Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will attend the 27th summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum which will be held in a virtual format on November 20, the Foreign Ministry announced.

PM Phuc is attending the event at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin./.

Vietnam among leading countries for HIV/AIDS treatment

Vietnam has been named as one of the four countries with the best HIV/AIDS treatment in the world, alongside Germany, Switzerland, and the UK. 

The information was revealed on November 17 by Hoang Dinh Canh, deputy director of the Department of HIV-AIDS Prevention and Control, during a press conference to mark National Action Month against HIV/AIDS.

At present, Vietnam has a rate of HIV-infected people receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment with a viral load below the inhibitory threshold of over 96%, therefore contributing to reducing the community rate of HIV infection.

Canh stated that currently Vietnam is home to approximately 250,000 HIV patients who are still alive, although only 190,000 are aware of their HIV status.

As of June, the country has provided ARV treatment to 153,000 people, ultimately stopping them from passing away due to AIDS.

Vietnam has been striving to carry out relevant prevention activities over the past 30 years since the first case of HIV was detected in 1990, and has achieved a number of positive results. However, HIV infection remains complicated and the rate is increasing in some high-risk groups, including among men who have sex with men, known as MSM, and drug addicts.

Most notably, each year approximately 10,000 new HIV cases are recorded, along with between 2,000 and 3,000 deaths nationwide. Indeed, the highest number of fatalities was recorded among people under the age of 30.

The National Assembly on November 16 approved a revised law on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2021, the law will add a number of groups, including those at high-risk who will be prioritised to access information, education, and relevant communication on HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

The new law is set to expand the participation of HIV-infected people and those at high-risk in a number of anti-HIV/AIDS measures. In addition, it will supplement pre-exposure preventive treatment measures in an effort to increase the effectiveness of HIV transmission prevention among those at risk of exposure to the virus.

Senior officials meet to prepare for 14th EAS Energy Ministers Meeting

The Vietnamese side at the online meeting on November 18 that prepares for the 14th EAS Energy Ministers Meeting

 

Senior energy officials of the East Asia Summit (EAS) countries gathered at an online meeting on November 18 to prepare for the 14th EAS Energy Ministers Meeting, one of important events within the framework of the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in 2020.

Addressing the event, Hoang Tien Dung, Director of the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that at the EAS senior officials’ meeting on energy in August, the ASEAN Centre for Energy presented the draft ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation for 2021-2025, helping the EAS countries that are not ASEAN members gain an overview of the bloc’s energy cooperation activities.

During that event, participants also looked into the implementation of the use of bio-fuel for transport, activities to promote economical and efficient energy use, others related to renewable energy, and energy initiatives proposed by Japan, he added.

At the preparatory meeting, the officials reviewed and sought consensus on cooperation activities among the East Asian countries before they are submitted to the 14th EAS Energy Ministers Meeting, with ASEAN identified as the focus.

Accordingly, cooperation in bio-fuel for transport, economical and efficient energy use, renewable energy, and energy initiatives suggested by Japan will be promoted in the years to come.

Vietnam, Panama boost bilateral cooperation and friendship

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on November 18 held talks via video conference with his Panamanian counterpart Federico Alfaro Boyd as part of activities marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Son said Vietnam considers Panama an important partner in Latin America and wants to enhance its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the country, especially in economy, trade, and investment.

The diplomat informed the Panamanian official about Vietnam’s socio-economic and political situation as well as its experience in COVID-19 control and prevention, and measures to recover the economy and ensure social security amid the pandemic.

In turn, Alfaro Boyd shared with Son Panama’s current situation and measures to sustain socio-economic stability during this challenging time.

He said Panama highly valued Vietnam’s achievements as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020 – 2021, particularly in pandemic control and socio-economic development.

The officials reviewed cooperation areas between the two nations and two foreign ministries and discussed measures to step up bilateral partnership in the future.

They agreed to work closely in maintaining the growth momentum of the bilateral relationship, organise high-level visits whenever possible, and sustain the mechanism of joint committee on economic, trade and investment cooperation as well as political consultation between the two foreign ministries.

They agreed to promote Vietnam – Panama trade and investment exchanges via business delegation exchanges as well as collaboration in marine transport, agriculture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The deputy ministers affirmed to coordinate closely at international organisations and multilateral forums and continue mutual support for each other’s candidacy for posts at the UN’s agencies and organisations.

They affirmed their support for multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law./.

Conferences for IT enterprises kicks off in HCM City

The 2020 Conferences and Exhibitions on Vietnamese Information Technology Enterprises, Products and Services kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on November 18.

This is an annual event held by the Ministry of Information and Communications. This year, the Ministry worked with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the People's Committee of HCM City to organise the event.

The event took place in the context of the Government approving the National Digital Transformation Programme to 2025, with a vision to 2030 and with the goal of making Vietnam a digital country. The digital transformation process will help businesses reduce costs, control risks, improve labour and business efficiency, and reach customers more easily.

According to experts, Vietnam has huge advantages for digital transformation with a population of nearly 100 million of whom more than 70 percent use the internet, a dynamic technology level, and great support from the Government.

The exhibition includes 48 booths of digital enterprises and digital products, and postal products and services to promote trade and investment.

The event saw around 400 to 600 visitors, along with representatives from information and communication ministries and departments.

At the event, postal companies such as VNPost, ViettelPost, Giao Hang Nhanh (Express Delivery) shared their experiences with digital technology solutions.

Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, said the event was an opportunity for domestic and foreign enterprises to share experiences and find suitable digital technology solutions./.

Da Nang: situation analysis of children, adolescents launched

Da Nang children receive gifts from UNICEF and local authority

 

The Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children and Adolescents in Da Nang was launched on November 17 at a ceremony held by the central city and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The analysis was prepared by the city and UNICEF from 2019 with a view to help Da Nang identify priorities to build itself into a child-friendly city.

According to UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers, SitAn is important for Da Nang city in its progress to become a child-friendly locality where children are placed at the heart of the city’s socio-economic development.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Van Mien said since children play an important role in developing the city into a modern, smart, green and liveable city for all, the local authority will continue study, promote social welfare policies, as well as commit to carrying out international treaty on children’s rights and UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiatives.

According to the analysis, Da Nang city has attained significant advancements in school attendance rate, with more than 98 percent of children studying at public schools. Setting up the first human milk bank in Vietnam in 2017, the city has helped over 98 percent of local newborns receive breastfeeding within an hour after birth.

Additionally, the analysis welcomed the city’s policies and programmes to support poor children, children with disabilities and homeless children.

However, further attention should be paid to children in difficult circumstances, particularly those with disabilities, migrant kids and impoverished children. Besides, childhood malnutrition, obesity and overweight remain a challenge for the city.

Rapid urbanisation has exerted pressure on infrastructure, services and public space, affecting children’s environment, safety and access to necessary social services.

In addition, climate change, natural disasters, environmental pollution, and COVID-19 pandemic have caused critical damage to local economy, putting further pressure on families, particularly poor and near-poor households.

The ceremony was also organised in celebration of World Children’s Day, themed “For a greener and cleaner Vietnam for every child”./.

ASEAN civil service heads boost cooperation

ASEAN heads of civil service convened an online meeting on November 18 within the framework of the 20th ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).

In his opening remarks, Piyawat Sivaraks, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of Thailand’s Civil Service Commission, reviewed teleconferences held on November 17 involving senior officials on ACCSM and for the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM +3), during which participants scrutinised the ACCSM Work Plan for 2016-2020 and discussed work plans for ACCSM and ACCSM +3 over the next five years.

Congratulating Thailand on its successful chairmanship of the 20th ACCSM (2019-2020), Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Trong Thua praised the efforts and responsibility of the country’s Civil Service Commission.

He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to its participation in ACCSM activities.

The official took the occasion to share Vietnam’s experience in COVID-19 prevention and control and the country’s civil service work in recent times.

He also spoke about the ministry’s master plan to be implemented during Vietnam’s chairmanship of the 21st ACCSM (2021-2022), adding that the proposed theme highlights civil service modernisation toward a cohesive and responsive ASEAN Community.

Preparatory meetings, a workshop on IT application in civil service modernisation, and meetings of heads of ACCSM and ACCSM +3, among others, have all been scheduled, he said./.

ASEAN ambassadors promote partnership with Ukraine

Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Anh Tuan joined a working lunch of three ambassadors from ASEAN countries and Yevhen Pikalov, Directorate General for the Asia-Pacific Region at the Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow on November 17.

Participants discussed the establishment of an ASEAN Centre and ASEAN Committee in Ukraine. They also bid farewell to Ambassador Tuan who returned to Vietnam on November 18.

Pikalov underlined that the formation of the ASEAN Centre and ASEAN Committee is an important step in the plan to expand the relationship between Ukraine and the association, with an effective information channel to promote the image of ASEAN and strengthen the cultural and academic exchange between Ukraine and the ASEAN.

The Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs lauded the initiative and proposed that the ambassadors continue to coordinate with the ministry in implementing the initiatives to further promote bilateral ties.

The ambassador showed their delight at the positive outlook of the partnership between the ASEAN and Ukraine, saying that they had consulted relevant agencies of their country and the ASEAN Secretariat to speed up the implementation of Ukraine’s initiatives.

They agreed with Pikalov on the next steps in the roadmap of building an ASEAN Centre at Taras Schevchenko University.

Pikalov and ASEAN ambassadors congratulated Vietnam on successfully performing the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020, with the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

At the same time, Pikalov also recognised contributions of Ambassador Tuan to the promotion of relationship between Ukraine and the ASEAN as well as Vietnam.

Ambassador Tuan thanked Pikalov and ASEAN ambassadors for coordinating and supporting him to complete his tasks, while pledging to continue to make contributions to the friendship between Vietnam, the ASEAN and Ukraine./.

Vietnamese conferred Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Son, former head of the Japanese language faculty under the Foreign Trade University (FTU), has been awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays. (Photo: VNA)

 

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Son, former head of the Japanese language faculty under the Foreign Trade University (FTU), has been awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays.

The Order is to honour foreigners who have made outstanding achievements in international relations and promoting the Japanese culture.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said the relationship between Japan and Vietnam is now at its best, recalling the visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide as part of his first overseas trip after taking office last October.

He attributed the fruitful friendship to contributions of Japanese language speaking people, and lauded Son’s great efforts in Japanese language training.

Son had worked as head of the FTU’s Japanese language faculty for 26 years, from 1971-1997. He conducted many research studies on the Japanese language and culture, and wrote numerous Japanese books and dictionaries.

Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Anh Tuan, FTU President, said Son and other lecturers at the faculty have remarkably contributed to building and developing relations between the university and Japanese organisations and businesses, thus helping to promote the Vietnam-Japan relations./.

Vietnam - Bulgaria diplomatic ties marked in Hanoi

The Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association (VBFA) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) in coordination with the Embassy of Bulgaria in Vietnam held a ceremony to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (1950-2020).

Addressing the event, Chairwoman of VUFO Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga highlighted the sound development of Vietnam – Bulgaria traditional friendship and cooperation across the fields, noting that Bulgaria was one of the first ten countries in the world officially establishing diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

The bilateral relations have been strengthened across fields from politics – diplomacy, economics-trade, defence – security, science – technology, education – training, to culture, sports and tourism, she said.

Bulgaria is among European Union (EU) countries leading in ratifying the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA), as well as promoting the signing and ratification of the EU- Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), she said.

She underlined the significance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations and their mutual support and coordination at multilateral forums and in solving global issues, especially in the context of complicated developments in the region and the world.

For her part, Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Marinela Petkova said over the past 70 years, the Bulgaria – Vietnam relationship has been bolstered unceasingly for the sake of the two countries’ people.

Bulgaria and Vietnam boast great potential to develop an advanced, comprehensive and multilateral cooperation relationship, she stressed.

The two countries need an agenda that emphasises the promotion of people-to-people and cultural exchange, and education cooperation, which are key areas to further enhance the bilateral ties, she said.

On the occasion, the VBFA presented a number of prizes to those who sent their writings and photos to compile the book “Bulgaria memory” – the publication reflects diplomatic activities between the two nations, as well as the deep, sincere feelings and gratitude to Bulgaria of Vietnamese people who have worked, studied and lived in the European country./.

Development of Vietnam’s biosphere reserves over 20 years

A workshop on the development and management of biosphere reserves in Vietnam was held in Hanoi on November 17 to evaluate the results after 20 years of the country’s joining the World Biosphere Reserve network and propose solutions for the development and sustainable management of Vietnam’s biosphere reserves in the future.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Vietnam, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Worldwide, there are 714 biosphere reserves in 129 countries recognised by UNESCO. In Vietnam, the first one recognised was the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in 2000. So far, a total of nine biosphere reserves have been recognized in Vietnam, covering an area of over four million hectares, accounting for about 12.1 percent of the country's area, and home to about 1.78 million people. The development and expansion of the country’s biosphere reserve system is a great effort on the part of the Foreign Ministry, the People's Committees of provinces with Biosphere Reserves, the Vietnam Human and Biosphere Programme (MAB Vietnam), and other stakeholders.

However, most of the protected areas and biosphere reserves are located in areas with high poverty rates, so achieving the goal of both conservation and economic development faces many difficulties. In addition, other barriers include the lack of a common framework to implement integrated solutions in sustainable development, ineffective organisation and coordination of stakeholder participation in the biosphere reserves, and ineffective planning capacity on the basis of the landscape approach.

“This workshop is an opportunity for all stakeholders to recognise and evaluate the results achieved after 20 years of joining the UNESCO biosphere reserve network, while also discussing solutions for the sustainable management of biosphere reserves and development orientations for the network of biosphere reserves in the coming time,” said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan at the workshop.

“It is essential to raise awareness about the crucial role of biosphere reserves in protecting the rich biodiversity of Vietnam. We need stronger public partnerships and effective strategies for active local stakeholder engagement that will strengthen Vietnam’s biosphere reserves for a better future for the country and achievement of the SDGs,” said Sitara Syed, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam.

“Biosphere Reserve” is a title awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to “coastal or terrestrial ecosystems that help promote solutions to harmonize protection and preserve biodiversity with sustainable use of that area.”

The goal of the biosphere reserves is to ensure harmony between humans and nature through the implementation of the three main functions of conservation, development, and support. Approaches to managing the biosphere reserves are open, interdisciplinary, and multi-disciplinary./.

Technical survey project enhances effectiveness of mine clearance work

The Vietnam National Mine Action Centre (VNMAC), in coordination with the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) Vietnam, held a meeting in Hanoi on November 17 to review the second phase of a technical survey project in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

The VNMAC Technical Survey Project is the joint project between VNMAC and NPA Vietnam, funded by the US Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA). The project, implemented from January to October this year, aimed to survey 244 spots and 163 areas to identify Confirmed Hazardous Areas (CHA), conduct an efficient and cost effective land release approach in eight communes in A Luoi district of Thua Thien Hue utilizing non-technical and technical survey, and to report it to the national database.

Following 12 months of work, the project has completed 16 tasks, with 910.5 hectares of land surveyed, and 619 items of explosive handled. The result was thanks to the hard work of the teams and supportive cooperation from Thua Thien-Hue province and A Luoi district.

The VNMAC proposed ending the second phase and building the third phase of the project. It also asked for permission to perfect the technical methods for use in mine clearance activities across the country.

The wars in Vietnam have ended for a long time, but the amount of post-war unexploded ordnance (UXO) has been extremely large, contaminating about 6.13 million hectares of land, accounting for 18.71 percent of national land area, posing a threat to local people’s life, and directly impacting on social security and the country’s development.

Between 1945 and 1975, the volume of bombs, mines, and ordnance used by foreign countries in the wars in Vietnam was 15 million tonnes, four times as many as the volume used in the World War II.

Thua Thien - Hue is one of the provinces with highest level of landmines contamination in the country, with more than 170,400ha (accounting for 35 percent of the province's total area).

About 70km to the west of Hue city, A Luoi mountainous district is located on the Ho Chi Minh Trail which served as an important artery for the Northern Vietnamese Army to transport weapons and personnel during the war.

Thailand works for early parliament ratification of RCEP

Thailand’s government is speeding up the process to get parliament’s approval of the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by February 2021 to pave the way for full ratification within 2021, according to Thai Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit.

Seeing the pact as a vital tool for economic recovery and growth, the Thai Ministry of Commerce expects free trade among RCEP members to start by the middle of next year, following almost eight years of talks.

Jurin said the pact may impact some businesses, and they ought to receive assistance to cope with any adjustments, local media reported.

The government will propose the RCEP pact be endorsed as soon as possible during this parliamentary session which takes place from November 2020 to February 2021, he said.

RCEP is a free-trade pact initially proposed for the 10 ASEAN member states, namely Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines; and the bloc's six dialogue partners - China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Last year India decided against joining RCEP over unresolved issues, especially those concerning agricultural tariffs.

The newly-signed agreement formed the world’s largest trade bloc which has combined Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of 26.2 trillion VND, or about 30 percent of the global GDP, and accounts for 28 percent of the world’s trade. Its members cover a third of the global population, or 2.2 billion people.

For the pact to take effect, it must be ratified by at least six ASEAN members and three non-ASEAN countries among the 15 signatories.

Once the pact is approved by lawmakers, the ASEAN Secretariat will be notified to complete the ratification process.

Jurin expressed his confidence that Thailand will benefit from RCEP. Thailand can export tapioca, rubber, fish and food to the other 14 countries, and there are benefits in terms of investment and service sectors, he said, adding he believes the country will be able to improve upon its current ranking (11th) among the world's leading food exporters.

The commerce minister said the private sector would have 6-12 months to adjust to the pact, which will introduce a range of new issues ranging from trade promotion and investment protection to intellectual property and e-commerce.

The Trade Negotiations Department is considering remedy measures if industries are harmed./.

ASEAN demonstrates solidarity and cohesiveness under Vietnam’s chairmanship

A Malaysian expert has appreciated Vietnam’s role as ASEAN 2020 Chair with positive results obtained at the 37th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

“ASEAN has again demonstrated its solidarity and cohesiveness in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to multilateralism by signing the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP),” said Yeah Kim Leng, Senior Fellow and Director of the Economic Studies Programme at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia at Sunway University in an interview given to the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Kuala Lumpur.

The RCEP agreement is a notable success of the 37th ASEAN Summit in bringing the concept that was first mooted at the Bali ASEAN Summit in 2011 to reality in 2020, he said, adding that another impressive achievement is the record number of documents signed at the summit that epitomises the close cooperation among member countries in addressing common challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, food security and climate change.

According to Yeah, the year 2020 has been most challenging for all countries as they confront the unprecedented global health and economic crises. As a regional bloc, ASEAN has navigated both crises relatively well despite the difficulties posed by travel restrictions, border closures and health measures instituted to contain the break in each country.

Despite these difficulties, ASEAN under Vietnam’s chairmanship, continues to march forward as a cohesive body forging collaborative responses to the numerous challenges facing the region and avoiding the negative fallouts from the ongoing trade tension and geo-political rivalries between the two superpowers, United States and China.

Besides being among the few countries that are expected to experience positive economic growth in 2020, Vietnam has demonstrated its strong capability in containing the virus outbreak. Under its chairmanship, numerous initiatives have been rolled out in 2020, including the conclusion of RCEP - a testimony to its significant contribution to ASEAN.

“With an increasing dynamic economy, Vietnam is expected to be a leading growth engine for ASEAN and a magnet for rising trade and investment among RCEP countries,” noted the Malaysian professor.

Thailand: people invited to shop for community woven cloth at social impact fair

To add a channel for generating income for the community and to preserve local wisdom, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has cooperated with MBK Centre to organise the SET Social Impact Fair 2020, to deliver quality products directly to consumers.

A group of 20 hand-weaving entrepreneurs have set up booths selling cloth woven by vulnerable groups.

The Thitipawin brand is selling Saori cloth products, such as dolls and bags.

The cloth was woven by children with hearing impairments and multiple disabilities at Anusan Sunthon School for the Deaf, Chiang Mai. This has allowed the children to have extra income during their studies and to have a career after graduation.

The IndyEco brand has transformed traditional Mohom cloth of Phrae province into Mohom dyed clothing, key chains, earrings and accessories.

The products use natural dyes to dye cotton fibers and fabrics. They are soft, safe and environmentally friendly.

The Living brand sells products made with the talent and creativity of psychiatric patients, such as books, key chains, cards and cloth bags./.

Project launched to provide legal aid for people with disabilities

The HCM City Disabilities Research and Capacity Development Centre has tied up with lawyers to provide legal aid to people with disabilities. (Photo Courtesy of DRD)

The Disabilities Research and Capacity Development Centre has launched a project to provide legal aid to and safeguard the rights of people with disabilities.

It will first be introduced in Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Binh province with sponsorship from the Justice Initiatives Facilitation Fund of the EU Legal and Judicial Empowerment Programme in Vietnam.

It will provide disabled people with legal aid related to employment, health, education, and labour.

Nguyen Ha Bich Phuong from the DRD said volunteers from clubs for disabled people in HCM City and Quang Binh will connect with lawyers and legal aid centres to provide counselling for free.

It has also developed a mobile phone application called DLAW for people with disabilities to ask questions to lawyers.

Besides, they can also access the DRD’s website and Facebook page to see the latest legal documents and policies and administrative procedures and seek answers to their problems.

When the DRD comes to know of a legal problem faced by people with disabilities, it will raise them with relevant agencies./.

Britcham Vietnam fun run to raise money for charity

The BritCham Vietnam sixth Charity Fun Run – Run for Việt Nam will be held on November 29 at the British University of Việt Nam’s campus in Ecopark in Văn Giang District, Hưng Yên Province, the event’s organising board announced yesterday.

This run is expected to welcome more than 5,000 participants.

It is the annual fundraising event of the British Chamber of Commerce Việt Nam (Britcham Vietnam) to support various charity projects in the country. These projects encompass such field as education, health, natural disaster prevention and all work to improve the lives of Vietnamese people.

The event last year was participated in by 8,000 people and raised VNĐ1.3 billion (US$56,500) which was donated to charities across Việt Nam.

Over the last 19 years, the event has been held annually in Hà Nội and HCM City.

Since its inception, the event has attracted more than 100,000 attendees and raised more than VNĐ10 billion ($434,700) for charitable activities in Việt Nam.

This year, the event will also have the attendance of British Ambassador to Việt Nam Gareth Ward, singer Mỹ Linh, and Miss Việt Nam 2006 Mai Phương Thúy.

Participants will compete in the 5km run or walk. The ticket for adults is VNĐ150,000 ($6.5) and VNĐ75,000 ($3.2) for children.

After the event, runners can stay afterwards to have a picnic with their friends and family while enjoying at Ecopark

There are also numerous attractive prizes from the lucky draw for runners such as one Yamaha Free Go S 2020, one membership card at Venesa worth VNĐ50,000,000 ($2,170), one counselling package for study abroad and one English course provided by Clever Academy and one bicycle and accessories by Hà Nội Bicycle Collective.

VN Social Security launches app

Việt Nam Social Security launched the application VssID at an online meeting with 20,000 participants in 63 provinces and cities on Monday afternoon.

The VssID mobile application provides essential utilities and information such as monitoring the participation process, policies of social and health insurance, looking up information of social insurance code, social insurance agents, hospitals and health clinics to allow people to use health insurance cards for examination and treatment, household health insurance and 24-hour-daily supporting services.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said the launch of the application was a strong step in administrative reform and information-technology application of the insurance sector.

Phúc also recognised the sector’s efforts in researching and applying modern technologies to bring more benefits to participants of health and social insurance.

Social insurance coverage had been expanded, increasing by more than 1.3 times compared to 2015, accounting for nearly 33 per cent of the workforce in 2020. The rate of participants of health insurance increased from 76.5 per cent in 2015 to about 91 per cent in 2020, he said.

“The results are remarkable,” he added.

By providing the application, the insurance sector had demonstrated its pioneering spirit in its efforts to facilitate the people, he said.

Phúc said more than 60 per cent of the population used smartphones. He said the price of a smartphone would be only VNĐ600,000 (US$26) each in the near future, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications. So, the use of the application would be very popular.

Phúc ordered the sector to develop a flexible, diversified, modern and internationally integrated social insurance system based on the principles of fairness, equality, sharing and sustainability.

The sector was told to expand the coverage of social insurance towards the goal of universal social insurance, he said.

Additionally, the sector should integrate public service and online payment in the application as well as protect personal data, he said.

Also at the meeting, General Director of Việt Nam Social Insurance Nguyễn Thế Mạnh said the VssID application was believed to be an important step, promoting the digital transformation process of the sector.

Mạnh added that previously, the sector worked with the Ministry of Health to pilot a programme that allowed people in 10 flood-hit provinces in the central and Central Highlands regions to use the VssID application on their smartphones for medical examination and treatment at health insurance facilities.

The application is available on both the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android operating systems.

Using the application, users can monitor their employer's obligation to pay fees of social, health and unemployment insurance for employees, contributing to publicity and transparency and preventing the situation of delaying payment of social, health and unemployment insurance for employees of agencies and enterprises.

The application is also a direct communication channel, providing information on social, health and unemployment insurance policies.

Red alert system saves lives of critically ill patients

A doctor checks blood pressure for a patient at Emergency Unit of Việt Nam-Cuba Friendship Hospital. Photo vietnamplus.vn

 

A new red-alert system implemented at hospitals in Hà Nội to quickly detect and treat at-risk patients is already saving lives, online newspaper Vietnamplus reported.

Like the life of a 67-year-old woman who was rushed to the Việt Nam-Cuba Friendship Hospital with severe respiratory distress. She was quickly diagnosed with gas poisoning believed to have started from a chemical reaction while she was cleaning.

Her condition was identified thanks to the red-alert system and was treated with assistance from Bạch Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Centre.

The woman, who is known as N.T.H, is one of dozens of patients whose lives have been saved thanks to the application of red alert system, said Trần Thị Nguyệt Nga, head of Internal medicine of Việt Nam-Cuba Friendship Hospital.

The code red alert system is the process of coordination and emergency assistance between hospitals to provide emergency services for patients in critical conditions that require expert help.

Nga said the hospital has used the inter-hospital red alert procedure when admitting emergency cases and recognised that it was effective, especially for those in critical conditions.

In May this year, H.M.H, 71, a resident from Hà Nội’s Hoàn Kiếm District had been suffering chest pains for five days but he didn’t go to see the doctors due to a fear of COVID-19 pandemic.

He was sent to the hospital in a tired state and was ordered to take an electrocardiogram by doctors.

After getting the result, the doctors decided to transfer the patient to Hà Nội Heart Hospital. While the nurse was doing the transfer procedure, the patient had cardiac arrest.

Doctors who were on duty immediately conducted emergency aid and other methods to support him on the way to the hospital. Thanks to timely treatment, his life has been saved. The man is in stable condition now.

The life of a 73-year-old woman, a resident from Hoàn Kiếm District who suffers diabetes, was also saved in the same way.

According to Nga, the red alarm system within hospitals is constantly being improved.

For inpatients, when patients have anaphylaxis, any department can call the red alert system which include a list of faculty leaders and qualified doctors who will work with the emergency department of the internal medicine department as the main force to handle the emergency.

When the patient is out of danger, the treatment will be continued.

Lists of emergency departments at hospitals include Thanh Nhàn, Saint Paul, Bạch Mai, Hà Nội Heart Institute. When there are patients who need to be transferred to other hospitals, the doctors will contact them and give timely support.

Once applying inter-hospital red alert procedure, a hospital will eliminate normal administrative systems to provide emergency treatment, she added.

Nguyễn Đình Phúc, director of Việt Nam-Cuba Friendship Hospital said that the hospital's red alert system has become more and more complete and gradually effective in recent years.

“When the patient arrives at the hospital, they will be screened and diagnosed quickly. In case of need, doctors will promptly contact with relevant hospitals."

To improve the effectiveness of the red alarm system, the hospital has organised many training courses, especially first aid to stop respiratory circulation, anaphylactic so medical staff can handle the incident when it occurs, he said.

Cultural heritage and tourism festival to feature diverse activities

The Vietnam Exhibition Centre for Culture and Arts is set to host the 2020 cultural heritage and tourism festival in Hanoi from November 19 to 23.

The event, which is part of a range of activities held to mark National Cultural Heritage Day, on November 23, aims to honour the values of unique cultural heritages from across the country.

The festival is due to feature a variety of interesting activities for guests to enjoy, with notable parts of the occasion including an exhibition displaying 181 beautiful photos on the history, culture, tangible, and intangible heritages of the nation’s stunning range of landscapes, in addition to the daily life of Vietnamese people.

The images set to go on show at the function will be selected from the ninth photo contest on heritage and tourism launched by the Vietnam Heritage magazine.

Furthermore, the venue will see the Vietnam National Museum of Nature introduce roughly 35 photos on Vietnamese nature. Images will include the Dong Van stone plateau in Ha Giang province and Son Doong cave in Quang Binh province that were captured by local scientists and photographers from the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence in Italy over the past 20 years.

Moreover, a special area will be set up to allow provinces and cities nationwide to showcase their photos on aspects of cultural heritage, their region’s most popular sightseeing spots, and various products from a variety of craft villages.

A number of art performances will take place throughout the event in order to honour UNESCO-recognised cultural heritages such as gong performances from the Central Highlands region’s ethnic groups and Then singing by the locals  from Cao Bang province.

FIFA President sends congratulations to Viettel FC

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent a letter to Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) president Le Khanh Hai, congratulating local side Viettel FC on their recent convincing triumph at the V.League 1 championships. 

In his letter, Infantino hailed Viettel FC’s victory, putting it down to a triumph of hard work and passion shown by every member of the club.

“I would be grateful if you could please extend my congratulations to everybody involved, whom I encourage to continue working with dertamination and motivation in the future,” Infantino explained.

“On behalf of the international football community, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the VFF for your contribution to the development and the prosperity of football in Vietnam, in your region, and around the world,” Infantino wrote.

The letter was sent by the FIFA president after Viettel FC were crowned as new V.League 1 champions following their 1-0 victory over hosts Saigon FC in Ho Chi Minh City on November 8.

This was the first time Viettel FC had lifted ther trophy.

Vung Tau city plays host to national clubs table tennis championships

The 2020 national clubs table tennis championships officially kicked off in Vung Tau city in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on November 17, drawing the participation of approximately 300 players from 24 teams nationwide. 

Competitors will be competing for seven sets of medals on offer throughout the tournament’s various events, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles and team events, and a mixed doubles category.

Vu Nguyen Thai, vice president of the Vietnam Table Tennis Federation, said the occasion marks one of eight national tournaments that is part of the official competition system being ran by the federation.

The tournament sees the participation of a number of strong clubs from across the country, including those from Hai Duong city, Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa province, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. It is therefore hoped that the event will create a good environment for players to gain experience from each other, Thai noted.

Thai anticipates that the organisers will help to seek talent for the national team whilst preparing participants to potentially compete in future international tournaments.

The tournament is scheduled to last until November 22.

BritCham Vietnam’s Fun Run 2020 to be held in Hung Yen

The British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham) will organise its sixth annual BritCham Charity Fun Run, or Fun Run 2020, in Hung Yen Province on November 29.

BritCham announced at a press conference on November 17 that the Fun Run 2020 will be held on the morning of November 29 at BUV Ecopark in Hung Yen Province's Van Giang District.

"British Ambassador to Vietnam, Gareth Ward, will participate in this year's event which is expected to attract 5,000 runners and walkers," the organiser said. "Pop singer My Linh and Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy are goodwill ambassadors of the Vietnam Fun Run 2020."

Over the past 19 years, BritCham Fun Run has attracted over 100,000 participants and raised more than VND10 billion (USD434,782) for charitable programmes across Vietnam.

On November 15, thousands of people joined in the 20th BritCham Fun Run in Ho Chi Minh City which raised VND1.1 billion (USD47,826) in cash, plus VND700 million (USD30,300) worth of donations from sponsors and supporters.
BritCham has funded charitable organisations such as Blue Dragon, Operation Smile, Pacific Links, Bong Sen Centre for Community Development, and the ‘Road to Happiness’ project.

Last year, BritCham raised around VND1 billion (USD43,000) from the Fun Run 2019, which attracted 11,500 participants.

1,600 delegates to attend second National Congress of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities

The second National Congress of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities will take place over three days, from December 2 to December 4, 2020, with the participation of 1,600 official delegates representing 54 ethnic groups across the country.

The information was announced at the press conference of the steering committee for the congress held in Hanoi, on November 17.

Out of the total of 1,600 official delegates, 1,240 delegates were elected at the third Provincial Congress of Ethnic Minorities. According to the steering committee for the congress, male delegates account for 66.7%, while female delegates account for 33.3%.

Sharing about the highlights of the Congress, Deputy Minister, Vice Chairwoman of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Hoang Thi Hanh said that the 2nd National Congress of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities 2020 will be held with the theme of "Under the Party's glorious flag, all nations are equal, unite, respect and help each other, promote internal strengths for mutual development with the country".

The Congress will evaluate achievements and results of the implementation of ethnic policies and ethnic affairs in the period 2010 - 2020; review 10 years of the implementation of the determination letter at the first Congress in 2010, orientations and goals for ethnic affairs in the 2021-2030 period.

The congress is also a forum for exchanging experiences between ethnic groups, as well as an extensive political and social session to raise awareness, consolidate trust and consensus of the ethnic minority groups under the leadership of the Party.

Sideline events will include an incense-offering ceremony at Hung Kings Temple in Phu Tho Province, a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and a film screening featuring President Ho Chi Minh on December 3.

The congress officially opens at 8 o'clock on December 4 at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi.

The Congress will also honour typical collectives and individuals among the Vietnamese ethnic minorities in the period of international integration and national development in the 2010-2020 period.

Humanistic beauty in photography

The work named "Stay at home to avoid the epidemic" by Le Tue wins the Gold Medal in the category of conceptual photos.

Recently, the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) held a ceremony to honour the winners of the Vietnam Art Photo Contest 2020.
Gold medals in both categories of conceptual and realistic photo were handed out as well as an award being given to a set of photos with the theme of the war against the Covid-19 pandemic and the values of lofty faith, dedication and humanity.

The Vietnam Art Photo Contest - an important event in photography circles is held every two years to gather the composing force, introduce excellent works to the public and evaluate achievements in Vietnam’s photography world. More than four months since its launch, the organising board had received 12,480 works by 1,516 photographers from 63 provinces and cities nationwide. The Art Council selected 238 works from 182 photographers in order to then exhibit and honour 33 excellent works, including three gold medals for the photos "Continuous Development" by Pham Huynh Anh Dung, "Stay at home to avoid epidemic" by Le Tue and the photo series "Mission HVN68 "by Nong Viet Linh; as well as six silver medals, nine bronze medals and 15 consolation prizes for other works. Regarding the quality of the works, the Art Council said that most of the works reflect a true, diverse, deep and vivid perspective on various issues of contemporary life. The entries feature the Vietnamese spirit and culture through the fusion of traditional beauty with modernity, full of aspiration and constantly evolving. This is also the first time that this type of conceptual photo has been displayed in the national art photo exhibition.

Nong Viet Linh (from Hanoi), who won the gold medal in the category of realistic photo with his work named "Mission HVN68", is a new name in the photography world. He is a reporter from the Zingnews Online magazine. The photo set attracted special attention for its topicality and humanity. HVN68 was the Vietnam Airline’s flight which brought 30 Vietnamese citizens home from the Chinese city of Wuhan in the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic. On board were 15 crewmembers, including three doctors, brave warriors carrying out a special mission. The photographer, who directly recorded the journey diary with enthusiasm and kindness, received a worthy award. Meanwhile, the work named "Stay at home to avoid epidemic" by Le Tue (from Ho Chi Minh City) won gold medal in the category of conceptual photo. The work also received a high consensus of approval from members of the Art Council thanks to its coherent ideas and excellent techniques. The photo features an image of a little girl watching the outside scenery through the doorway, the sparkling lights, the tall building, but that seemingly romantic space is surrounded by the coronavirus. The work reminds viewers of life's boundaries.

A single photo named "Constantly evolving" triumphed in the category of realistic photos by Huynh Pham Anh Dung (from Ho Chi Minh City),capturing the beauty of new buildings with impressive composition and night exposure. He is also a well-known photographer who has won many awards. Huynh Pham Anh Dung was passionate about photography when he was in the eighth grade, specializing in taking photos of everyday life, and experimenting with new camera angles, technological equipment such as flycams, underwater cameras and modern technical solutions.

Along with the contest, the Vietnam Art Photo Exhibition 2020 has attracted photographers and art lovers. Despite the rainy,windy weather, photographer Phan Dinh (87 years old) from Phu Tho still came to Hanoi to attend the exhibition in order to have the opportunity to exchange professional knowledge with colleagues, and especially admiring the award-winning works of the young photographers. He shared that because of his old age, he cannot compose like when he was young, but he rarely missed a large-scale photo exhibition. Compared with the previous competitions and exhibitions, this year’s works are more diverse in terms of their subject matter, and more carefully invested in quality. Photographer Tran Minh Luong from Can Tho won the consolation prize with the work "Flower Boat in Hoi An".. The amateur photographer shared that the contest and the exhibition are a great motivation for him to continue to show his way of feeling life through his photography and his attitude towards professionalism.

Besides continuing to affirm the professional prestige and creative achievements of some famous photographers, one of the good signs made evident by the exhibition and awards of the Vietnam Art Photo Contest 2020 is the discovery and honouring of new photographers, bringing hope into the adjacent force of the Vietnamese photography community. The contest shows the transformation of photography on a series of urgent topics, such as medicine, environment, heritage, islands, and industry - agriculture – fishery. These efforts create diverse colours and have received a lot of thought and sympathy from photography lovers.

Programme honours outstanding ethnic teachers

A total of 63 outstanding ethnic minority teachers were honoured within a programme held in Hanoi on November 17.

The event, jointly held by the Vietnam Youth Federation, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Committee for Ethic Affairs, and Thien Long Group, was attended by Politburo member, Secretary of Party Central Committee (PCC), and Head of PCC’s Commission for Communication and Education Vo Van Thuong.

The programme aimed to honour ethnic minority teachers who have achieved excellent working performance and received high appreciation from parents, teachers and local people despite working in remote and disadvantaged areas.

From 82 nominees across the country, the organising board selected 63 teachers from 26 ethnic minority groups, including six individuals from ethic minority groups with very small populations.

During the programme, the honourees were each presented with a certificate of merit and a VND10 million saving book.

The Thien Long Group also donated VND100 million for the construction of a school house at Xuan Le Kindergarten in Thuong Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province.

Earlier the same day, the honoured teachers also received the ‘For the development cause of ethnic groups’ insignia at a meeting hosted by the Government’s Committee for Ethnic Affairs.

Deputy PM holds phone talks with Japan’s Gunma Governor

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh held phone talks with Governor of Japan’s Gunma prefecture Yamamoto Ichita on November 18 to discuss measures to support Vietnamese citizens and promote bilateral cooperation.

Minh expressed his delight at the development of the two countries’ extensive strategic partnership as well as Vietnam’s cooperation with Gunma in particular, appreciating the Gunma administration’s various measures to support Vietnamese people there such as setting up a hotline providing COVID-19-related advice in Vietnamese and offering help for foreigners, including Vietnamese, who catch the disease.

He noted that the Vietnamese Government is carrying out measures to help its citizens in Japan and hopes that Gunma authorities will continue assisting Vietnamese people there to cope with the pandemic.

Applauding the prefecture’s active promotion of exchange with Vietnam, Minh asked Yamamoto to coordinate in promoting the reception of Vietnamese workers and apprentices, enhancing cultural exchange, and encouraging Gunma businesses to increase investment in Vietnam.

For his part, the governor pledged to work closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to actively help Vietnamese citizens stabilise their lives and carry out anti-COVID-19 measures.

He noted Japanese enterprises, including those from Gunma, are interested in and highly value Vietnam’s investment climate, affirming that his prefecture’s administration will continue assisting and encouraging local businesses to invest in Vietnam.

At the meeting, Yamamoto proposed the two sides boost cooperation to create a favourable environment for Vietnamese apprentices in Gunma. He also suggested the Gunma Prefectural Women’s University and universities of Vietnam step up exchange.

Minh welcomed the governor’s proposals, noting that he will ask related ministries, sectors and the Vietnamese Embassy to discuss with Gunma so as to realise the suggestions effectively.

There are about 10,000 Vietnamese in Gunma at present, making this prefecture home to the highest ratio of Vietnamese people to the population in Japan./.

Vietnam, China's Hong Kong enjoy fruitful cooperation: Diplomat

All fields of the partnership between Vietnam and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, especially economy, trade and investment, have been given due attention by leaders on both sides, Tran Thanh Huan, the outgoing Vietnamese Consul General in Hong Kong, said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency.

He noted that together with the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the cooperation between localities in Vietnam and Hong Kong has been fruitful in recent years in all fields, especially economy and trade.

Economic-trade cooperation has long been a bright spot in ties between localities and Hong Kong, Huan said, citing figures from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council that show that two-way trade rose from 16.21 billion USD in 2016 to 21.2 billion USD in 2019.

In the first nine months of 2020, despite the impact of COVID-19, the figure still reached 17.1 billion USD, up 17.5 percent compared to the same period last year. Vietnam surpassed Thailand to become the third-largest trade partner of Hong Kong in ASEAN.

In terms of investment, 2019 marked a breakthrough in Hong Kong’s investment throughout Vietnam. It led all countries and territories, with 257 projects and a total capital of 5.3 billion USD. Hong Kong has also become the fifth-largest investor in Vietnam. In the first 10 months of this year, 179 new projects from Hong Kong worth 1.37 billion USD were registered.

Hong Kong now has 1,918 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of nearly 25 billion USD.

Huan said cooperation in other fields such as culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges has also seen progress. The Hong Kong Museum of History plans to set aside a space to display documents and items relating President Ho Chi Minh’s time in Hong Kong.

Vietnam has become an attractive destination for tourists from Hong Kong. Before COVID-19, 20 flights were conducted each day between Hong Kong and five localities in Vietnam. Vietnam welcomed more than 50,000 tourists from Hong Kong last year.

This year, with Vietnam taking on the role of the ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement taking effect, new opportunities have opened up for the further promotion of trade and investment cooperation between Hong Kong and Vietnam as well as ASEAN. Vietnam is seen as one of the most attractive destinations for Hong Kong investors seeking to move investment flows into Southeast Asia.

Huan said the 71-million-strong Hong Kong market, with GDP of 1.6 trillion USD, offers numerous opportunities for Vietnamese firms. He proposed each side strive to overcome the existing difficulties, including the impact of COVID-19, to quickly reach the “new normal” and resume flights to facilitate trade and tourism. Vietnam should to fully prepare to welcome new capital from Hong Kong, he said.

The diplomat said he is confident that the cooperation between Vietnamese localities and Hong Kong will continue to reap rewards in the time to come.

Vietnam records 12 new imported COVID-19 cases on Nov. 18

Vietnam recorded 12 new imported COVID-19 cases on November 18 who were put into quarantine right after their arrival in the country.

The new patients, all Vietnamese, brought the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Vietnam to 1,300, said the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Among those, 691 are domestically-transmitted cases, including 551 infections related to the outbreak in the central city of Da Nang since July 25.

Vietnam has to date gone through 77 consecutive days without transmissions in the community.

The subcommittee for treatment reported that as many as 1,124 COVID-19 patients have been successfully treated while the number of death related to the disease is still kept at 35.

Of the patients undergoing treatment, eight people tested negative for coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 once, 11 others twice and 15 thrice. There are now no patients in critical conditions.

A total of 16,399 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or entered Vietnam from pandemic-hit regions are being quarantined across the country, including 206 in hospitals, 15,308 in other concentrated quarantine establishments and 885 at their residences./.

ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Plus Working Group held online

The ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Plus Working Group (ADSOM+ WG) was held via video conferencing on November 18, chaired by Lieut. Gen. Vu Chien Thang, Director of the Ministry of Defence’s Foreign Relations Department and head of ADSOM+ WG Vietnam.

The meeting was attended by heads of ADSOM +WG from ASEAN member nations, representatives from the bloc’s partner countries and the ASEAN Secretariat, and Defence Attachés of ASEAN countries and partner countries in Hanoi.

It aimed to promote substantial defence cooperation between ASEAN member countries and partner countries and prepare for the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Plus (ADSOM+ ) slated for November 19.

In his speech, Thang thanked ASEAN member nations and the bloc’s partner countries for their support to Vietnam as Chair of ASEAN 2020.

The 7th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) and related meetings will be held online in December due to COVID-19, Thang said, and today’s meeting was to prepare for the ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting-Plus (ADSOM+) on November 19 as well as the 7th ADMM .

Participants discussed the 2021-2023 work plan of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group and the draft joint declaration of the 7th ADMM+ ./.

Source: VNA/VNN/VNS/SGGP/VOV/NDO/Dtinews/SGT/VIR