Phan Van Mai, recently-elected chairman of the HCMC government, has officially taken over the post of the head of the city’s anti-Covid steering committee, as a replacement for his predecessor Nguyen Thanh Phong, who has been appointed as deputy head of the Central Economic Commission.

According to the municipal government’s decision released yesterday, September 1, Mai will be in charge of managing the activities of the anti-Covid steering committee, which comprises 48 members, as well as guiding members and assigning tasks. He was also responsible for directing the anti-Covid authority to map out anti-Covid and economic recovery plans for the city.

Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of the municipal government, will serve as standing deputy head of the HCMC anti-Covid steering committee.

The other deputy heads include Nguyen Ho Hai, deputy secretary of the city’s Party Committee; To Thi Bich Chau, chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in HCMC; Phan Nguyen Nhu Khue, head of the HCMC Party Committee’s Board for Propaganda and Education; Tang Chi Thuong, director of the HCMC Department of Health, and Phan Trong Lan, head of the Pasteur Institute among others.

Nguyen Tan Binh, former director of the HCMC Department of Health, will continue as a standing member of the anti-Covid steering committee.

Based on the development of the pandemic, the anti-Covid authority has to work out detailed Covid response plans and costs and then submit them to the municipal government for consideration and implementation in a timely manner.

Besides, the anti-Covid authority is responsible for guiding and monitoring anti-Covid tasks in departments, agencies and localities citywide and weighing the suggestions and measures of the city’s advisory group on Covid prevention and economic recovery to execute them.

The municipal government also formed a team to support the anti-Covid authority. This 29-member team will be led by Nguyen Huu Hung, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Health.

Party leader pays tribute to President Ho Chi Minh on National Day

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on September 2 offered incense in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 inside the Presidential Palace complex on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and the National Day (September 2), and the 52nd death anniversary of the late leader.

House 67, where President Ho Chi Minh breathed his last, still keeps many remembrances associated with his life and career.

Showing profound gratitude to the late President who devoted his whole life to the national liberation, Trong asked Vietnamese people to continue following his ideology, morality and lifestyle, and joining hands in building a stronger and more prosperous Vietnam.

The Party chief also hailed efforts by the relic site staff to introduce his thoughts, morality and lifestyle to visitors.

House 67 is where President Ho Chi Minh lived, worked and passed away. It provides a venue for the Political Bureau’s meetings during the fiercest years of the war in Vietnam./.

Donacoop submits no request to import Pfizer vaccine: Health Ministry

Dong Nai Province-based property developer Donacoop has not asked the Ministry of Health’s Drug Administration for permission to import 15 million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, the administration said on August 31.

Donacoop general director Bui Thanh Truc said last week that the company had reached an agreement with Pfizer to import some 15 million doses of the vaccine.

He added that the American biopharmaceutical company already has a sufficient vaccine supply ready for delivery to Donacoop in two shipments by September 15 and the company is awaiting approval from the Health Ministry so that the vaccine could be shipped to Vietnam. 

According to Donacoop, the doses will then be used in Dong Nai and shared with the neighboring southeastern provinces and cities, such as HCMC, Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, which are suffering the brunt of the public health crisis.

On August 25, the Government Office released an official letter in which Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the Ministry of Health to streamline procedures for the Dong Nai Union of General Agricultural Service Cooperatives (Donacoop) to import the U.S.-made vaccine.

Director of the Drug Administration of Vietnam Vu Tuan Cuong said the Government and the Health Ministry always encourage and create favorable conditions for businesses, organizations and localities to proactively seek Covid-19 vaccine sources and negotiate to buy the vaccines. 

The Health Ministry spoke highly of Donacoop’s efforts to negotiate with Pfizer to import the Covid-19 vaccine to Vietnam. 

However, until now, the Drug Administration has not received a dossier for permission to import the vaccine from the company. Besides, Donacoop is not included in the Ministry of Health’s list of 36 units that are eligible to import and store the vaccines, including the Covid-19 vaccines.

Moreover, a representative of Pfizer Vietnam was quoted by the local media as saying that Pfizer has never worked with Donacoop. In addition, Pfizer reaffirmed that its consistent policy is to work directly with state governments and the Covax Facility regarding the Covid vaccine supply. 

NA Chairman to travel to Europe for fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament

Politburo member and Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue will attend the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (WCSP5) in Austria, and pay working visits to the European Parliament and Belgium, and an official visit to Finland from September 5-11.

The visits will be made at the invitation of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco, President of the Austrian National Council Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the European Parliament David Sassoli and Speaker of the Finnish Parliament Anu Vehvilainen, according to the communiqué of the NA Committee for External Relations./.

Party chief’s two books introduced to public

The Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House has introduced two books by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, namely “The whole Party and people join hands and unite to build a more prosperous and happier country” and “Unity, confidence to lead the country to enter a new stage”.

The books comprise of 180 important speeches, articles, interviews and congratulatory letters and messages by the Party leader from January 2018 to April 2021.

The contents are arranged under four themes of comprehensively promoting the Doi Moi (Renewal) along the socialist orientation; considering Party building and rectification a key task; improving the effectiveness and operational efficiency of the political system and bringing into play the strength of the great national unity; and taking the initiative in international integration and cooperation.

Regarding the comprehensive promotion of the Doi Moi along the socialist orientation, Trong emphasized the need to study, supplement and perfect mechanisms and policies in accordance with the actual situation of the country, each locality, ministry, sector and field on the basis of the Party’s stances, guidelines and policies on socio-economic development.

As for Party building and rectification, the Party chief pointed out in many speeches and articles that the work has always received special attention. He noted that Party building aims to make the Party always transparent and strong, while Party rectification is to overcome shortcomings and weaknesses to make the Party worthy of being the sole force leading the country.

Regarding the improvement of the effectiveness and operational efficiency of the political system and the promotion of the strength of the great national unity, Trong’s articles, speeches and congratulatory letters have reflected his deep, regular and continuous care about all sectors, agencies, and organisations in the political and social systems from the central to local and grassroots levels.

On the active international integration and cooperation, his messages and speeches at regional and international meetings, along with congratulatory letters and messages sent to Party and State leaders of countries which Vietnam has diplomatic relations with, have demonstrated the Party and State's policy on proactive and active integration and extensive international cooperation./.

Art exchange programme celebrates National Day

An art exchange programme named "Dang Hinh Dat Nuoc" (Shape of the country) by Vietnam Television will be broadcast live on channel VTV1 at 8:10 pm on September 2, on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2021).

With the structure of three chapters, the programme aims to send a meaningful message: The shape of Vietnam for thousands of years has always been built from the efforts, blood and bones of all patriotic Vietnamese.

The programme also shows the belief that the Vietnamese people's intelligence, creativity and bravery through each historical period help the country to overcome difficulties, especially in the current context of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Starting from the sacred space of historic Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence announcing the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) 76 years ago, the show takes viewers to important historical milestones.

These moments include: June 5, 1911, when the young man known as Nguyen Tat Thanh left Nha Rong Harbor, starting a great journey to find a way to save the country; and January 28, 1941, when after three decades of operation in more than 30 countries and territories across four continents, he returned to his homeland, carrying the baggage of national salvation - the path of the proletarian revolution. After which, he directly led the Vietnamese Revolution to victory on September 2, 1945, the day that the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born. 

The programme's production crew said that they have been implementing the programme since the beginning of 2021. Even in April and May, many delegations of reporters went to survey and research the contents regarding places associated with President Ho Chi Minh, such as Cao Bang, Binh Thuan, and Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, the production team recorded an exchange in Pac Bo, Cao Bang, with Hoang Thi Khin, 102 years old, a rare historical witness of the events 80 years ago.

In addition to reports, exchanges, and scenes, the programme also brings a poetic art space, imbued with love and pride for the homeland, with songs that are deeply imprinted in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people.

In order to connect history with the present, the programme also spends a considerable amount of time conveying stories of volunteers, doctors, and soldiers on the front lines in the fight against the epidemic who risk their lives to protect the people. 

The programme is expected to contribute more spiritual strength, strengthen the people's belief in the path along which Uncle Ho and the Party have been leading, to unite and overcome all challenges.

The program will feature the participation of artists: People's Artist Quang Tho, People's Artist Ta Minh Tam, Meritorious Artist Hong Hanh, singers Tung Duong, Phuong Thanh, Dong Hung and Hoang Hong Ngoc, and artists of the Army Music and Dance Theatre.

Hai finishes 10th in shot put

Nguyen Thi Hai finished in 10th place in the women’s shot put at the Tokyo Paralympics on Thursday morning.

Her best throw was a seasonal best of 8.20m after six attempts to finish 10th out of 19 athletes.

This was the first tournament she could compete in over the past two years because of interruptions to domestic and international events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this category, Djelal Safia of Algeria bagged gold medal with a new world record with 11.29m. Chinese Xu Mian and Iyiazi Eucharia of Nigeria took silver and bronze medal with the result of 10.81m and 10.40m, respectively. 

Earlier, Hải competed in the women’s discuss event. She ranked ninth out of 12 athletes with the result of 27.93m.

Hải’s performance was the final in Japan for the Vietnamese team.

Việt Nam sent seven athletes to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 competing in three disciplines, weightlifting, swimming and athletics. They closed their event with a silver medal of Lê Văn Công in the men's 49kg powerlifting.

Five years ago, Việt Nam made their mark at the Rio 2016 Paralympics when they won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. 

Ambassador upbeat about growing Vietnam-Spain strategic partnership

Economic cooperation, trade and investment between Vietnam and Spain are growing steadily, with both nations' trade turnover in recent years reaching roughly US$3 billion, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain Hoang Xuan.

The 76th anniversary of the National Day (September 2) was celebrated via an online format by the Vietnamese Embassy in Spain on September 1 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event featured the participation of the honorary consul of Vietnam in Seville, representatives of the Vietnamese community living in Madrid and all Vietnamese embassy officers and staff.

Addressing upon the celebration, Ambassador Hoang Xuan Hai highlighted the great significance of September 2, and glorious feats in the process of national construction and defence over the past 76 years, especially the nation's tremendous achievements in the process of renovation, international integration and national development over the past 35 years.

These achievements have helped Vietnam developed into a dynamic developing country, with significantly improved people's material and spiritual life, while the nation's position and prestige are increasingly elevated in the international arena.

The Vietnamese ambassador also reviewed the development process of Vietnam-Spain relations since they set up diplomatic ties on May 23, 1977, and upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership towards the future in 2009.

Spain currently has 80 investment projects worth over US$134 million in Vietnam, ranking 46th out of 140 countries and territories investing in the country. Many areas of cooperation between the two countries are also gradually being expanded.

At the end of his speech, Ambassador Hoang Xuan Hai emphasized embassy staff's determination to successfully fulfil external political tasks assigned by the Party and State, and strive to develop the Vietnam-Spain strategic partnership in a substantive and practical manner and build a united and strong community towards the homeland.          

Technology applied for remote monitoring of COVID-19 patients

The iParamed Medical firm has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) on a hi-tech solution named Tele-ICU Monitoring regarding treatment for COVID-19 patients.

According to the firm, the technology has been applied since August 13 at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, one of the leading medical facilities in COVID-19 treatment of the southern hub at present.

It uses the Internet of Things (IoT) system that allows medical workers to remotely keep watch on patients’ conditions with data sent from an application connected with monitoring devices on the patients.

The solution will be upgraded based on medics’ feedback, to better meet medical procedure requirements at the hospital, according to an iParamed representative.

Patients’ data will be updated around the clock and signals sent to medical workers if the patients’ conditions turn worse.

COVID-19 patients are also able to keep an eye on their own conditions in a bid to adjust their posture or daily activities.

The Tele-ICU Monitoring helps medical workers save time in checking up on as well as refrain from having direct contact with patients, thereby reducing the risks of infection.

iParamed and the OUCRU are hoping that the solution could be applied in other hospitals for COVID-19 patients in HCM City and the country at large.

Many severely ill COVID-19 patients recovering in HCM City

Dozens of severely ill COVID-19 patients, including those in critical condition, are gradually recovering from the disease, says Prof. Nguyen Quang Tuan, director of Bach Mai hospital that runs an intensive care unit (ICU) centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

The ICU centre, erected at field hospital No.16 on September 1, discharged seven critically ill patients who had fought the disease for a month or more.

Phan Quoc Dung, 41, was admitted to the centre after having battled against the virus for a month at three health facilities.

Upon hospitalization, he completely relied on mechanical ventilation. One month later he recovered from the disease and received a certificate to leave the centre.

“The recovery of severe cases shows that the Ministry of Health’s treatment regimen proves effective,” says Prof. Tuan.

According to the health professional, a ‘preemptive’ strategy has been adopted in an effort to cure critically ill patients and reduce the mortality rate.

Healthcare workers are dispatched to local health facilities to assist with treatment of F0 cases before the patients turn critical.

In addition, the ICU centre discharges patients who are recovering from the disease to other departments to reserve room for other severe cases.

The centre is treating 300 patients, of whom 206 are relying on mechanical ventilation to save their lives.

The Ministry of Health has established a number of well-equipped ICU centres in major coronavirus hotspots, including six in HCM City, the country’s largest COVID-19 hotspot, to treat severely ill patients.

Vietnam has recorded more than 300 COVID-19 deaths daily, mostly in HCMCity, but the mortality rate is slightly declining thanks to effective treatment regimen.

COVID-19 vaccine fund receives over 8.6 trillion VND

The national COVID-19 vaccine fund had received a total of 8.652 trillion VND (376.1 million USD) as of 5pm on September 1, said its management board.

The sum was donated by 536,467 organisations and individuals.

The list of donors is updated daily on the portal of the Finance Ministry and the mass media.

According to the Health Ministry and Ministry of Finance, Vietnam needs about 150 million doses of vaccines to inject about 75 million people, each two doses, to achieve herd immunity. The cost of vaccine purchase and vaccination is estimated at over 25.2 trillion VND./.

Vietnam intensifies COVID-19 control during National Day holiday

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long on September 1 issued a directive on intensifying COVID-19 prevention and control measures, particularly during the upcoming National Day holiday (September 2 – 5), to minimise the risk of new outbreaks.

Given the strong spread of the Delta strain in many countries and complicated developments of the pandemic in Vietnam, Long requested heads of health facilities ensure serious compliance with pandemic prevention measures and good coordination in transferring patients, particularly those with worsening conditions.

Regarding preventive health care, Long called for strengthening supervision and early detection of suspected cases in the community.

Large-scale testing, firstly in lockdown and high risk areas across localities under social distancing, as well as offering self-test guidance for people were asked to be boosted. Meanwhile, vaccination plans must be prepared to be launched timely and safely.

The ministry required pandemic hotspots Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province and other localities to further implement the mobile medical station model and a programme on treating COVID-19 patients at home./

Vietnam wins silver in shooting at Army Games 2021

The chemistry team of the Vietnam People’s Army on September 1 were awarded a silver medal in shooting of the “Safe Environment” category at the International Army Games 2021 which is being held at Korla military base in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Thanks to their impressive performances, the Vietnamese chemistry team also claimed seven individual titles, including “Best Gunner”, “Best Driver”, “Typical Referee”, and “Excellent Marksman”.

The organising board also announced the results of the “Safe Environment” category, with hosts China winning first prize, Uzbekistan and Russia clinching second and third runners-up titles respectively.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in China on September 4.

Siemens launches IT and contest for Vietnamese engineers and students

Siemens has officially launched a contest titled “Best Applications of SIMATIC IOT2050” with an aim to provide an opportunity for automation engineers and students in Vietnam to demonstrate their talent, use their creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in order to come up with innovative ideas and solutions for the automation industry.

SIMATIC IOT2050 is designed for industrial IT solutions for the acquisition, processing and transfer of data directly in the production environment. It can be used for connecting the production process to a cloud-based analysis of machine and production data. The gateway can also be retrofitted in already existing plants, where it then harmonises communication between different data sources, analyses the data, and passes it on for evaluation to a local or cloud-based system.

SIMATIC IOT2050 is typically used for preventive machine maintenance and linking production to the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) level in order to minimise expensive production downtimes.

By joining the “Best Application for SIMATIC IOT2050” competition that takes place from 30 August to 11 November 2021, candidates will be offered a great chance to keep abreast of the latest trends in automation and digitisation, to access Siemens state-of-the-art technology, to stay connected and expand professional network, and most importantly, to use their knowledge and skills to design and develop innovative applications. They will also have amble opportunities to receive attractive presents from Siemens Digital Industries.

This contest is open to Vietnamese engineers and students across Vietnam who are creative and technophiles themselves. All submissions will be published on the Facebook page of Siemens Vietnam for public voting. There are four rounds and at the final round, the top ten candidates will meet the jury and present their ideas and solutions respectively.

“Siemens Vietnam is delighted to organise this contest deliberately for automation engineers and students in Vietnam. Apart from offering them an exciting and meaningful playground to demonstrate their talent, we would like to help nurture creative problem solvers and brilliant solution designers strongly needed by Vietnamese enterprises in their digital transformation journey," said Siemens ASEAN and Vietnam CEO Pham Thai Lai.

"We believe giving students the opportunity to exercise their academic strengths is a great way to motivate them to pursue their passion, and to develop generations to come.”

Detailed information about the contest is available at: https://sie.ag/3iNXBrH./.

Passenger traffic at airports plunges in August

The number of passengers going through airports nationwide only stood at 31,800 in August, down nearly 99 percent month-on-month, reported the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

The figure was only 10 percent of that recorded in July.

Domestic carriers served 11,000 passengers in August, down 99 percent from a month earlier. Of them, 2,000 were foreigners, down nearly 90 percent monthly, and the remaining were domestic ones, marking a month-on-month decrease of more than 99 percent.

Airlines were asked to minimise flights between Hanoi and localities under social distancing order in line with the Prime Minister's Directive No.16/CT-TTg.

The CAAV also required the Vietnamese airlines to stop selling tickets on domestic routes. Tickets for flights departing after July 21 will be repaid until further notice.

Meanwhile, flights carrying cargo remain unlimited.

All passengers must show certificates proving they have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 via Realtime-PCR or rapid testing methods in line with the Health Ministry’s regulations.

The CAAV also sent a document to units concerned to request ensuring aviation security during the National Day holiday (September 2-5)./.

Swimmer Thanh Tung loses out in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

Vietnamese swimmer Vo Thanh Tung failed to defend his four-year record and was ousted from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in Japan on the September 1 competition day.

Competing in the men’s 50m freestyle S5, Thanh Tung finished 12th out of a total of 16 athletes, recording a time of 35.91 seconds.

At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil, Tung won a silver medal in the men’s 50m freestyle S5 with a time of 33.94 seconds.

Eight swimmers with the best results managed to secure berths in the final round which took place on the same day.

The winner was Yuan Weiyi of China after clocking a time of 31.30 seconds, breaking the Paralympic record. His teammate Zheng Tao came second with a time of 31.81 seconds.

The Paralympic Games is currently underway in Tokyo, attracting the participation of 4,403 athletes from around the world competing in 22 different sports.

The Vietnamese team has sent seven athletes to compete in swimming, weightlifting, and track-and-field. Weightlifter Le Van Cong is the only athlete who has won a silver medal in the 49 kg weight category for Vietnam.

The Paralympic Games is due to last until September 5.

PM: medical scientists play key role in COVID-19 fight

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has hailed the medical sector, including medicine scientists, for bringing their brainpower to fight the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

During a working session with 70 scientists, professors, doctors and leaders of the sector, hospitals, medical universities in Hanoi on September 1, PM Chinh said science-technology used in the sector has dealt with urgent issues, with scientists and experts playing a key role in innovation and creativity.

Amid the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines, he asked them to fully tap linkage with the network of scientists and science organisations worldwide to seek supplies, as well as offer instructions on COVID-19 examination and treatment on the mass media.

He expressed his belief that medical scientists will continue the tradition of predecessors to contribute to the community health, with their brainpower, mettle and aspirations.

Participants at the event said they are determined to dedicate to the country’s health care cause, especially amid the pandemic at present.

They affirmed that the Government’s COVID-19 prevention and control policy is right. To make it more effective, they suggested the Government continue directing the fight in the “5K vaccine medicine technology” strategy, stepping up research and production of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines at home, especially vaccines for children.

Vietnam to restructure national science and technology programmes towards 2030

Engineers of Vietnam Space Center (VNSC) designing MicroDragon satellite. (Photo: VNSC)

The Prime Minister has issued a document to the Ministry of Science and Technology on restructuring national-level science and technology programmes for the 2021-2025 period and towards 2030.

In the document, the ministry is assigned to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities in proactively formulating plans and organising the work.

The ministry must base itself on the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for the 2021-2030 period and the guidance on taking enterprises, institutes and universities as research entities; ensuring the principles of publicity, transparency and fairness.

The objectives and results of the programmes are to improve product quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises in the domestic market; to expand foreign markets for advantageous industries; to improve the global innovation index (GII); and to prioritise the promotion of the development of economic models.

The document also specifies a number of priority research fields such as social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, industry, agriculture, health, natural resources, environment./.

Vietnam tourism to be shown at ASEAN Familiarization Tour 2021

Vietnam’s beauty and culture will be introduced during the ASEAN Familiarization Tour 2021 produced by the ASEAN-Korea Centre.

Vietnam tourism will be introduced at ASEAN Familiarization Tour 2021 (Photo: Yonhap)
The programme is set to feature a range of popular destinations across the country, including Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its mouth-watering delicacies  such as Pho (noodle), Banh mi (Vietnamese bread), Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), and Hue royal cuisine.

ASEAN Familiarization Tour 2021 will also offer an opportunity for Korean tourism reporters and social media influencers to fully explore and immerse themselves in various tourism destinations throughout the region.

Since last year when global travel restrictions were first implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre has produced tourism promotional videos which introduce tourism spots and resources of numerous ASEAN countries.

This year will see Korean actress and entertainer So Yu-jin join with millennials from ASEAN to take online trips to four ASEAN countries of Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

All the videos featured in the ASEAN Familiarization Tour 2021 will be released on official YouTube Channels of the centre and ASEAN tourism agencies.

Goalkeeper Lam ready to play for Viet Nam

Goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm is ready to play for Việt Nam against Saudi Arabia on September 2 in the third qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup in Asia.

After nearly two years of not playing for the national team, Lâm is not afraid of losing the opportunity to Bùi Tấn Trường who has played well in the last three World Cup qualifiers.

“I am training with the Vietnamese national team in Saudi Arabia. The atmosphere is very relaxed and everyone is thinking about the match against Saudi Arabia,” Lâm told the media.

“For me, every time I wear the national team jersey it is a great motivation to focus on training sessions.

"I wish to give the best for the Vietnamese team. Whether or not to play will depend on the head coach. Now I have to try my best in training sessions and be in the best shape and spirit."

The national team left Việt Nam for Saudi Arabia on August 28. Lâm, who plays for Cerezo Osaka in the J-League 1, flew from Japan to Riyadh to join the team.

Lâm hasn’t played for the Vietnamese national team since a match against Thailand in November 2019. In the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in the UAE, Lâm wasn’t present and was replaced by Trường.

Lâm was forced to withdraw from the squad to play in the UAE due to close contact with a COVID-19 patient, one of his teammates at the Japanese club.

The Hà Nội FC goalkeeper, Trường has played well and is creating a competition with Lâm for the position.

According to Lâm, the weather is the biggest obstacle for the team. When the team practised at 8pm, the outdoor temperature was still above 40oC with a hot desert wind.

"Going to Saudi Arabia, my team and I were surprised by the climate. It is very hot and dry here. But professional players must quickly adapt to the weather to play well,” said Lâm.

Việt Nam will play Saudi Arabia at 9pm on September 2 (1am, September 3, Việt Nam time). 

Lao officials congratulate Vietnam’s achievements

Deputy head of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Somphone Sichaleun and Deputy Foreign Minister Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos on September 1 to offer congratulations on the 76th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

The Lao officials affirmed that over the past more than seven decades, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people have reaped great, comprehensive and significant achievements in various areas, especially during the national renewal cause.

According to them, Vietnam has still maintained political stability and high economic growth, with solid national defence and expanding external relations. The role and position of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the country has been increasingly improved on regional and international arena.

Expressing sympathy with Vietnam over difficulties in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, they expressed their belief that the Vietnamese Party, State and people will soon put it under control.

On the occasion, they thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for providing support for the Lao counterparts in the past as well as national development at present, especially during the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung attributed Vietnam’s achievements over the past 76 years to the Vietnam – Laos fighting alliance and utmost support of the fraternal Lao people.

According to him, the two countries still held high-level visits and offer timely assistance in COVID-19 combat this year.

He also thanked the Lao side for helping the Vietnamese embassy fulfil its assigned task, and wished that the two sides would work closely together to hold important celebrations, especially during Year of Laos – Vietnam Friendship and Solidarity./.

Flexible plans for the new school year depending on pandemic situation

The Minister of Education and Training has sent a dispatch to leaders of provinces and cities on preparations for the new school year amid the complicated pandemic situation.

The education ministry said that for localities suffering from outbreaks of COVID-19, chairpersons of provincial people's committees must decide to postpone the start of the new school year until the pandemic situation is under control and encourage teachers to both participate in the fight against the pandemic and to prepare well to begin the new school year when conditions permit.

In the dispatch, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son asked the leaders of provinces and cities to urgently direct local departments of education and training to prepare plans for organising teaching and learning as well as strengthening anti-pandemic measures in schools. Opening of the schools should be carried out flexibly in the form of on-site or online depending on the local pandemic situation, ensuring safety for the people.

In the event that safety can not be guaranteed, schools can organise online opening ceremonies so that students who are locked down can also join the ceremony in spirit.

The Minister of Education and Training also suggested that localities mobilise resources to help strengthen schools’ information technology infrastructure and necessary conditions for effective organisation of online teaching and learning.

In particular, localities need to pay special attention to strengthening coordination with students' families to organise educational activities suitable to the conditions at homes, localities and schools so that online learning for students in grades 1 and 2 can be effective. Localities also need to take practical measures to support disadvantaged students who lack learning facilities.

Regarding tuition fees, Minister Nguyen Kim Son has asked chairpersons of people's committees of provinces to direct the implementation of tuition fee exemptions and reduction for students according to the provisions of Decree No. 81/2021 /ND-CP. In particular, special attention should be paid to preschool children, high school students, students in areas heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the Minister of Education and Training also suggested that local leaders continue to direct and create favourable conditions for the supply of textbooks to students while supporting students from families who fall into difficult circumstances because of the pandemic and students who are children of frontline workers in pandemic prevention and control./.

Winners of Hanoi photo contest announced

Hanoi’s Association of Photographic Artists have announced 16 winners of a photo contest on the capital, with the winning entries featuring impressive images of local people fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and developing the economy.

The winning photo depicts a father and daughter saying happy birthday to the mother who works as a frontline worker in the COVID-19 fight.
The 51st contest entitled “Hanoi I Love” was launched in July with the aim of inspiring local people’s love towards the capital.

The competition received 1,825 entries from 300 contestants residing in Hanoi, with the photos reflecting the daily life of Hanoians, particularly in their ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

First prize winner received VND6 million in cash, whilst two second-place prizes, three third-places prizes, and 10 consolation prizes were awarded VND4 million, VND3 million, and VND2 million each, respectively.

Masan Group donates 16-billion-VND COVID-19 aid for over 300 localities in HCM City

The chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) in Ho Chi Minh City, on September 1, received medical supplies and necessities worth 16 billion VND (701,477 USD), which were donated by the Masan Group Corporation for 312 local communes and wards in support of the localities' COVID-19 prevention and control.

Accordingly, via its VinMart supermarket chains across these localities, Masan will distribute its gift packages, each having 250 sets of health insurance, ten boxes of medical gloves, ten boxes of alcohol spray, 20 boxes of sausages and 40 boxes of energy drinks.

At the handover ceremony, Chairwoman of the municipal VFF committee To Thi Bich Chau expressed her gratitude toward local enterprises’ care for their employees and assistance for the city’s pandemic prevention works.

She vowed the packages will be delivered to its beneficiaries and called for more support from businesses and philanthropists in the coming time.

On the same day, the committee also received 300 bags of necessities from naval soldiers at the DK1 platform.

Meanwhile, the municipal People’s Council launched a programme that offers 10,000 bags of drugs for families in a bid to aid frontline forces and COVID-19-affected people./.

USAID launches projects to support disabled people in Quang Tri

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) together with the People's Committee of Quang Tri province and the National Action Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) on September 1 held an online event to launch USAID-funded projects to support people with disabilities in the central province.

The projects include a 6.9 million USD project to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in provinces heavily sprayed with Agent Orange (Inclusion I) and the 2 million USD "Raising Voices, Creating Opportunities" project (RVCO-II).

These are aid projects within the framework of the bilateral economic and technical cooperation agreement between the two governments signed in 2005.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ann Marie Yastishock, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director, appreciated the effective coordination of Quang Tri province in cooperation projects between the two countries and emphasised the importance of the partnership between USAID and NACCET in the programme to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities in the provinces heavily sprayed with Agent Orange, including Inclusion I. The project will be implemented in 2021-2026 in eight provinces, including Quang Tri.

She said that for the "RVCO-II" project, both parties will continue to work together to create positive changes in awareness and attitudes towards persons with disabilities, strengthen the capacity of organisations and improve policies to promote the inclusion of the group.

According to USAID, the US government has been carrying out many projects in various forms in Vietnamese localities to address the war consequences and improve the quality of life in communities affected by Agent Orange sprayed during the war.

Quang Tri province is one of the important partners of the US in development cooperation projects with Vietnam, including those on demining, supporting people with disabilities, and humanitarian aid./.

Vietnam wins silver medal, seven individual titles at Army Games’ Safe Environment

The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA)’s chemistry team has won a silver medal for the team performance and seven individual titles at the International Army Games 2021’s Safe Environment event.

The awards were given to the Vietnamese team during a ceremony held at Korla military base in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on September 1.

The team grabbed the silver medal after defeating their Belarusian rivals at the final match of the Safe Environment’s shooting race a day prior. The individual titles, meanwhile, included two awards for the best shooters, two for the best commanders, one for the best detection specialist and one for the best driver.

Colonel Le Minh Hoang of Vietnam, a member of the competition’s referee panel was also honoured for his outstanding contribution to the tournament and fair judgement.

The Vietnamese team, comprising 20 officers and soldiers, began the Safe Environment competition on August 25.

The International Army Games 2021 is hosted by Russia with 36 competitions in 12 countries and territories. China hosts the “Safe Environment”, “Clear Sky” and “Suvorov Attack” competitions.

Vietnam hosts the Military Medical Relay Race and Sniper Frontier contests of Games, which started at National Military Training Centre No 4 in Hanoi on August 31./.

Lao newspaper hails Vietnam's achievements, Laos-Vietnam ties

The PathetLao Daily on September 1 published on the front page an editorial hailing Vietnam's achievements and the Laos-Vietnam relationship on the occasion of Vietnam's National Day (September 2).

The editorial highlighted that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) over the last 76 years, the Vietnamese people have built a strong unity bloc and overcome countless hardships to safeguard the nation's independence and freedom, transform Vietnam into a “stronger and more prosperous country”, and actively contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world over.

It stressed that from a small and impoverished colony, Vietnam has become a middle-income developing country with a population of nearly 100 million, an average GDP growth rate of about 7 percent, well safeguarded national defense and security and socio-political stability. Important achievements have been made in cultural, educational and healthcare sectors, while social and economic infrastructures have been further expanded.

The editorial also noted that Vietnam's socialist-oriented market economy has shown robust development with growing participation of the private sector and foreign investment. The stable business environment has helped Vietnam attracted more resources from the society and foreign investment. The living standards of the people are constantly improved materially and spiritually. The great national unity is consolidated, socialist democracy continues to gain strength, and Vietnam’s standing and status are increasingly enhanced in the regional and international arena.

According to the newspaper, in the year 2021, despite the complicated development of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam successfully organized the 13th National Party Congress, the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and members to People’s Councils at all levels, and the election and appointment of key leadership positions.

It went on to highlight the close friendship between Vietnam and Laos, saying the two nations are not only closely linked in geography, but also share the history of their people fighting side by side and overcoming all difficulties and challenges to regain independence and freedom. The Vietnam-Laos relationship has become a rare model of bilateral relations in the world, the editorial said.

In the context of rapid, complex and unpredictable changes in the world and regional situation, as well as the devastating impact of the new waves of COVID-19 around the world, including Laos and Vietnam, the Secretary General, President of Laos and the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Laos paid a visit Vietnam in June, and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-level delegation of the Party and State of Vietnam paid a visit to Laos in August. The editorial said those visits have historical significance, showcasing the great friendship and special solidarity between the two peoples.

The newspaper reported that as 2022 will be the "Year of Solidarity and Friendship between Vietnam and Laos", the two countries will organize various meaningful activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962) and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18, 1977). It said that such activities will further reinforce trust and bolster cooperation between people from all social strata, especially the youth of the two countries, thereby elevating the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam to new heights and enhancing sustainability across the board./.

Vietnam's National Day celebrated in Japan

The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan held a get-together on September 1 to celebrate the 76th National Day of Vietnam (September 2).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam reviewed the country’s history, underlining that from a country severely damaged by wars, it has been turned into one of the most dynamic and attractive economies in Asia.

Regarding the relationship between Vietnam and Japan, the diplomat said that after 48 years of diplomatic relations, the two countries have become the most reliable partners based on mutual understanding, equal cooperation and common interest. Under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, Japan-Vietnam relations are developing, he said.

Among the 136 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, Japan is the largest official development aid (ODA) provider, with 28 billion USD in non-refundable aid and loans. In the first six months of this year, Japanese investment in Vietnam reached 2.44 billion USD. With 4,900 projects totaling 63.1 billion USD in capital being implemented in Vietnam, Japan has become the second largest investor in the Southeast Asian country.

On the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, Nam said the Governments and peoples of the two countries have been giving each other sympathy and material support. In particular, Japan has provided Vietnam with 3 million vaccine doses and other medical supplies and equipment./.

Photo exhibition in Czech Republic marks Vietnam’s National Day

A photo exhibition on Vietnam opened in Prague, the Czech Republic, on August 31, to mark the 76th National Day of Vietnam (September 2).

The event was jointly held by the Embassy of Vietnam in the European country and the Vietnam News Agency’s Prague bureau.

On show are photos of the landscapes and people of Vietnam, along with the Vietnam-Czech Republic traditional friendship through meetings of high-ranking officials.

Daily lives of Vietnamese in the European nation and their charitable activities helping Czech authorities and people battle COVID-19 are also featured in the photos.

At the exhibition area, Dr Martin Pros, former Czech Deputy Minister of Finance, said that the country always appreciates support from Vietnam when COVID-19 broke out.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy, photos at the exhibition will also be placed on display in other localities of the host country during cultural events of the Vietnamese community there, in an attempt to promote images of Vietnam and strengthen the two nations’ friendship.

The Vietnamese community was recognised as the 14th ethnic minority group in the Czech Republic in July 2013./.

Vietnam’s flag raised in San Francisco on National Day

Vietnam’s General Consulate in San Francisco, the US, and the municipal authorities held a ceremony to hoist the Vietnamese flag on September 1 morning to mark the country’s 76th National Day.

Consul General Nguyen Trac Toan spoke highly of the contributions by the local authorities to promoting relations between the two countries, especially the determination to establish the sisterly relationship with Ho Chi Minh City right before the two nations normalised their diplomatic relations.

He thanked the US Government and the US Department of State for donating 6 million vaccine doses to Vietnam.

Toan also expressed gratitude to the San Franciso-Ho Chi Minh City Sister City Committee for its efforts to push up donation and relief programmes to help the Government and people of Vietnam in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The diplomat said he hopes that the US Government and people will continue standing side by side and supporting the Vietnamese people to overcome difficulties and challenges caused by the pandemic under the motto "a friend in need is a friend indeed ", thereby supporting overseas Vietnamese in California to stabilise their lives.

Mark Chandler, Director of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of International Trade and Commerce, thanked the Government and people of Vietnam for presenting 10,000 masks to the city from the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On behalf of the city authorities, Chandler handed over to Toan San Francisco Mayor London Breed's statement declaring that September 2, 2021, is designated as the US-Vietnam heritage and friendship day in San Francisco./.

Deputy PM attends ceremony to announce amnesty decision in Thai Nguyen

Politburo member and Deputy Prime Miniser Pham Binh Minh, who is head of the Advisory Council on Amnesty 2021, attended a ceremony on September 1 to announce President’s amnesty decision in 2021 at Phu Son 4 Camp in the northern province of Thai Nguyen.

Addressing the event, Minh congratulated the inmates who enjoy the amnesty and are allowed to return to their families and the society before their due date.

Since 2017, the Party and State have implemented eight amnesty decisions, and this year’s is the first implemented after the Amnesty Law 2018 took effect, benefiting 3,035 prisoners, including 68 at the camp.

This demonstrates the nation's tradition of humanity and the clemency of the Party and State for those who are determined to improve themselves, Minh stated.

The Deputy PM recognised efforts of the council as well as ministries and sectors in submitting the list of prisoners eligible to the amnesty to the President despite COVID-19.

Major General Le Quoc Hung, Deputy Minister of Public Security, said that the ministry has worked out plans to help them come back to their localities in line with COVID-19 prevention and control regulations./.

Vietnam puts people at centre of development: PM

Vietnam always considers its people as the centre, the subject, the main resource and the goal of development, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed at a grand ceremony on September 1 to mark the 76th National Day (September 2). The ceremony was held online in Hanoi and 194 places around the world.

Speaking at the ceremony, PM Chinh affirmed that in the past 76 years, the Vietnamese Party, State and people have constantly struggled to safeguard independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity as well as the right to self-determination of the nation and the right to freedom and happiness of its people, in the spirit of “Nothing more precious than independence and freedom”.

Especially, after more than 35 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), with the valuable and effective support of international friends, Vietnam has gained great achievements in all fields.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and with the engagement of the whole political system and the will and unyielding spirit of the people, Vietnam has exerted efforts to accomplish key tasks of pandemic prevention and control, economic development and recovery, and safety for everyone, including foreigners working, studying and living in the country.

The Government leader took the occasion to thank countries, friends and international organisations for their close cooperation and active and effective support for Vietnam, especially in the fight against the pandemic, as well as their creation of favourable conditions for the overseas Vietnamese community.

Chinh suggested countries and international organisations continue promoting cooperation; sharing and transferring technology, experience, finance, medical equipment, and vaccines for Vietnam; and at the same time facilitating investment, international trade, and collaboration in the transportation of people and goods between countries.

According to him, Vietnam’s stability and development is always associated with an environment of peace, cooperation and development of the region and the world. The Government always implements the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and active international integration, and being a good friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam will persistently address disputes on territorial sovereignty, sea and islands by peaceful means on the basis of international law; and maintain a peaceful and stable environment for rapid and sustainable development of the country. In addition, it wishes to join hands in solving traditional and non-traditional security issues; and promoting globalisation and international integration and linkage, for a green, clean, sustainably developing, and more humane world, Chinh added.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Saadi Salama, Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, said that the Declaration of Independence delivered by President Ho Chi Minh at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, has strongly confirmed the national sovereignty of the Vietnamese people with the whole world, opening a new era on the path of development.

He pledged to maintain efforts to further strengthen, promote and expand the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and international organisations towards a common goal for a world of peace, equality, prosperity, cooperation and development./.

Elementary students in Truong Sa district begin new school year

Students of Song Tu Tay and Sinh Ton elementary schools and another in Truong Sa township in Khanh Hoa province’s Truong Sa island district attended opening ceremonies for the 2021-22 academic year on September 1.

At Song Tu Tay Elementary School, teachers together with forces working on the island of the same name had repaired downgrading infrastructure in preparation for the new school year.

Local authorities and forces stationed in the island district presented gifts to the students during the ceremonies.

Classes will officially start on September 5.

Opening ceremonies of schools in other localities in Khanh Hoa are scheduled for September 13.

In accordance with plans of the provincial Department of Education and Training, kindergartens and elementary schools in areas put under strict social distancing measures remain closed while secondary and high school students attend class online.

Schools in other localities may open but preventive measures must be in place./.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders commemorate President Ho Chi Minh on National Day

On the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the National Day (September 2) and the August Revolution Day (August 19), a delegation of the Party Committee, the People's Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Ho Chi Minh City led by Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Committee, offered incense and flowers to President Ho Chi Minh and President Ton Duc Thang.

The delegation observed a minute of silence in memory of the late leaders, and recalled their contributions to the nation, the revolution and the Party.

It pledged to further strive to turn the country's biggest city into a developed, sustainable and smart metropolis./.

Appointment decision presented to Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc handed over a decision appointing Nguyen Huy Tang as Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia during a ceremony held on September 1.

At the event, the leader underlined that it is a duty of great importance that helps promote the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship and traditional cooperation, calling on the diplomat to contribute to the development of the bilateral partnership.

Tang was asked to further deepen political trust between the nations, including thorough preparations for visits by high-ranking officials of both sides.

He was also urged to support the Vietnamese community in Cambodia and help them integrate and comply with the country’s law, thereby facilitating the economic development and the Vietnam-Cambodia relations.

President Phuc also called on the diplomat to foster the completion of the border demarcation work and of the building of border regions of peace, stability, cooperation and development between the nations; and put forward cooperation measures across all fields to the Party and State./.

Radio programme of Nhan dan newspaper debuts

The Nhan dan (People) newspaper on September 1 launched a radio programme to serve the audience as social distancing measures are in place in many localities to curb the spread of COVID-19.

It is part of the newspaper’s efforts to diversify its media products and bolster access to the audience, especially young people who favour digital technology platforms.

Users can listen to the podcasts online on their smartphones or the newspaper’s website. Offline audio files are also available.

The programme will be streamed on Spotify and Apple Podcasts./.

Vietnam seeks to accelerate people-to-people diplomacy with Russia

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi on August 31 had a meeting with representatives from the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association and the association of Russian former military experts serving in Vietnam during wartime in an effort to accelerate people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries.

Khoi briefed his guests on the situation of Vietnamese expats in Russia, saying many Vietnamese have been granted Russian nationality and Russia has become their second homeland. Before the COVID-19 broke out, more than 600,000 Russians visited Vietnam annually, which formed a crucial foundation for promoting people-to-people diplomacy between the two sides, he said.

“For me, only a heart-to-heart relationship is one that is the most enduring, sincere, important and effective,” he said, expressing his delight at meeting with loyal Russian friends of Vietnam.

The diplomat highly spoke of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association as many of its members have been working tirelessly to foster the bilateral friendship despite their old age.

He also expected young generations will follow their seniors’ footsteps to help strengthen the Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and proposed the two sides establish a forum for people-to-people exchange.

Highly valuing the Vietnam - Russia long-standing relations, Khoi said the two countries have maintained the regular exchange of high-level delegations with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting Vietnam five times. The two sides have also sustained regular contacts via emails, phone talks, and virtual meetings amid the COVID-19 pandemic and are working together to prepare for official visits of Vietnamese leaders to Russia and the conclusion of the Vietnam - Russia and Russia - Vietnam Friendship Year.

He moved on to say that Vietnamese cuisine has been expanding its presence in Russia and that he looks forward to receiving support from the two countries' associations for the organisation of Vietnamese cultural events weekly at public places in Russia.

The ambassador pledged to do his utmost, together with competent authorities, to bolster economic cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of their people.

Chairman of the association of Russian former military experts serving in Vietnam Nikolai Kolesnik, for his part, recalled his memories during his on-duty time in Vietnam and made several recommendations to boost people-to-people cooperation between the two sides./.

Tribute paid to President Ho Chi Minh on National Day in Chile, Russia

The Vietnamese Embassy in Chile on August 31 offered flowers at President Ho Chi Minh Statue at the park named after him in Cerro Navia commune of Santiago capital on the occasion of Vietnam’s 76th National Day (September 2).

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pham Truong Giang thanked the people of Chile in general and Cerro Navia in particular for their warm feelings for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam during the past years, affirming that the embassy will continue coordinating with Chilean authorities and people to preserve and nurture the traditional friendship between the two countries.

For his part, Cerro Navia Governor Mauro Tamayo expressed respect and admiration of Chileans to President Ho Chi Minh, as well as their affection for Vietnam. He stressed that Cerro Navia people appreciate the Vietnamese side’s attention to and support for the park’s renovation.

In 1969, to show solidarity and support for the Vietnamese people's resistance war for national independence and respect for President Ho Chi Minh, a small park in Cerro Navia District was renamed Park Ho Chi Minh. Since then, the park has become a symbol of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Also on August 31, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Russia’s Vladivostok city laid flowers at the monument of President Ho Chi Minh in the Ho Chi Minh flower garden in the city.

On the same day, the Consulate General organised a ceremony to mark Vietnam’s National Day.

On September 2, 1945 at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, declaring to the world the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh was a great leader, a national hero who devoted all his life to the national independence and freedom and happiness of the people while tirelessly striving for peace and progress in the world.

His aspiration for independence, freedom and happiness has become a great motivation and strength for the Vietnamese people to overcome all difficulties and challenges./.

Vietnam hails UNSC’s debate on maritime security

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has highlighted the importance of the UN Security Council holding debate and issuing a document on maritime security for the first time, which he said created a foundation for promoting the topic at the UNSC and UN in the coming time and contributed to the settlement of maritime security issues that drew concern from the international community.

He made the statement at a meeting on August 31 chaired by T S Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, the UNSC's president in August, about the activities of the Security Council in the past month.

The Vietnamese diplomat also informed UNSC members about the Association of Southeast Nations' efforts in promoting exchanges and seeking measures to assist the people of Myanmar recently, and thanked other countries for their support regarding this issue.

The UNSC's August agenda covered issues in many regions of the world, including issues of great interest from the international community such as the rapid developments in Afghanistan, the conflict in Ethiopia, the complex humanitarian and security situation in Haiti, as well as the situation in Myanmar and the nuclear issue related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

India also presided debates on meaningful topics that have a large impact such as an open discussion on maritime security chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an open debate on the use of technology in UN peacekeeping operations.

During the month, the UNSC adopted five resolutions, four presidential statements, and five press statements.

UN member countries, namely South Africa, Switzerland, Ecuador, and Morocco, said that the UNSC had completed a big amount of work in August with many specific results on some hot issues./.

PM welcomes youth union’s “one million welfare bags” programme

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has hailed the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU)’s organisation of a programme to present one million welfare bags to localities currently under social distancing to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinh urged the HCYU to coordinate with the Ministry of Health to provide testing and vaccination against COVID-19 for volunteers working for the programme.

The HCYU held a ceremony to launch the “One million welfare bags” programme on August 31, during which the union received 94,000 "welfare bags" and "welfare medicine bags" worth 23.3 billion VND (1 million USD) in total donated by businesses, organisations and individuals.

The Secretariat of the HCYU Central Committee handed over 20,000 "welfare bags" worth 5 billion VND to disadvantaged people in Ho Chi Minh City, which is the current largest pandemic hotspot. Another 61,400 "welfare bags" worth 15.35 billion VND were presented to needy people in southern Dong Nai province.

On the occasion, the programme debuted its portal www.trieutuiansinh.doanthanhnien.vn, making it easier for organisations and individuals to make donations.

The programme has been carried out since August 20 in cities and provinces applying social distancing measures to support people in disadvantaged circumstances.

Accordingly, 1 million "welfare bags" will be distributed to residents until the pandemic is pushed back. Each bag includes food such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, dried fish, canned meat and vegetables worth 250,000 VND which is enough for one week.

Meanwhile, the "welfare medicine bag" worth 150,000 VND contains basic medicines for COVID-19 prevention and control as guided by the Health Ministry.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan