the two sides issued a new joint statement affirming that they will outline directions for the development of the bilateral ties in the following 10 years with the hope of elevating the relations to a new level. After that, the UK - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) was signed in London in late 2020 and officially came into force on May 1, 2021, he noted.

Lam went on to say that in the recent past, cooperation between Vietnam and the UK has been enhanced comprehensively in both bilateral and multilateral aspects and recorded outstanding achievements in all fields.

In terms of politics and diplomacy, they have increased opinion sharing and cooperation at the ministerial and senior official levels between their government agencies, while boosting exchanges between the parliaments, political parties, local administrations, and people.

Regarding economic affairs, Vietnam is among the few Asian partners who have signed an FTA with the UK. In 2022, bilateral trade reached 6.84 billion USD, comprising 6.07 billion USD worth of Vietnamese exports and 771 million USD worth of imports from the UK, he elaborated.

Addressing the symposium, UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew expressed his delight that the two countries have managed to foster their partnership, including in climate change response and environmental protection, amid global challenges.

Talking about the prospects of the bilateral relations, he said the UK is exerting efforts to further intensify the partnership with Vietnam, and its goal in Vietnam is to continue strengthening their close-knit connections.

Both sides have obtained numerous achievements in recent years, and those achievements have laid a stepping stone for future successes, the ambassador added.

At the event, participants, including scientists, discussed the relations over the last 50 years, highlighted milestones, and identified opportunities, potential and prospects of the bilateral ties for the time to come.

They also gave some proposals for enhancing the links between the two countries, including the cooperation between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the UK Embassy in Vietnam.

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