Category: Politics

Hanoi: Former Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, first-class Grand Cross, of the Japanese Government at a ceremony held in Hanoi on January 24.

The event saw the presence of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Standing Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and vice chairmen Nguyen Khac Dinh and Nguyen Duc Hai.

On behalf of the Emperor and Government of Japan, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio announced the decision and handed over the order to Ngan.

Yamada emphasised the former parliament leader’s enormous contributions to the reinforcement of the friendship between the two countries, while serving in different positions, from Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to Vice Chair and then Chair of the NA.

He noted that as Vice Chairwoman and Chairwoman of the NA, Ngan promoted exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries. She also helped enhance political trust as seen in the visits to Vietnam by the speakers and vice sp
eakers of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors of Japan, along with other high-ranking leaders of the Northeast Asian nation.

Earlier, as Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, she had made active contributions to labour cooperation, including stepping up the sending of Vietnamese nurses to Japan under the countries’ Economic Partnership Agreement, the ambassador said, adding nearly 1,900 nurses of Vietnam have come to work in his country so far.

The total number of Vietnamese studying and working in Japan now approximates 520,000.

Describing Vietnamese personnel as an indispensable factor of Japan’s socioeconomic development, he voiced his hope that bilateral cooperation will grow further and in various forms to meet aspirations, and that Vietnamese workers will have a higher stature and help to strongly connect the countries together.

Expressing her pride to receive the order, former Chairwoman Ngan called this a great honour reflecting Japan’s evaluation of her performance.

She wished the Vietnam – Japan relations will continue to flourish in the future./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Hanoi on January 24, during which the PM expressed his belief that the German leader’s ongoing visit will create a new motivation for the expansion of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in the future.

He thanked Germany for providing a large number of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam, helping the country control the pandemic and promote its socio-economic recovery. Read full story

– The Committee for External Relations of Saint Petersburg city on January 23 organised an annual conference in celebration of the 74th anniversary of the Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations (January 30, 1950-2024).

The event drew the participation of some 70 people, including Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi, Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko, and many officials, scholars and businesses of the two countries. Read full story

– Cana
da’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific can help boost its educational cooperation with Vietnam and fortify connections between the two business communities, Chief Executive Officer of Cooperation Canada Kate Higgins has assessed.

Higgins told a Vietnam News Agency’s reporter in Canada that the strategy can also propel forward collaboration for peace and security among countries in the region. Read full story

– As many as 161 merchants had been granted certificates of eligibility for exporting rice as of January 22, decreasing from mid-2023, reported the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Ho Chi Minh City has the largest number, 36, one fewer than the list released last October. It is followed by Can Tho city with 34, Long An province 22, Dong Thap province 15, and An Giang 14. Read full story

– The recent signing of a protocol regarding the export of Vietnamese watermelon to China via official channels will help deter trade risks, boost the standard of the farm produce, a
nd ease congestion at border gates, Director of the Plant Protection Department Huynh Tan Dat has said.

Under the protocol signed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and General Administration of Customs China (GACC), fresh watermelon permitted to enter the Chinese market must come from the cultivation and processing establishments approved by both agencies. All plantations involved must cultivate the plants following the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Read full story

– The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health reported on January 24 that the city’s infectious disease surveillance system has detected the emergence of sub-variant JN.1 of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in hospitalised patients in December last year in the locality.

JN.1 is a sub-variant from the BA.2.86 variant of Omicron classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “variant of Interest’ (VOI), which is the cause of the increasing number of cases and deaths in some countries. Read full story

– ‘Xuan Que Huo
ng’ (Homeland Spring), the biggest cultural event for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet), will take place from February 1-2 (the 22nd and 23rd days of the last month in the Year of the Cat) in Ho Chi Minh City with various activities, according to the organising board.

The annual programme will include a ceremony to offer incense and flowers to Hung Kings, a trip in Metro Line No.1 Suoi Tien-Ben Thanh and exchanges with localities. Read full story./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Hanoi on January 24, during which the PM expressed his belief that the German leader’s ongoing visit will create a new motivation for the expansion of the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership in the future.

He thanked Germany for providing a large number of COVID-19 vaccines to Vietnam, helping the country control the pandemic and promote its socio-economic recovery.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam highly values the role and position of Germany in the region and the world, and wishes to further deepen partnership with the European country in all fields.

For his part, the German President hailed the dynamic economic development of Vietnam over the years.

The two leaders rejoiced at the progress of bilateral relations in the past decades, especially the efficiency of joint projects such as the Vietnamese-German University and the German House in Vietnam.

PM Chinh briefed his guest on major achievements of Vietnam in socio-ec
onomic development and international integration throughout the nearly 40 years of ‘Doi Moi’ (Renewal).

He said that Vietnam is focusing on making strategic breakthroughs by completing the institution, developing the infrastructure system, promoting human resources, and restructuring the national economy in association with renovating the growth model, giving priority to boosting the digital economy and digital transformation, green growth, and circular economy.

Vietnam also aims to strengthen science-technology development and innovation, while making responsible commitments to climate change response, he said, stressing that these are areas in which Vietnam hopes to foster cooperation with Germany.

To promote bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, thereby helping improve political trust and mutual understanding and creating new momentum for collaboration; and maintain coordination and mutual support at multilateral fo
rums such as the United Nations and the ASEAN – Germany and ASEAN – EU cooperation frameworks.

Affirming that economics, trade and investment are the pillars of bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to continuously encourage German businesses to invest in Vietnam, especially in the fields Germany has strengths such as energy, railways, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

PM Chinh proposed Germany soon ratify the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), continue to cooperate with Vietnam to effectively implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in which Germany is a participant so that Vietnam can achieve its emission reduction goal as committed at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26), as well as in the implementation of development cooperation projects funded by Germany in the coming time, with priority given to infrastructure construction, sustainable development, and renewable energy.

The two leaders also reached a consensus on stepping up coll
aboration in high-quality human resources training and development, and speeding up the building of cooperation mechanisms and frameworks in vocational training. The German President expressed his hope that the Vietnamese workforce will soon have an opportunity to work in Germany to help the country deal with labour shortage in the coming time.

The host suggested the guest continue assisting and creating favourable conditions for the community of more than 200,000 Vietnamese people in Germany to successfully integrate into, contribute more to socio-economic development of Germany, and act as bridges connecting the two countries. The German President spoke highly of the Vietnamese community in Germany and considered it a valuable asset in the relationship between the two countries and two peoples.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two leaders emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability, and solve disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law. They s
tressed their backing for the freedom of navigation and overflights in the East Sea on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s Europe trip to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54) and official visits to Hungary and Romania was successful in all aspects, fulfilling all targets and spreading the image of Vietnam with new fortune, strength, international standing and prestige.

During his two-day staying in Davos, PM Chinh conducted more than 30 activities, and chaired three talks with economic groups, international organisations as well as experts and scholars.

According to Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Hong, at the talks, PM Chinh asked world leading economic groups to share experience with Vietnam to establish an international financial centre in Vietnam. The Government leader has also set up consultation groups to realise the Party and State’s policies and orientations on the formation of the centre.

Particularly, PM Chinh was the main speakers of two dialogues – the WEF’s Country Strategic Dialogue on Vietnam and a dialogue on Vietnam’s globa
l vision, and delivered remarks at other events of the WEF-54.

The events left strong impression on participants about the country’s outstanding socio-economic achievements, development orientations and strategies, foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, and responsible and effective contributions to regional and global peace and development.

Joo-Ok Lee, Head of Regional Agenda for Asia-Pacific at the WEF, said that leaders of economic groups told him that the WEF’s Country Strategic Dialogue on Vietnam was one of the best meetings they had ever had with a head of state/government.

Describing Vietnam as a rising star and an ideal investment destination, Lee said that the dialogue provided a good chance for businesses to explore the economic situation and future growth orientations.

The messages that the Vietnamese Government leader sent out to leaders of WEF and economic groups showed a positive image of Vietnam, he said.

On this occasion, PM Chinh had over 20 meetings with leaders of countries
, international organisations, and major enterprises to further intensify relations with partners in various areas, especially economy, trade, investment, science, technology, digital transformation, green transition, health care, and intellectual property.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that through this world’s most prestigious economic forum, Vietnam can also take advantage of and grasp new cooperation ideas, and update new trends in world economy.

The world is entering a new stage of development driven by artificial intelligence and carbon emission reduction technologies, said FM Son, adding that at the event, the leaders also emphasised the need to strengthen strategic trust, promote reform and provide balanced, cooperative and competitive approaches in addressing current global security challenges.

During his official visits to Hungary and Romania, PM Chinh had over 30 meetings with all high-ranking leaders of the States, Governments, parliaments, and political parties of the two countries. He a
lso delivered policy speeches at universities, took part in business forums, met with the two countries’ friendship associations with Vietnam, talked to the Vietnamese communities, and visited some economic and scientific – and technical establishments there.

The PM’s visit to Hungary contributed to fostering bilateral trust and strengthening the traditional friendship and mutual support between the two countries, while bringing cooperation in traditional areas to a new period, meeting the development requirements in each country, exploring new collaboration areas, and further deepening the friendship and warm sentiments that Vietnamese and Hungarian people give to each other.

In Romania, where PM Chinh had studied and worked for years, the Vietnamese delegation received warm welcome. The Romania visit helped deepen the friendship and bolster all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Romania, creating motivation for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in areas of Romania’s strength and Vietnam’s needs su
ch as agriculture, manufacturing-processing, and health care, while accelerating business collaboration, attracting investment in many potential fields, and contributing to facilitating Vietnam’s relations with the EU.

During the trip, many cooperation deals were signed in many areas, especially education. Nearly 30 deals were inked among Vietnamese universities and their peers in Hungary and Romania.

It can be affirmed that PM Chinh’s official visits to Hungary and Romania is an important milestone in the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership and the Vietnam-Romania traditional friendship and partnership, promoting the comprehensive cooperation with the two European countries for the prosperity of each country and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening its strategic partnership with the UK, Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue told British Ambassador to Vietnam Ian Frew at their meeting in Hanoi on January 24.

The top legislator highlighted the recent progress in the bilateral relationship, especially the joint declaration on the occasion of the 10th founding anniversary of the strategic partnership (2010 – 2020) with a vision towards elevating the relationship in the next decade.

Frew thanked the Chairman for his efforts in enhancing the Vietnam – UK cooperation, particularly the legislature’s ratification of the UK – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

He shared Chairman Hue’s view that activities held in 2023 to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties have contributed to increasing strategic trust between the two sides.

The ambassador stressed that the strategic partnership covers a range of areas, from politics and diplomacy to economy, tra
de, investment, sustainable development, national defence and security, and health care, adding the UKVFTA has benefited both nations, as reflected through the increasing bilateral trade despite global trade turmoil last year.

Congratulating the UK on its joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last year, Chairman Hue affirmed that Vietnam had supported the country to become a member of the deal.

Along with the UKVFTA, the UK’s CPTPP membership is expected to create new momentum for the Vietnam – UK relations, consolidate their cooperation framework in trade and economy, and help their businesses diversify the markets and participate in the global supply chain more deeply, he said.

The Chairman used this occasion to call on British firms to increase investment in Vietnam, affirming that the NA and the government of Vietnam always make efforts to improve the business environment for foreign investors, including those from the UK.

Highly valuing the UK’s pot
ential and capacity in the financial and monetary markets, the NA leader expressed his hope for stronger cooperation in this field, including the building of an international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam wants to work with the UK to address global issues, including digital transformation and just energy transition, he said.

Chairman Hue asked the ambassador to convey his invitations to the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker to soon pay official visits to Vietnam.

Frew emphasised that the UK wants to boost cooperation with Vietnam via the Party and parliament channels, including exchanges and cooperation between young parliamentarians./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his spouse left Ho Chi Minh City on January 24 evening, concluding their state visit to Vietnam on January 23-24 at the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse.

During their stay in Vietnam, the German President and his spouse laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs on Bac Son street, Hanoi.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier attended the official welcome ceremony, held talks, witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents, met with the press, and joined a banquet with his Vietnamese counterpart Vo Van Thuong. He also met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

At the talks and meetings, the Vietnamese leaders warmly welcomed the German President’s state visit to Vietnam, expressing a belief that the visit would contribute to strengthening the friendship and political trust, creating motivation to comprehensively promote the Vietnam – Germany Strategic Partnership, for t
he benefit of the two countries’ people as well as for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Thanking the Vietnamese leaders for their warm welcome, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his impression of Vietnam’s dynamic socio-economic development. He emphasised the cohesion and mutual trust between the two countries have been continuously promoted over the past nearly 50 years. He affirmed a desire to enhance cooperation in various fields with Vietnam, particularly in trade and investment, energy transition, labour and vocational training, development cooperation, as well as close coordination in contribution to regional and global peace and cooperation.

The Vietnamese leaders stressed that in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations, Vietnam always attaches importance to and prioritises developing relations with Germany.

On this occasion, they thanked the State, Government, and people of Germany
for supporting Vietnam in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the support demonstrates the friendship and solidarity between the two countries, helping Vietnam control the pandemic, reopen its doors for socio-economic recovery and development.

In an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding, both sides exchanged views on major directions and measures to further deepen the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership, as well as shared regional and international issues of mutual concern.

While in Vietnam, the German President visited Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) in Hanoi, and met with Ho Chi Minh City’s leaders and visited the German House in the city. He also attended an exchange programme with students and lecturers of the Vietnamese-German University in the southern province of Binh Duong.

His spouse Elke Bdenbender and President Vo Van Thuong’s wife Phan Thi Thanh Tam watched a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi.

The state visit by the German President took place in the co
ntext that the bilateral relations are growing intensively and making practical progress in various fields. More importantly, this was President Steinmeier’s first overseas trip in 2024, and the first high-level official visit between the two countries in the year. This was the second visit to Vietnam by a German President since Germany’s reunification, following the first by President Horst Kohler in May 2007./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency