Zambia FM vows to help Vietnam ease post-war aftermath

Foreign Minister of Zambia Harry Kalaba has committed to rallying international assistance to Vietnam to address the aftermath of bombs and mines left over from the war 40 years ago.

Kalaba, who is also Chairman of the fourth meeting of State Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, made the pledge while meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi on July 17.

Minh informed his guest of Vietnam’s efforts to clear out leftover bombs and mines, including unexploded ordnances, and its support to locals in contaminated areas.

Vietnam understands and shares the humanitarian spirit of the convention, Minh said, adding that countries using such weapons must hold responsible for easing their consequences.

Both sides said they are pleased with bilateral work at regional and global forums.

They agreed on ways to further expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, aquaculture and telecommunication infrastructure.

Vietnam congratulates new Lao Deputy PMs

Deputy Prime Ministers Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vu Duc Dam have sent congratulations to Bounpone Bouttanavong and Phankham Viphavanh on their appointment as Lao Deputy Prime Ministers.

In their messages sent on July 16, Deputy PMs Phuc and Dam expressed confidence that their newly-appointed counterparts will do more to build a prosperous country as well as foster the enduring friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Bounpone was once head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party’s Administrative Office.

With the new appointment, Phankham will also take the helm of the Ministry of Education and Sports.